Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken (Printer-Friendly)
Creamy Tuscan-style chicken with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach and parmesan, cooked slowly for tender, hands-off results.
# What You'll Need:
→ Meats
01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
→ Vegetables & Aromatics
02 - 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
03 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained and chopped
05 - 2 cups fresh baby spinach
→ Dairy
06 - 1 cup heavy cream
07 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
08 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
→ Liquids
09 - 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
→ Spices & Seasonings
10 - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herb blend
11 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
12 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
13 - 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
# How to Make It:
01 - Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides evenly with salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs.
02 - Scatter the chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes across the bottom of the slow cooker insert. Place the seasoned chicken breasts on top of the vegetable layer.
03 - Pour the chicken broth and heavy cream evenly over the chicken. Dot the surface with small pieces of the unsalted butter.
04 - Cover the slow cooker and cook on the LOW setting for 4 hours (or on HIGH for 2 hours), until the chicken is fork-tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
05 - Carefully remove the chicken breasts and set aside. Stir the grated Parmesan cheese and fresh baby spinach into the sauce inside the slow cooker. Allow the spinach to wilt, about 5 minutes.
06 - Return the chicken breasts to the slow cooker, spooning the creamy sauce over the top. Cover and let cook for an additional 5 to 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
07 - Serve the chicken hot, spooned generously with the Tuscan cream sauce. Garnish with extra Parmesan if desired, alongside mashed potatoes, pasta, or crusty bread.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The parmesan cream sauce practically makes itself while you go about your day.
- Sun-dried tomatoes add a tangy depth that makes people think you spent hours at the stove.
02 -
- Do not rush the parmesan stirring step because clumps form if the sauce is not hot enough when you add it.
- Searing the chicken in a skillet for two minutes per side before slow cooking creates a golden crust that locks in moisture.
03 -
- Check the chicken at the 3.5 hour mark on low because overcooked chicken breasts turn stringy even in a creamy sauce.
- The oil from the sun-dried tomato jar is liquid gold, try using it instead of olive oil when searing the chicken for an extra layer of flavor.