Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken

This Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken is a comforting, flavorful dish that brings the taste of Italy to your table. Tender chicken breasts are slow-cooked in a creamy, garlicky sauce infused with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan, creating a restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken is a game-changer for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, transforming simple ingredients into a luxurious, restaurant-worthy dish. The creamy sauce, infused with garlic, Parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes, wraps tender chicken in rich, savory goodness, while spinach adds a fresh, vibrant touch. It’s versatile—serve it over pasta, rice, or veggies for a meal that feels indulgent yet effortless. Perfect for family dinners or impressing guests, this recipe delivers bold Italian flavors with minimal cleanup, making it a go-to for comfort food lovers.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

• Searing is Worth It: Searing the chicken before slow cooking adds a golden crust and deeper flavor, but you can skip it for a quicker prep.
• Make It Ahead: Prep the ingredients the night before and store them in the slow cooker insert in the fridge for a stress-free morning.
• Thickening Tip: If the sauce is too thin, use the cornstarch slurry or simmer the sauce in a saucepan after cooking to reduce it.
• Garlic Control: For milder garlic flavor, sauté the minced garlic lightly before adding it to the slow cooker.
• Serving Suggestion: Pair with crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce or zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.

Yield: Serves 4

Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken

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Creamy Tuscan garlic chicken, slow-cooked to perfection, delivers rich Italian flavors with tender chicken in a luscious sauce.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 4 hours

Additional Time 10 minutes

Total Time 4 hours 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained, and chopped)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• 2 tablespoons water (optional, for cornstarch slurry)
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lbs)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika for a subtle smoky depth.
2. Sear for Flavor: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until golden. This locks in juices and enhances flavor.
3. Layer the Slow Cooker: Place the seared chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Sprinkle minced garlic and Italian seasoning evenly over the chicken for aromatic infusion.
4. Create the Creamy Base: In a bowl, whisk together heavy cream, chicken broth, and grated Parmesan until smooth. Pour this mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker.
5. Add Tuscan Flair: Scatter chopped sun-dried tomatoes over the chicken. Their tangy sweetness complements the creamy sauce and adds vibrant color.
6. Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
7. Add Spinach: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the chopped spinach. It wilts quickly, adding a fresh, earthy balance to the rich sauce.
8. Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch and water to form a slurry. Stir it into the slow cooker 15 minutes before serving.
9. Rest and Check: Let the dish rest for 10 minutes after cooking to allow flavors to meld. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed.
10. Serve with Love: Serve the chicken over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes, spooning the creamy sauce generously over each portion. Garnish with extra Parmesan for a cheesy finish.

Notes

• Avoid Overcooking: Check the chicken at the lower end of the cooking time to prevent dryness, especially on high heat.
• Fresh Herbs: Add fresh basil or parsley as a garnish for a burst of color and flavor.
• Slow Cooker Size: A 6-quart slow cooker works best for even cooking and sauce distribution.

Nutrition Information

Yield

4

Serving Size

1
Amount Per ServingCalories 521Total Fat 33gSaturated Fat 17gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 13gCholesterol 181mgSodium 728mgCarbohydrates 12gFiber 1gSugar 4gProtein 44g

The recipes and nutritional information on Yum Tonight are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.

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Ingredients Notes

• Chicken Breasts: Use boneless, skinless breasts for convenience, but thighs work well for a juicier texture. Trim excess fat to avoid a greasy sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Provides the rich, creamy base. Half-and-half can be used for a lighter option, but the sauce may be less thick.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Oil-packed tomatoes add intense flavor. Rinse excess oil to balance richness, and chop finely for even distribution.
• Spinach: Fresh spinach wilts perfectly in the slow cooker. Frozen spinach can be used but thaw and drain it first.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan melts smoothly into the sauce. Avoid pre-shredded varieties with anti-caking agents for the best texture.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is key for bold flavor. Adjust the quantity to your taste, but don’t skimp for authentic Tuscan vibes.

Variations and Substitutions

• Protein Swap: Substitute chicken thighs for a juicier texture or use shrimp for a quicker-cooking seafood twist (add shrimp in the last 30 minutes).
• Dairy-Free Option: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a creamy, dairy-free sauce.
• Vegetarian Version: Swap chicken for hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Spicy Kick: Add 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for a subtle heat that complements the creamy sauce.
• Cheese Variations: Try Asiago or Pecorino Romano instead of Parmesan for a slightly different cheesy profile.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Serve over cauliflower rice or spiralized vegetables instead of pasta to keep it keto-friendly.
• Herb Boost: Incorporate fresh thyme or rosemary alongside Italian seasoning for a more complex herbaceous note.

Storage Options

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of cream to revive the sauce.
• Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Note that the cream sauce may separate slightly; stir well while reheating.
• Meal Prep: Divide into portions for easy grab-and-go lunches. Store with a side of pasta or rice for quick reheating.

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