Crockpot Tuscan Garlic Chicken Recipe

The Best Crockpot Tuscan Garlic Chicken Recipe for Cozy Nights

A mouthwatering Crockpot Tuscan garlic chicken that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas.

Tender chicken swimming in a creamy, herb-infused sauce that practically melts on your tongue.

Italian-inspired comfort beckons with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Fragrant garlic and sun-dried tomatoes create a symphony of tastes that transport you straight to the rolling hills of Tuscany.

Each bite promises a rich, luxurious experience that feels like a culinary hug.

Simplicity meets sophistication in this effortless one-pot wonder that will make you the star of dinnertime.

Let’s uncover the magic that turns ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal you’ll crave again and again.

Why CrockPot Tuscan Garlic Chicken Is A Creamy Classic

  • Savor Incredible Flavor Combinations: This CrockPot Tuscan Garlic Chicken packs an explosion of Mediterranean-inspired tastes with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan creating a rich, complex profile that tingles taste buds.
  • Enjoy Effortless Cooking Magic: Slow cooker method transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal with minimal hands-on preparation, perfect for busy home cooks wanting delicious dinners without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Celebrate Versatile Serving Options: Adaptable dish works beautifully over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes, making it ideal for family dinners, weekend gatherings, or easy weeknight meals that please everyone's preferences.
  • Experience Comforting Creamy Texture: Luxurious sauce with heavy cream and Parmesan delivers a velvety, indulgent mouthfeel that elevates the chicken from ordinary to extraordinary, providing a satisfying and heartwarming dining experience.

Ingredients For CrockPot Tuscan Garlic Chicken

Protein Base:
  • Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that becomes tender and flavorful in the slow cooker, best when boneless and skinless.
Aromatic and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Garlic, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Italian Seasoning: Powerful flavor boosters that create a rich Mediterranean taste profile, fresh garlic recommended for best results.
  • Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that add depth and balanced seasoning to the dish.
Creamy and Finishing Ingredients:
  • Chicken Broth: Provides moisture and helps create a delicious cooking liquid for the chicken.
  • Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese: Creates a luxurious, creamy texture and adds rich, tangy flavor.
  • Dijon Mustard, Red Pepper Flakes: Adds subtle heat and complexity to the sauce.
  • Spinach: Fresh green element that adds nutrition and color to the final dish.
  • Cornstarch: Optional thickening agent for those who prefer a more concentrated sauce.
Optional Cooking and Serving Elements:
  • Olive Oil: Used for optional initial searing of chicken to enhance flavor.
  • Pasta, Rice, Mashed Potatoes: Suggested base for serving the chicken.
  • Fresh Basil: Optional garnish for added freshness and visual appeal.

Easy Steps To Make CrockPot Tuscan Garlic Chicken

Step 1: Sear the Chicken (Optional)

Heat a skillet over medium-high flame. Drizzle olive oil and quickly brown chicken pieces on each side to enhance flavor. This step locks in delicious juices and creates a beautiful golden exterior.

Step 2: Layer Flavor Makers

Place chicken into the crockpot. Add these flavor-packed ingredients:
  • Minced garlic
  • Dried tomatoes
  • Chicken broth
  • Italian herb blend
  • Paprika
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Gently stir to distribute seasonings evenly across the chicken.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the crockpot and let magic happen:
  • Cook on LOW setting for 5-6 hours
  • OR cook on HIGH setting for 3-4 hours

Chicken should become fork-tender and infused with rich seasonings.

Step 4: Create Creamy Goodness

Stir in these luxurious ingredients:
  • Heavy cream
  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Dijon mustard
  • Red pepper flakes

Add fresh spinach and allow it to gently wilt into the sauce for 5-10 minutes.

Step 5: Prepare for Serving

If you prefer a thicker sauce, whisk cornstarch with water and mix into the liquid. Let it simmer until sauce reaches desired consistency.

Step 6: Plate and Savor

Spoon the gorgeous Tuscan chicken over:
  • Pasta
  • Rice
  • Mashed potatoes

Sprinkle with extra Parmesan and fresh basil leaves. Enjoy your restaurant-quality meal straight from the crockpot!

Pro Tips For CrockPot Tuscan Garlic Chicken

  • Sear for Extra Flavor: Briefly browning chicken in a skillet before slow cooking intensifies the meat's richness and develops deeper, more complex taste profiles.
  • Adjust Cooking Time Wisely: Chicken breasts cook faster than thighs, so monitor tenderness and prevent overcooking to maintain juicy, succulent meat.
  • Customize Spice Levels: Control heat by reducing or increasing red pepper flakes, making the dish suitable for mild or spicy preference lovers.
  • Dairy-Free Transformation: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream to create a delicious lactose-free version without compromising creamy texture.
  • Thickening Techniques: Use arrowroot powder instead of cornstarch for a gluten-free sauce thickener that provides smooth, glossy consistency.

How To Store CrockPot Tuscan Garlic Chicken Safely

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover Tuscan Garlic Chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days.
  • Freeze: Transfer cooled chicken to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Properly stored, it maintains quality for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat Stovetop: Gently warm chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying and maintain moisture.
  • Microwave: Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through, stirring occasionally.

