Crockpot Tuscan Chicken: A Creamy, Flavorful Delight
Crockpot Tuscan Chicken is a comforting yet elegant dish that combines the richness of creamy Parmesan sauce, the savory goodness of garlic and sundried tomatoes, and the freshness of spinach. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special dinners when you want a meal that is both hearty and luxurious. The slow-cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients for Crockpot Tuscan Chicken
To make this delicious meal, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 6-8 boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 3 garlic cloves, chopped
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1.5 cups heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken stock (optional)
- ¾ to 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup sundried tomatoes, chopped or cut into strips
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 3-4 cups fresh spinach, packed
- ½ teaspoon red chili flakes
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 tablespoon oil
Instructions to Prepare Crockpot Tuscan Chicken
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
- Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and red chili flakes.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large pan over medium-high heat.
- Once hot, add the chicken thighs and sear for about 5-6 minutes on one side, until golden brown. Flip the chicken and cook for another 3-4 minutes on the other side.
- Transfer the seared chicken to your crockpot and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Sauce
- In the same pan, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and melt over medium heat.
- Add the chopped garlic and sauté for about 30-40 seconds, until fragrant.
- Pour in the cream and chicken stock (if using), and let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, cooking for another minute until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens.
- Add the sundried tomatoes and cook for an additional minute, allowing the flavors to combine.
Step 3: Combine the Chicken and Sauce
- Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken thighs in the crockpot, ensuring each piece is well-coated with the sauce.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours or on LOW for 6-8 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through.
Step 4: Add the Spinach
- Once the chicken is cooked and tender, add the fresh spinach leaves into the crockpot.
- Stir the spinach into the sauce and cover, allowing it to wilt for about 5 minutes.
- Once the spinach is fully wilted and incorporated into the sauce, give it a final stir to mix everything together.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve the Crockpot Tuscan Chicken over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Enjoy the comforting, rich flavors of this easy and delicious dish!
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Tuscan Chicken
- Effortless: This recipe requires minimal prep time, making it perfect for busy evenings or when you want to let your crockpot do all the work.
- Flavorful: The creamy sauce, combined with garlic, sundried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese, creates a savory, rich dish that is full of flavor.
- Healthy Twist: The addition of fresh spinach not only adds a nutritious boost but also brings a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
- Versatile: You can serve this dish over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or even on its own with a side of bread.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 592 kcal
- Protein: 40g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fat: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
(Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on portion sizes and optional additions.)
Conclusion
Crockpot Tuscan Chicken is a rich, creamy, and flavorful dish that’s sure to satisfy your hunger and impress your guests. The slow-cooking method ensures that the chicken turns out tender and juicy, while the creamy sauce becomes infused with the delightful flavors of garlic, Parmesan, and sundried tomatoes. Whether you’re preparing a meal for your family on a busy weeknight or making a special dish for guests, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation.