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
- 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