Crockpot Tuscan Chicken is a simple and yummy dish! Tender chicken simmers with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and creamy sauce, making dinner a breeze. Perfect for busy days!
You just throw everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work. I love serving it over pasta or rice—it’s like a warm hug on a plate! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this dish as they cook up tender in the crockpot. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can use chicken thighs. They add a bit more flavor and won’t dry out easily.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These bring a rich, tangy flavor. If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, you can use fresh tomatoes with a bit of extra olive oil or even canned diced tomatoes, though you might want to drain some liquid.
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds nice color and nutrition. If you’re in a pinch, frozen spinach works well too—just make sure to thaw and squeeze out excess water before using.
Heavy Cream: This gives a rich, creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, substitute half-and-half or coconut milk. Just note that it might change the flavor slightly.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a salty umami kick. For a quick alternative, you can use Pecorino Romano, or if you’re dairy-free, try a nutritional yeast blend to mimic the cheesy flavor.
How Do I Get the Chicken to Cook Perfectly in a Crockpot?
Getting tender, juicy chicken from your crockpot is easy if you follow a few simple steps. First, avoid overcooking—chicken breasts can dry out if cooked too long. Stick to the recommended cooking times!
- Make sure the chicken breasts are in a single layer at the bottom of the crockpot for even cooking.
- Cover the chicken completely with the mixture to keep it moist.
- Check for doneness by ensuring it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- If shredding, do it right in the sauce to soak up all the flavors.
How to Make Crockpot Tuscan Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Serving:
- Cooked pasta
- Fresh basil (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Crockpot Tuscan Chicken takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then cooks for 4 to 8 hours in the crockpot, depending on your chosen setting. Just set it, forget it, and let the flavors blend beautifully while you go about your day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot. This will be the base for all those yummy flavors to come!
2. Mix the Sauce:
In a separate bowl, mix together the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, roughly chopped spinach, heavy cream, chicken broth, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if you like a bit of heat). Add salt and pepper to taste, and stir everything until well combined.
3. Combine in the Crockpot:
Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the crockpot, making sure the chicken is nicely coated in all that creamy goodness.
4. Cook:
Cover the crockpot, and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 4 hours. You want the chicken to be cooked through and tender so that it’s easy to shred or serve whole, depending on your preference.
5. Shred and Serve:
Once the chicken is cooked, use two forks to shred it right in the sauce, or keep it whole if that’s how you like it. Serve over a bed of cooked pasta for a hearty meal, and sprinkle some fresh basil on top for a lovely finishing touch. Enjoy your flavorful Tuscan Chicken!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it will require extra cooking time. Just add an additional 1-2 hours on low or 30-60 minutes on high until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C). Make sure to check its doneness with a meat thermometer!
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you want a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or even coconut milk for a dairy-free version. For a thicker consistency, you can mix together 1 cup of milk with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch to create a similar effect to heavy cream!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover Tuscan chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if needed to bring back its creamy texture.
Can I Add More Vegetables to This Dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. Just chop them and mix them in with the other ingredients. If you’re using harder vegetables, like carrots, consider adding them halfway through the cooking time to ensure everything is tender and cooked evenly.
