This Easy Crockpot Tuscan Garlic Chicken is a warm and hearty dish. With tender chicken, vibrant spinach, and tasty sun-dried tomatoes, it’s bursting with Italian flavor!
I love how simple it is—just throw everything in the crockpot and let it do the magic. Perfect for busy days when you want a delicious meal without the fuss! 🍗❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe. You can use thighs for a richer flavor and more moisture, or even substitute with turkey if that’s what you have.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add a burst of flavor. If you can’t find them in oil, dry-packed ones work too—just soak them in hot water for 10 minutes to soften.
Spinach: Fresh baby spinach is ideal for wilting, but you can use chopped kale or even frozen spinach. Just make sure to thaw and drain frozen spinach well before adding.
Heavy Cream: This gives the dish a creamy texture. If you prefer a lighter version, try half-and-half or a plant-based cream for a dairy-free option.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan has the best flavor, but pre-grated will do in a pinch. Nutritional yeast can be a great dairy-free alternative!
How Do I Get Perfectly Cooked Chicken in the Crockpot?
Crockpots are fantastic for cooking chicken, but there are a few tricks to getting it just right:
- Layer wisely: Place the chicken at the bottom of the crockpot; it cooks evenly and stays moist.
- Avoid overcooking: Aim for the lower end of the cooking time range. Chicken is done at 165°F (74°C).
- Let it rest: After cooking, let the chicken rest in the sauce for a few minutes before serving to soak up those delicious flavors.
By following these tips, you’ll have tender, flavorful chicken every time!
Easy Crockpot Tuscan Garlic Chicken With Spinach And Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (preferably packed in oil, drained and chopped)
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Optional garnish: fresh basil or parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and then requires 4-6 hours of cooking on low, or 2-3 hours on high in the crockpot. Total time can be roughly estimated at 4-6 hours and 10 minutes depending on your cooking method.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Searing the Chicken (Optional):
Start by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. While it’s heating, season your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Once the oil is hot, brown the chicken breasts for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they have a golden color. This step adds extra flavor but can be skipped if you’re in a hurry!
2. Transfer Chicken to the Crockpot:
After browning, carefully transfer the chicken breasts to your crockpot. You want to make sure they are nicely arranged at the bottom.
3. Mixing the Sauce:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, chicken broth, minced garlic, and grated Parmesan cheese. This creamy mixture is what makes the dish so delicious!
4. Pour and Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes:
Pour the cream mixture over the chicken in the crockpot. Then, sprinkle the chopped sun-dried tomatoes on top. This will enhance the flavor profile with their tangy sweetness.
5. Cooking Time:
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is fully cooked and tender, pulling apart easily with a fork.
6. Adding Spinach:
About 15 minutes before you’re ready to serve, stir in the fresh spinach. It will quickly wilt in the warm sauce, adding a lovely pop of color and nutrition to your dish.
7. Final Touches:
Before serving, taste your sauce and adjust the seasoning by adding more salt or pepper if desired. Serve warm, garnishing with a sprinkle of chopped fresh basil or parsley, if you like.
This dish is delightful over a bed of pasta, rice, or with some crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. Enjoy your creamy, garlicky Tuscan chicken!
FAQ for Easy Crockpot Tuscan Garlic Chicken
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts in This Recipe?
It’s best to use thawed chicken breasts for even cooking. If you only have frozen chicken, make sure to thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or use the cold water method: seal them in a plastic bag and submerge in cold water until thawed.
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
You can replace the heavy cream with a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream or cashew cream. Nutritional yeast can be used in place of Parmesan cheese to add a cheesy flavor without dairy!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Simply reheat on the stove or in the microwave, and add a little extra cream or broth to refresh the sauce if needed.
What Can I Serve with Tuscan Garlic Chicken?
This dish pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. You can also serve it over a bed of cauliflower rice for a low-carb option or alongside a fresh salad for a lighter meal!
