Crockpot Tuscan Chicken

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.

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