Intro
This Crockpot Tuscan Chicken is creamy, comforting, and full of flavor. Juicy chicken breasts simmer slowly in a rich sauce made with heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, and garlic. As it cooks, the flavors blend beautifully, creating a sauce that’s velvety, savory, and just the right amount of indulgent.
It’s one of those recipes that looks fancy but requires almost no effort. Just combine everything in your slow cooker, set it, and let the magic happen. When it’s done, you’ll have tender, flavorful chicken in a sauce that’s perfect for spooning over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
This dish captures everything you love about creamy Italian comfort food, made easier with the help of your crockpot.
The Story Behind Crockpot Tuscan Chicken
A Classic Made Simple
Tuscan-inspired dishes are known for their rustic flavors—simple ingredients that come together to create something rich and satisfying. This Crockpot Tuscan Chicken takes those same flavors and makes them weeknight-friendly.
By using the slow cooker, you get the same tender texture as stovetop cooking, but without the need to stand over the stove. The sun-dried tomatoes add tanginess, the Parmesan adds nutty depth, and the garlic-infused cream sauce ties it all together.
It’s a meal that feels like a special dinner but fits perfectly into a busy schedule.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Set it and forget it: Just a few minutes of prep, and your crockpot does the rest.
- Creamy and rich: The sauce is full of garlic, cream, and Parmesan.
- Family-friendly: Mild flavors that everyone enjoys.
- Perfect for meal prep: The leftovers taste even better the next day.
Every bite is a perfect balance of savory, creamy, and slightly tangy flavors.
Crockpot Tuscan Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- Season the chicken breasts with Italian seasoning, onion powder, and salt and pepper. Season on both sides of the chicken.
- Spray the inside of the crockpot with nonstick cooking spray. Layer the seasoned chicken in the bottom of the crockpot.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, heavy cream, minced garlic, chopped sundried tomatoes, and parmesan cheese.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken into the crock pot.
- Cook on high for 3 hours, or low for 5 hours.
- Right before serving, add the chopped spinach to the crockpot. Replace the lid and allow the spinach to wilt.
- Season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve over cooked pasta, and enjoy!
Notes
Calories: 283kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 99mg | Sodium: 318mg | Potassium: 684mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 1232IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 158mg | Iron: 2mg
How to Make Crockpot Tuscan Chicken
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This simple step locks in flavor and helps create a base for the sauce.
Step 2: Layer in the Crockpot
Spray your crockpot with nonstick cooking spray, then lay the seasoned chicken in the bottom.
Step 3: Mix the Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together chicken broth, heavy cream, minced garlic, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and grated Parmesan. This mixture will transform into a rich, flavorful sauce as it cooks.
Step 4: Cook
Pour the sauce over the chicken. Cover and cook on high for 3 hours or low for 5 hours. As it cooks, the sauce thickens and the chicken becomes tender and juicy.
Step 5: Add Spinach
Just before serving, stir in chopped spinach. Cover and let it sit for a few minutes until the spinach wilts.
Step 6: Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve your Crockpot Tuscan Chicken over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes for a comforting, creamy meal.
| Step | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Season chicken | Adds flavor and builds a base for the sauce |
| Mix sauce ingredients | Creates a creamy, savory sauce |
| Slow cook | Makes the chicken tender and juicy |
Serving and Storage
How to Serve
This dish pairs beautifully with:
- Pasta: Fettuccine or penne are perfect for catching the sauce.
- Rice: A lighter option that still soaks up all that creamy flavor.
- Mashed potatoes: Ultimate comfort food combination.
- Crusty bread: For dipping into the leftover sauce.
Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh basil or parsley for a final touch.
Storing Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream if needed to loosen the sauce.
This recipe also freezes well. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Tips and Variations
Tips for Success
- Don’t skip seasoning the chicken: It enhances the flavor of the entire dish.
- Add spinach at the end: Keeps it bright and fresh instead of overcooked.
- Use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil: They add extra richness to the sauce.
- Thicken the sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a little cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Recipe Variations
This Crockpot Tuscan Chicken is flexible and easy to adapt:
- Add mushrooms: For extra heartiness.
- Try chicken thighs: They stay extra juicy and flavorful.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
- Use kale instead of spinach: A sturdier green that adds great texture.
Each variation keeps the same creamy Tuscan base while adding its own twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless thighs work perfectly and stay moist during slow cooking.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Heavy cream creates a richer sauce, but you can use half-and-half for a lighter version.
Can I make this on the stovetop?
Yes. Sear the chicken in a skillet, then add the sauce ingredients and simmer for 25–30 minutes, covered.
What can I serve with Crockpot Tuscan Chicken?
It’s perfect with pasta, rice, or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Make sure to cook on low heat if you use a dairy base. Avoid boiling after adding cream.
Conclusion
This Crockpot Tuscan Chicken is the perfect mix of convenience and comfort. With tender chicken, creamy sauce, and rich Italian flavors, it turns a handful of simple ingredients into something truly special.
It’s a dish you can make any night of the week, whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for busy days. Serve it over pasta or rice, and let your slow cooker do all the work while your kitchen fills with delicious, comforting aromas.