If you’re craving a dish that brings warmth, comfort, and a touch of elegance to your dinner table, the Crockpot Tuscan Chicken Recipe is your answer. This creamy, flavorful meal combines tender chicken breasts with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and spinach, all slowly cooked to perfection in a luscious, herb-infused sauce. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a hug in food form, and the slow cooker makes it effortlessly convenient while preserving every rich nuance of taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to unlocking the rich flavors in this dish. Each component plays an essential role, from the sun-dried tomatoes brightening up the sauce to the spinach adding a fresh, earthy balance. Here’s what you will need to whip up this delicious feast:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These become incredibly tender and juicy after slow cooking.
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped: A burst of sweet, tangy richness that lifts the entire dish.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: The secret to that velvety, creamy sauce that coats every bite.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Adds savory depth and moisture while cooking.
- 2 cups spinach, chopped: Introduces freshness and vibrant color during the final cooking stage.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: For that unforgettable aromatic punch that defines Tuscan flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Brings subtle savory and peppery notes to the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Complements the basil with its earthy, warm undertones.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing every ingredient.
How to Make Crockpot Tuscan Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Layer the Ingredients
Start by placing your chicken breasts at the base of the crockpot. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and absorbs all the luscious flavors. Then, scatter the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and minced garlic on top, allowing those vibrant, savory ingredients to gently mingle with the meat.
Step 2: Add the Creamy Sauce Mixture
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, followed by the dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. This combination creates the magic behind the Crockpot Tuscan Chicken Recipe’s rich, creamy sauce that perfectly balances herbaceous and savory notes, enveloping the chicken with every simmer.
Step 3: Cook Low and Slow
Cover the crockpot and let everything cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. This slow cooking process tenderizes the chicken to perfection while allowing the flavors to develop deeply and harmoniously. Patience here pays off in the form of juicy, melt-in-your-mouth chicken infused with Tuscan goodness.
Step 4: Add the Spinach
When you have about 30 minutes left on the timer, stir in the chopped spinach. This last-minute addition keeps the greens bright and fresh while letting them wilt slightly into the creamy sauce, adding a lovely contrast to the texture and a burst of earthy vibrancy.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the cooking is complete, give everything a gentle stir to blend the ingredients. Your Crockpot Tuscan Chicken Recipe is now ready to be spooned onto plates with its rich, creamy sauce gloriously coating each chicken breast.
How to Serve Crockpot Tuscan Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Feel free to sprinkle fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil on top for a pop of color and freshness. A light dusting of grated Parmesan cheese can add an extra savory dimension that perfectly complements the creamy sauce.
Side Dishes
This Crockpot Tuscan Chicken Recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider creamy mashed potatoes or a bed of buttery polenta to soak up the sauce. For a lighter option, serve alongside a simple garlic roasted vegetable medley or steamed green beans to keep things fresh and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special touch, plate the chicken over a bed of cooked pasta or couscous, letting the sauce cascade over. You could also turn this into a cozy casserole by layering the chicken and sauce with cooked pasta and a sprinkle of cheese before popping it under the broiler for a golden crust.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Crockpot Tuscan Chicken Recipe, be sure to store any leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The flavors actually get better the next day, making it perfect for lunches or quick dinners. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
Freezing
This dish freezes wonderfully, making it a great candidate for meal prep. Cool the chicken completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream sauce from separating. You can also microwave individual portions, covered, using short bursts of heat to maintain the sauce’s smooth texture. Adding a splash of chicken broth during reheating can bring the sauce back to life.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this Crockpot Tuscan Chicken Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts directly in the crockpot, but expect the cooking time to increase by about an hour to ensure the chicken cooks through completely and safely.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a cashew-based cream for a rich texture without dairy. The flavor will still be deliciously creamy and satisfying.
What can I use instead of sun-dried tomatoes?
If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes on hand, roasted red peppers or fresh cherry tomatoes can be great alternatives that add sweetness and depth, although the flavor profile will change slightly.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Mushrooms, artichoke hearts, or bell peppers all make wonderful additions. Add them in along with the sun-dried tomatoes for extra texture and flavor layers.
How thick should the sauce be when the dish is done?
The sauce should be creamy and slightly thick but still spoonable, not overly thickened. If it seems too thin, you can remove the chicken at the end and simmer the sauce on high in the crockpot or on the stove to reduce it.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a hands-off dinner that delivers big on taste, the Crockpot Tuscan Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s comforting yet elegant, packed with irresistible flavors and creamy goodness that will make any weeknight feel special. Give it a try, and soon this dish will be one of your go-to recipes to share with friends and family, just like a treasured secret from your own kitchen.
Print
Crockpot Tuscan Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Tuscan, Italian
Description
This Crockpot Tuscan Chicken recipe offers a rich and creamy meal featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a delicious sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and spinach. Prepared in a slow cooker, it provides a hands-off, flavorful dinner perfect for busy days, with a creamy Tuscan-inspired sauce that enhances the savory chicken.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetables
- 2 cups spinach, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken and sauce: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the crockpot. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, minced garlic, chicken broth, heavy cream, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to the pot.
- Slow cook the chicken: Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 4 to 6 hours, or until the chicken breasts are fully cooked through and tender.
- Add spinach: About 30 minutes before the cooking time ends, add the chopped spinach into the crockpot and stir well to combine with the sauce and chicken.
- Serve: Once cooked, serve the chicken breasts topped with the creamy Tuscan sauce spooned over them for a flavorful and comforting meal.
Notes
- For extra flavor, use homemade chicken broth if available.
- Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil can be drained before chopping to reduce greasiness.
- Heavy cream can be substituted with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, though it will be less rich.
- Cook times may vary based on your slow cooker model; always check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Serve with crusty bread, over pasta, or alongside steamed vegetables or rice to complete the meal.
