Craving a restaurant-quality meal without spending hours in the kitchen? This Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe is your answer! It’s a simple, flavorful dish that delivers tender chicken bathed in a rich, sun-dried tomato and spinach cream sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights and sure to impress your family or guests.
What is Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken?
Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken is a delectable one-pot meal where succulent chicken is slow-cooked in a creamy, flavorful sauce featuring sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, garlic, and Italian herbs. This recipe is beloved for its “set it and forget it” convenience, allowing the slow cooker to do all the work while you enjoy your day.
The result is incredibly tender chicken infused with rich Tuscan-inspired flavors, making it a hearty and satisfying meal. It’s a fantastic way to elevate your weeknight dinner routine without sacrificing your precious time. The creamy sauce perfectly complements the chicken, creating a symphony of flavors that everyone will enjoy. So, why not give this recipe a try and experience the magic of Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken for yourself?
Key Ingredients for Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken:
- 2 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Trimmed of excess fat.
- 1 (10 oz) can Cream of Chicken Soup: Provides a creamy base for the sauce.
- 1 cup Heavy Cream: Adds richness and thickness to the sauce.
- 1 packet Italian Dressing Mix: Adds a burst of Italian flavor.
- 1/2 cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Oil-packed, drained and chopped (reserve a tablespoon of oil).
- 1 cup Fresh Spinach: Roughly chopped.
- 4 cloves Garlic: Minced.
- 1/2 cup Chicken Broth: To ensure the chicken doesn’t dry out.
- 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese: For added flavor and creaminess.
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano: Adds a classic Italian herb flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt: Or to taste.
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper: Or to taste.
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, fresh basil for garnish.
How to Make Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken:
This Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken recipe is incredibly easy because the slow cooker does most of the work. With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a cooking time of 4-6 hours on low, you can come home to a delicious, ready-to-eat meal. The creamy sauce and tender chicken are a match made in heaven!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. If the chicken breasts are very thick, you may want to pound them slightly thinner for even cooking.
Combine the Sauce Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, heavy cream, Italian dressing mix, sun-dried tomatoes (and the reserved oil from the jar), minced garlic, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
Pour Sauce Over Chicken: Pour the creamy sauce mixture evenly over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well-coated.
Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The chicken should be cooked through and easily shreddable with a fork. Internal temp should be 165F
Add Spinach: During the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the chopped spinach. This will allow the spinach to wilt without becoming overly mushy.
Shred Chicken (Optional): Once the chicken is cooked, you can either leave it as whole breasts or shred it using two forks directly in the slow cooker. This is a matter of personal preference.
Serve: Serve the Creamy Tuscan Chicken over your choice of pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or zucchini noodles. Garnish with fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken:
This Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken stands out because of its unbelievable flavor. The combination of creamy sauce, savory sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach creates a symphony of tastes that will leave you wanting more.
Secondly, making this dish at home is a significant cost-saver, especially compared to ordering a similar dish at a restaurant. You get a large portion of high-quality food for a fraction of the price. The sun-dried tomatoes add a unique, chewy texture and intense flavor that elevates the entire dish. The creamy parmesan sauce is irresistable!
If you’re a fan of chicken and cream sauce, you might also enjoy Creamy Mushroom Chicken. But if you want hands free dinner, try Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken recipe at home!
What to Serve Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken With:
- Pasta: Serve over cooked pasta such as fettuccine, spaghetti, penne, or rotini.
- Rice: Serve over white rice, brown rice, or quinoa.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a comforting side.
- Zucchini Noodles: For a lighter, low-carb option.
- Crusty Bread: Serve with a side of crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.
- Salad: A simple green salad provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish.
- Roasted Vegetables: Asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts make a healthy and flavorful side.
Top Tips for Perfecting Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken:
Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Overcooked chicken can become dry. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Adjust the Sauce Thickness: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth to thin it out. If it’s too thin, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Use High-Quality Sun-Dried Tomatoes: The quality of your sun-dried tomatoes will directly impact the flavor of the dish. Look for sun-dried tomatoes that are packed in oil and have a vibrant color.
Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Be sure to taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning to suit your preferences.
Vary the Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the slow cooker, such as sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini.
Substitute Dairy Free : Use coconut cream and dairy free cream cheese.
Use Chicken Thighs : You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer flavour. They are not likely to dry out as easily as chicken breast.
Prep Ahead: You can assemble the slow cooker ingredients in the morning before work or even the night before. Store in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.
5 Facts about Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken:
Fact 1: Inspired by Tuscany: This dish draws its flavors from traditional Tuscan cuisine, known for its use of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and fresh herbs.
Fact 2: One-Pot Wonder: It’s a complete meal cooked in one pot, making cleanup a breeze!
Fact 3: Adaptable: Easily customizable with different vegetables or protein options.
Fact 4: Freezer-Friendly: Leftovers can be frozen for an easy meal later.
Fact 5: Restaurant Favorite: It’s a popular menu item in many Italian restaurants, now easily made at home!
Storing and Reheating Tips:
Storing: Allow the Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating:
- Microwave: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or water if the sauce becomes too thick.
- Slow Cooker: You can also reheat it in the slow cooker on low heat for 1-2 hours, or until heated through.
Freezing: To freeze, allow the chicken to cool completely. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Note that the texture of the sauce may change slightly after freezing.
Final Thoughts:
This Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s easy, delicious, and adaptable to your personal tastes. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your slow cooker, and get ready to enjoy a taste of Tuscany!
try also : Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe and find more in pinterest
Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Faqs:
Q: Can I use frozen spinach?
A: Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess moisture before adding it to the slow cooker.
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A: Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a richer flavor to the dish.
Q: Can I make this recipe without the Cream of Chicken soup?
A: Yes, you can replace with cream cheese or additional heavy cream and cornstarch to thicken the sauce.
Q: Can I add mushrooms to this recipe?
A: Yes, sauté sliced mushrooms and add them to the slow cooker with the other ingredients.
Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes, use gluten-free cream of chicken soup or use the cream cheese and heavy cream replacement option. Serve over rice or gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles. And ensure the Italian dressing mix is gluten-free.