Nothing beats the cozy comfort of a slow-cooked dinner, and this Creamy Crock Pot Tuscan Chicken Recipe is a total winner. Rich, velvety sauce paired with tender chicken makes it a dinner that feels special but requires almost zero hands-on time.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I have to admit, this Creamy Crock Pot Tuscan Chicken Recipe quickly became my go-to when I want something impressive without hours in the kitchen. It’s rich and flavorful but so simple to pull together — perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinner parties.
- Set-it-and-forget-it: You start it, and then the slow cooker does all the work—great for freeing up your afternoon.
- Simple ingredients: You likely have most of these pantry staples and fresh veggies on hand already.
- Rich Tuscan flavors: Sun-dried tomatoes, parmesan, and spinach create that classic Italian taste everyone loves.
- Versatile meal: Serve it with pasta, rice, or even mashed potatoes — and it’s always a hit.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Every ingredient in the Creamy Crock Pot Tuscan Chicken Recipe plays a part in creating that rich, creamy, and savory sauce while keeping the chicken juicy and tender. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you get the best results.
- Chicken breasts: Lean and tender, these soak up the creamy sauce beautifully but keep their moisture when cooked low and slow.
- Italian seasoning: The classic herb blend adds depth without overpowering the other flavors.
- Kosher salt & black pepper: Simple but essential to enhance all the other ingredients.
- Onion powder: Adds subtle sweetness and a hint of savory depth without the texture of fresh onions.
- Paprika & red pepper flakes: Bring mild smokiness and just a touch of heat to balance the creaminess.
- Heavy whipping cream: Creates the dreamy sauce base that clings to each bite of chicken.
- Chicken broth: Adds savory moisture and lightens the richness of the cream.
- Cornstarch: A little thickener that gives the sauce the perfect silky texture.
- Garlic: Minced fresh garlic infuses the sauce with its signature aromatic punch.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: These tangy gems are concentrated in flavor and bring that irresistible Tuscan vibe.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated for a nutty, salty finish in the sauce.
- Baby spinach: Tossed in at the end for color, nutrients, and a fresh leafy bite.
Make It Your Way
One of the joys of this recipe is how easy it is to tweak. I often experiment with different greens or a bit more heat, and you should definitely feel free to customize it to your taste or what's in your fridge.
- Variation: Sometimes I toss in kale instead of spinach for a heartier texture—it holds up well during the last 10 minutes and adds a lovely earthiness.
- Dairy-Free Option: Swap the heavy cream for coconut milk and use nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese to make it vegan-friendly; the flavor profile changes but stays delicious.
- Extra Veggies: Feel free to add mushrooms or bell peppers — just put them in before cooking so they soften properly.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Crock Pot Tuscan Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Crock Pot and Chicken
I always start by spraying my slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray or using a liner—it saves so much cleanup time! Arrange the chicken breasts in the base of the crock pot in one even layer to ensure they cook uniformly.
Step 2: Mix And Pour the Creamy Sauce
In a small bowl, I whisk together the heavy cream, chicken broth, cornstarch, garlic, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, parmesan, and all the herbs and spices. The cornstarch is key here because it thickens the sauce beautifully as it cooks. Pour this mixture slowly over the chicken so it’s evenly coated.
Step 3: Slow Cook Until Perfectly Tender
Pop the lid on and cook on high for about 3 hours or low for 5 hours. Cooking time varies depending on how thick your chicken breasts are. I always check with a meat thermometer—165°F is the safe, juicy sweet spot. This step is where the magic happens: the chicken absorbs all the flavors and stays wonderfully moist.
Step 4: Add Spinach and Finish
Once the chicken is done, stir the sauce gently to mix everything up. Then add the chopped baby spinach right into the pot, replacing the lid and letting it wilt for about 10 minutes. Don’t skip this step; the fresh green pop adds flavor and balances the richness.
Top Tip
Over the years, I’ve found a few little tricks that really take this Creamy Crock Pot Tuscan Chicken Recipe from great to unforgettable. These tips helped me get consistent juicy chicken and a sauce that perfectly hugs every bite.
