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
Ingredients For CrockPot Tuscan Garlic Chicken
Protein Base:Aromatic and Flavor Enhancers:Creamy and Finishing Ingredients:Optional Cooking and Serving Elements: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:Gently stir to distribute seasonings evenly across the chicken.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the crockpot and let magic happen:Chicken should become fork-tender and infused with rich seasonings.
Step 4: Create Creamy Goodness
Stir in these luxurious ingredients: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:Sprinkle with extra Parmesan and fresh basil leaves. Enjoy your restaurant-quality meal straight from the crockpot!
Pro Tips For CrockPot Tuscan Garlic Chicken
How To Store CrockPot Tuscan Garlic Chicken Safely
Sides That Go With CrockPot Tuscan Garlic Chicken
Ways To Switch CrockPot Tuscan Garlic Chicken
CrockPot Tuscan Garlic Chicken FAQs
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.
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.
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.
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
- 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
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
- Unwrap the chicken and pat it dry with paper towels, ensuring a clean surface for seasoning.
- 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.
- Transfer the seared chicken to the CrockPot, arranging the pieces in a single layer for even cooking.
- Sprinkle minced garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and a blend of Italian seasoning across the chicken, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
- Pour chicken broth around the meat, allowing the liquid to provide moisture and infuse subtle flavors during slow cooking.
- Dust the chicken with paprika, salt, and pepper, distributing the spices evenly for balanced seasoning.
- 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.
- During the final 30 minutes of cooking, gently stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, creating a luxurious, velvety sauce.
- Whisk in Dijon mustard and a pinch of red pepper flakes to enhance the sauce’s complexity and depth.
- Add fresh spinach leaves, letting them gently wilt and incorporate into the creamy mixture.
- If a thicker consistency is preferred, create a quick slurry by mixing cornstarch with water and stirring it into the sauce.
- Once the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce reaches desired consistency, carefully plate over pasta, rice, or creamy mashed potatoes.
- 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
Founder & Recipe Developer
Expertise
Recipe Creation and Testing, Fusion Cuisine, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education
Education
Kendall College, Chicago, IL
The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY
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.