Introduction

Craving a dish that’s both incredibly delicious and easy to make? This Crockpot Tuscan Chicken recipe delivers creamy, flavorful comfort with minimal effort. Simply toss a few ingredients into your slow cooker and let it work its magic. Inspired by classic Tuscan flavors, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Tuscan Chicken

It’s an effortless recipe made entirely in your slow cooker.
The creamy Tuscan sauce is rich, decadent, and packed with flavor.
Serve it over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes for a versatile meal.
The ingredients are simple, wholesome, and easy to find.
Clean up is a breeze!

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lbs)
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
¼ teaspoon paprika
⅛ teaspoon pepper
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 tablespoon cornstarch
3 cloves garlic (finely minced)
¼ teaspoon salt
⅛ teaspoon pepper
⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil packed, drained and chopped)
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup chopped fresh spinach

Did you know that Italian seasoning is a blend of herbs like basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram, which not only enhance flavor but also offer various health benefits? Many of these herbs are rich in antioxidants and may aid digestion, as detailed by resources like Zarlengo’s Seasoning which discusses the benefits of using Italian seasoning in cooking.

This Crockpot Tuscan Chicken is so easy because it uses simple ingredients. You likely have many of these items in your pantry already!

Notes & Substitutions

For a different cut, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts.
You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, but the sauce won’t be as thick.
Feel free to add other vegetables like roasted red peppers, kale, or artichoke hearts.
If using frozen spinach, thaw it completely and squeeze out excess water before adding it to the Tuscan chicken.

Equipment

Slow cooker/Crockpot (3- to 4-quart)
Mixing bowls
Whisk
Optional: Meat thermometer, cutting board, knife

Instructions

Place the chicken breasts in a 3- to 4-quart slow cooker.
In a small bowl, combine the ½ teaspoon salt, Italian seasoning, paprika, and ⅛ teaspoon pepper. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the chicken.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, cornstarch, minced garlic, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ⅛ teaspoon pepper.
Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan cheese. Pour the creamy mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3 hours, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the chicken reaches 165°F.
The USDA recommends cooking all poultry to an internal temperature of 165°F (73.9°C) to ensure it is safe to eat and to eliminate harmful bacteria like Salmonella. This is a crucial step for food safety, as detailed on the Ask USDA website regarding safe cooking temperatures for chicken.If the sauce separates as it cooks, simply stir it until smooth.
Stir in the fresh spinach until it wilts.
Taste the Crockpot Tuscan Chicken and adjust seasonings as desired. Remove from the slow cooker and serve hot.

Tuscan Cream Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup heavy cream, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 3 cloves minced garlic, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ⅛ teaspoon pepper until smooth.
Stir in ⅓ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes and ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese. This Tuscan cream sauce will be poured over the chicken.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

For added flavor, brown the chicken breasts in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker. This step is optional but enhances the dish.
Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F for safe consumption. Use a meat thermometer to check.
If the sauce separates, stir it vigorously until it becomes smooth again. This usually happens when cooking on high heat.
Adjust seasonings to your liking. Add more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning as needed to perfect the flavor.
To ensure even cooking, place the chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of the slow cooker.

Serving, Storage, & Variations

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Crockpot Tuscan Chicken over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti or penne.
Enjoy it with fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.
Pair with vegetable sides like roasted green beans or glazed carrots for a complete dinner.
Add a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette to complement the richness of the dish.

Storage & Freezing

Store leftover Tuscan chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Reheat in the microwave until heated through.
To freeze, place the chicken and sauce in an airtight container and freeze for 2-3 months.
Thaw frozen chicken in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Variations

Try different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or provolone, for a unique flavor.
Add other fresh or dried herbs like oregano or basil to enhance the Tuscan flavors.
For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Nutrition

This nutritional information is estimated and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes. Enjoy this Crockpot Tuscan Chicken as part of a balanced diet!

Nutrient	Amount
Serving Size	260 grams
Calories	393 kcal
Carbohydrates	9 g
Protein	29 g
Fat	27 g

FAQ

Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can, but thaw it completely before cooking to ensure even cooking and food safety.
Can I make this dairy-free?
You can substitute coconut cream or another dairy-free cream alternative, but it will alter the flavor and consistency.
Can I cook on High?
Yes, cook on high for 1.5-2 hours, but watch closely to prevent the sauce from burning. Low and slow is recommended for best results for your Crockpot Tuscan Chicken.
How to thicken the sauce further?
Mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water, then stir it into the sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
What if my sauce separates?
This can happen if the slow cooker gets too hot. Whisk the sauce vigorously until it comes back together.

Conclusion

This Crockpot Tuscan Chicken recipe offers a delightful blend of ease and flavor, perfect for any busy weeknight or weekend gathering. With its creamy sauce and simple preparation, it’s sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your slow cooker, and prepare to enjoy a taste of Tuscany without the fuss! Don’t forget to leave a comment and share this recipe with your friends!