- Use fresh garlic: I once tried garlic powder here, but fresh minced garlic gives the sauce a fresher, more aromatic flavor.
- Don’t skip the cornstarch: Without it, the sauce can be thin and runny. This simple thickener transforms it into a luscious coating.
- Check internal temperature: I never rely solely on time—every slow cooker is different, so a thermometer is your best friend for juicy results.
- Wilt spinach last: Adding it too early makes it overcooked and mushy; tossing it in the last 10 minutes keeps it vibrant and tender.
How to Serve Creamy Crock Pot Tuscan Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping the finished dish with extra freshly grated parmesan and a sprinkle of chopped fresh basil or parsley. It adds brightness and a little herbal punch that complements the creamy sauce perfectly.
Side Dishes
I often serve this with linguine tossed in olive oil or roasted garlic mashed potatoes to soak up every bit of that luscious sauce. Steamed broccoli or a crisp Caesar salad also play well alongside for some freshness and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For company dinners, I sometimes serve the chicken in shallow bowls over ribbons of zucchini noodles or creamy polenta. Garnishing with a drizzle of good quality olive oil and a few sun-dried tomato strips makes it look like a dish from a fancy trattoria.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, making the next day’s meal taste even better.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this dish successfully—just cool it completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep the sauce from splitting.
Reheating
For reheating, I gently warm the chicken and sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring often. Adding a splash of chicken broth or cream helps refresh the sauce’s creamy texture without drying out the chicken.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative and stay juicy and tender during slow cooking. Cooking times might be similar, but because thighs have more fat, the sauce may be even richer. Just keep an eye on the internal temperature (165°F) to make sure it’s cooked through.
The key is to avoid high heat and adding the cream too early. Mixing the cream with broth and cornstarch before adding to the crock pot helps stabilize the sauce. Also, adding spinach at the end and reheating leftovers gently helps keep the sauce silky smooth.
Yes, doubling the ingredients works well but keep in mind the size of your slow cooker. You may need to increase cooking time slightly and ensure the chicken pieces aren’t stacked too tightly for even cooking.
Serving this Tuscan chicken over cauliflower rice or zoodles (zucchini noodles) keeps the carb count low without sacrificing any of the delicious flavors. It’s a satisfying option if you’re watching your carbs but still want a comforting meal.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Crock Pot Tuscan Chicken Recipe has become a reliable favorite in my kitchen, especially when I want a meal that tastes like I spent ages cooking but really only took minutes to prep. Whether you’re feeding a family or just want something comforting on a busy night, I promise you’ll appreciate how tender and flavorful it turns out. Trust me, once you try it, this will go into your regular rotation for good!
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Creamy Crock Pot Tuscan Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
A creamy and flavorful Tuscan chicken recipe slow-cooked to perfection in a rich sun-dried tomato and Parmesan sauce, finished with fresh spinach. Perfect as a fuss-free, company-friendly main dish that pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or potatoes.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
Seasoning
- 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup sundried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup baby spinach, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare Slow Cooker: Spray your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray or use a crockpot liner to prevent sticking.
- Add Chicken: Place the chicken breasts into the slow cooker evenly.
- Make Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the heavy cream, chicken broth, cornstarch, minced garlic, sundried tomatoes, parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, onion powder, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Mix well to create a uniform sauce.
- Pour Sauce Over Chicken: Pour the prepared creamy sauce evenly over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
- Cook Chicken: Cover with the lid and cook on high for 3 hours or on low for 5 hours. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Cooking time may vary based on chicken thickness.
- Add Spinach: Once the chicken is cooked, gently stir the sauce and add the chopped spinach. Cover and cook for an additional 10 minutes until the spinach wilts.
- Serve: Serve the creamy Tuscan chicken over your choice of pasta, rice, or potatoes for a complete meal.
Notes
- This recipe is very low-carb and high-protein, making it suitable for a healthy diet.
- Use a crockpot liner for easy cleanup or spray generously with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts, so always check the internal temperature.
- Serve with your favorite starch such as pasta, rice, or potatoes to soak up the creamy sauce.
- For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half but expect a thinner sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ recipe
- Calories: 482 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 44 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg
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