Sides That Go With CrockPot Tuscan Garlic Chicken

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio perfectly complement the creamy, garlicky chicken with their bright, acidic notes that cut through the richness.
  • Serve Alongside Garlic Bread: Crusty, buttery garlic bread becomes the ideal sidekick, helping to soak up the delicious Tuscan-inspired sauce and adding extra garlic goodness.
  • Match with Fresh Arugula Salad: Create a light, peppery salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the chicken's creamy texture and provide a refreshing contrast.
  • Choose Rustic Rosemary Focaccia: Dense, herb-infused bread will capture the sauce and echo the Italian-inspired flavors of the Tuscan chicken dish.

Ways To Switch CrockPot Tuscan Garlic Chicken

  • Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Replace Italian seasoning with fresh rosemary, thyme, and oregano for an aromatic Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
  • Spicy Southwest Chicken: Swap Italian seasoning for chili powder, cumin, and add diced green chilies to create a zesty southwestern version of the dish.
  • Lemon Herb Chicken: Incorporate fresh lemon zest and juice during cooking, replacing some chicken broth with white wine for a bright, citrusy undertone.
  • Coconut Cream Fusion: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and add a pinch of curry powder for an exotic, creamy international spin on the classic recipe.

CrockPot Tuscan Garlic Chicken FAQs

  • What makes this Tuscan Garlic Chicken special?

This CrockPot recipe combines the rich flavors of Italy with the convenience of slow cooking. The blend of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and creamy Parmesan creates a mouth-watering dish that’s both comforting and elegant.

  • Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

While fresh chicken is recommended, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to add about 1-2 hours to the cooking time and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

  • Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has a mild kick from red pepper flakes, but you can easily adjust the heat level by adding more or less according to your preference. For those who don’t like spice, you can omit the red pepper flakes completely.

  • What are some tips for getting the most flavor?

Searing the chicken before slow cooking is optional but recommended. It helps lock in flavors and creates a deeper, more complex taste profile. Using fresh garlic and high-quality Parmesan cheese will also enhance the overall dish.

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Crockpot Tuscan Garlic Chicken Recipe

Crockpot Tuscan Garlic Chicken Recipe


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4.7 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 4-5 hours
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Savor the rich flavors of this Crockpot Tuscan Garlic Chicken, a hearty Italian-inspired dish that brings comfort to dinner tables. Creamy spinach and sun-dried tomatoes elevate this simple meal, promising a delightful culinary journey you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 6 chicken thighs)

Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (for extra depth)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for searing)

Creamy and Additional Ingredients:

  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)

Instructions

  1. Unwrap the chicken and pat it dry with paper towels, ensuring a clean surface for seasoning.
  2. Create a golden-brown exterior by quickly searing the chicken in a hot skillet with a touch of olive oil, developing rich flavor and texture.
  3. Transfer the seared chicken to the CrockPot, arranging the pieces in a single layer for even cooking.
  4. Sprinkle minced garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and a blend of Italian seasoning across the chicken, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
  5. Pour chicken broth around the meat, allowing the liquid to provide moisture and infuse subtle flavors during slow cooking.
  6. Dust the chicken with paprika, salt, and pepper, distributing the spices evenly for balanced seasoning.
  7. Cover the CrockPot and set it to LOW for approximately 4-5 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours, allowing the chicken to become tender and juicy.
  8. During the final 30 minutes of cooking, gently stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, creating a luxurious, velvety sauce.
  9. Whisk in Dijon mustard and a pinch of red pepper flakes to enhance the sauce’s complexity and depth.
  10. Add fresh spinach leaves, letting them gently wilt and incorporate into the creamy mixture.
  11. If a thicker consistency is preferred, create a quick slurry by mixing cornstarch with water and stirring it into the sauce.
  12. Once the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce reaches desired consistency, carefully plate over pasta, rice, or creamy mashed potatoes.
  13. Finish the dish by garnishing with extra Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped basil for a burst of color and freshness.

Notes

  • Searing the chicken before slow cooking adds a delightful golden-brown exterior and intensifies the meat’s rich, complex flavors.
  • Customize the heat level by adjusting red pepper flakes, making the dish mild or spicy according to personal preference.
  • For a lighter version, swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk to reduce calories while maintaining a creamy texture.
  • Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption, using a meat thermometer to check doneness precisely.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4-5 hours (Low) / 2-3 hours (High)
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 570
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 42g
  • Saturated Fat: 20g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 9g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 36g
  • Cholesterol: 150mg
James Mitchell

James Mitchell

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Creation and Testing​, Fusion Cuisine​, Food Styling and Photography​, Culinary Education​

Education

Kendall College, Chicago, IL

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classic and modern cooking techniques, with a specialization in international cuisines.​

The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY

  • Program: Advanced Certificate in Gastronomy
  • Focus: In-depth studies of global food cultures, flavor profiling, and innovative recipe development.​

James Mitchell is the founder and fearless flavor explorer at Cooking Crusade. With a degree in Culinary Arts from Kendall College and advanced training in global gastronomy from The Culinary Institute of America, James has spent over a decade perfecting the art of recipe creation. 

His background includes fine dining, private cheffing, and food styling, but his true joy comes from turning big ideas into doable recipes for home cooks. Every dish he shares is a mix of creativity, culture, and a little kitchen magic, built to bring excitement back to everyday meals.

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