Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Recipe

If you’re searching for pure comfort in a bowl, Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken hits every cozy note. Tender chicken simmers in a creamy Parmesan sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and baby spinach—each bite delivers big Italian-inspired flavor with minimal effort thanks to your trusty slow cooker.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken recipe is all about simple staples that deliver serious flavor. Each ingredient works its magic: think juicy chicken, fragrant garlic, creamy cheese, and vibrant sun-dried tomatoes. Here’s a quick rundown of what makes this dish sing.

• Chicken thighs (1 ½ pounds, boneless and skinless): The star of the show—thighs stay deliciously moist and tender in the slow cooker.
• Baby spinach (3 ounces): Adds gorgeous color and gentle earthiness that balances the creamy sauce.
• Parmesan cheese (1 cup, grated): Brings salty, nutty richness and thickens the sauce to silky perfection.
• Heavy cream (1 cup): Makes the sauce ultra-creamy with just the right amount of indulgence.
• Sun-dried tomatoes (½ cup, sliced and packed in oil): Give sweet-tart, savory bursts and add pops of color throughout the dish.
• Chicken stock (½ cup): Deepens the flavor of the sauce and keeps everything juicy.
• Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Really, can you have Tuscan anything without garlic?
• Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons): Rounds out the sauce’s richness and helps sauté the garlic without burning.
• Oil from sun-dried tomatoes (1 tablespoon): Infuses extra layers of herby tomato flavor right from the start.
• Dried parsley (2 teaspoons): A classic herb for Tuscan flavor and freshness.
• Dried basil (½ teaspoon): Brings gentle warmth and depth to the sauce.
• Salt (½ teaspoon): Essential for bringing all the flavors together perfectly.
• Dried oregano (¼ teaspoon): Enhances the Italian vibe with its earthy aroma.
• Ground pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds a gentle kick to round out every mouthful.

Variations

One of the joys of Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken is how easy it is to mix things up. Whether you’re working with what’s in your fridge or catering to different dietary needs, there’s plenty of wiggle room to make this recipe truly your own.

• Make it dairy-free: Swap the heavy cream for coconut cream and use your favorite plant-based Parmesan to create a luscious, allergy-friendly sauce.
• Lighten it up: Try using chicken breasts instead of thighs and halve the cream for a lighter dish that still feels indulgent.
• Add extra veggies: Throw in sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for even more Tuscan flavor and nutrition.
• Herb it your way: Fresh thyme, rosemary, or even a handful of fresh basil at the end can layer in even more Mediterranean personality.

How to Make Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken

Step 1: Create the Creamy Garlic Sauce

Start by melting the butter with a spoonful of oil from your sun-dried tomatoes in a saucepan. Add the minced garlic and gently sauté—just until fragrant, about 20 seconds (don’t let it brown!). Pour in the chicken stock and heavy cream, then let it all simmer together for 8 minutes, thickening to silky perfection. Next, stir in the Parmesan cheese and keep simmering for 3–5 minutes until everything is glossy, rich, and irresistible.

Step 2: Prep the Chicken and Spices

As the sauce works its magic, nestle the chicken thighs into your slow cooker insert. Sprinkle dried basil, oregano, parsley, salt, and pepper evenly over the chicken. The herbs and seasoning will infuse the meat from the inside out as it cooks, giving every bite that classic Tuscan complexity.

Step 3: Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Pour the Sauce

Scatter the sliced sun-dried tomatoes over the chicken, making sure each thigh gets a pop of that sweet-tangy flavor. Pour the luxurious warm sauce you just made over everything, letting the slow cooker work its magic as you go about your day.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection

Cover and cook the chicken on high for 3 hours or on low for 6 hours, depending on your schedule. The result? Juicy, fall-apart chicken bathed in a creamy, decadent sauce you’ll want to scoop up with a spoon.

Step 5: Wilt in the Spinach & Serve

Once the chicken is finished, remove it gently to a plate. Stir the fresh baby spinach into the hot sauce, cover, and let it wilt for a couple of minutes. Serve the chicken topped with the spinach-studded sauce, and watch everyone swoon at their first bite!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken

Garnishes

This dish absolutely loves a shower of freshly grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or basil right before serving. If you want a touch of brightness, add a squeeze of lemon or a little extra cracked black pepper for a bistro-worthy finish.

Side Dishes

Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken’s creamy sauce begs to be sopped up with something special! Serve it over fluffy rice, buttery mashed potatoes, or your favorite pasta. Crusty bread is a must for scooping up every last bit of that luscious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Dress things up by serving this dish family-style in a big, rustic bowl with all those gorgeous colors on show, or plate it atop polenta with a swirl of sauce and some roasted cherry tomatoes for an elegant touch. For a party, serve as mini chicken sliders or in toasted ciabatta rolls for a Tuscan twist on sandwiches.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool leftover Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken completely, then tuck it into an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days—perfect for meal prep or next-day lunches that taste just as decadent as dinner!

Freezing

This recipe is freezer-friendly! Simply portion cooled chicken and sauce into zip-top freezer bags or containers. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and serving.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm leftovers in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of cream or chicken stock if the sauce thickens up too much, and serve hot with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you try this Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken, it’ll become a cherished favorite—one you’ll crave on both busy weeknights and relaxed weekends. There’s just something magical about a dish that’s simple to make yet absolutely bursting with comfort and flavor. I can’t wait for you to make it part of your dinner routine!

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