Crockpot Tuscan Garlic Chicken Recipe for Lazy Weekends

Slow-cooking methods can elevate simple chicken into a mouthwatering crockpot tuscan garlic chicken recipe that feels like a culinary adventure.

Mediterranean flavors dance through tender meat infused with robust herbs and creamy textures.

Garlic lovers will swoon over this intensely aromatic dish packed with rich ingredients.

Hearty proteins meet silky sauces in a comforting meal that transports you straight to italian countryside kitchens.

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Minimal prep work means you can relax while savory aromas fill your home.

One bite promises to make this recipe a permanent fixture in your dinner rotation.

Tuscan Garlic Chicken Flavor Notes

• This crockpot recipe transforms ordinary chicken into a mouthwatering Tuscan-style dish with minimal kitchen work.
• Simply toss ingredients into the slow cooker and let it work its culinary magic, giving you delicious results without constant supervision.
• Designed for busy families, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality taste with just 10 minutes of prep time and zero complicated techniques.
• Creamy, garlicky chicken appeals to both adults and kids, making it an ideal dish that satisfies everyone's taste buds without causing mealtime battles.

Ingredients for CrockPot Tuscan Garlic Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Tender and lean protein that absorbs the rich Tuscan flavors perfectly. Boneless and skinless work best for easy preparation.

• Garlic, Italian Seasoning: Brings classic Tuscan warmth and depth to the dish. Fresh garlic provides more intense flavor than pre-minced.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing the overall taste profile of the chicken.

• Chicken Broth: Creates a moist cooking environment and adds subtle savory undertones. Low-sodium broth allows better control of saltiness.
• Heavy Cream, Cream Cheese: Provides rich, velvety texture and creates a luxurious sauce. Room temperature cream cheese blends more smoothly.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Adds tangy, concentrated tomato flavor with a slight sweetness. Packed in oil variety offers more robust taste.

• Spinach: Fresh green element that wilts beautifully and adds nutritional value. Baby spinach works best for tender texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Brings sharp, salty notes and helps thicken the sauce. Freshly grated offers superior flavor compared to pre-packaged.
• Olive Oil: Used for optional searing to lock in chicken's flavor and create golden exterior.

Cooking Instructions for Tuscan Garlic Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Base

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Italian seasoning
• Garlic powder

Step 2: Add Moisture Ingredients

• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream
• Cream cheese

Step 3: Create Flavor Layers

• Minced garlic
• Dried basil
• Sun-dried tomatoes

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover crockpot and cook on low setting for 6-7 hours or on high setting for 3-4 hours until chicken is tender and fully cooked.

Step 5: Enhance with Fresh Greens

• Fresh spinach leaves

Step 6: Prepare Creamy Sauce

Remove chicken from crockpot. Whisk remaining liquid until smooth and creamy.

Step 7: Plate and Garnish

• Grated parmesan cheese
• Chopped fresh parsley

Serve hot with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.

Tips for Making Tuscan Garlic Chicken

• Enhance Flavor with Searing: Quickly brown chicken in a hot skillet before adding to the crockpot to develop rich, caramelized notes and intensify taste.
• Customize Protein Options: Swap chicken breasts with thighs or use boneless, skinless cuts for different textures and preferences.
• Control Sauce Consistency: If sauce seems thin, mix cornstarch with cold water and stir into the crockpot during the last 30 minutes to thicken.
• Boost Nutritional Value: Add extra spinach or kale in the final 15-20 minutes for increased nutrients and vibrant green color.
• Accommodate Dietary Needs: Use dairy-free cream cheese or coconut cream for a lactose-free version that maintains creamy consistency.

Keeping Tuscan Garlic Chicken Fresh

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap chicken tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. Freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring all air is removed to prevent freezer burn.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Add a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture.
• Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Stop when chicken is steaming hot and reaches a safe temperature.

What Goes Well with Tuscan Garlic Chicken

• Choose a crisp Pinot Grigio or light Chardonnay that complements the garlic and creamy sauce, enhancing the chicken's delicate flavors without overpowering the dish.
• Serve with roasted rosemary potatoes or crusty Italian bread to soak up the rich, garlicky sauce, creating a perfect textural and flavor balance.
• Prepare roasted asparagus or sautéed spinach with garlic and parmesan, mirroring the Tuscan-inspired profile and adding a fresh, green element to the meal.
• Add a bright side salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness, providing a zesty contrast that cleanses the palate between bites of the creamy chicken.

Variations on CrockPot Tuscan Garlic Chicken

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace chicken with firm tofu or seitan, marinating in Italian herbs and garlic for a plant-based alternative that maintains the Tuscan flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream, ensuring a rich and creamy texture while keeping the dish allergen-friendly.
• Low-Carb Option: Skip sundried tomatoes and replace with fresh cherry tomatoes, reducing overall carbohydrate content and adding bright, fresh notes to the recipe.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use cornstarch instead of flour for coating chicken, and ensure all other ingredients like broth and seasonings are certified gluten-free to make the dish safe for those with wheat sensitivities.

Tuscan Garlic Chicken FAQ Guide

• Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just add 1-2 hours to the cooking time and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

• Do I need to trim the chicken before cooking?

Yes, remove any excess fat or loose pieces from the chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and better texture.

• What if I don't have fresh herbs?

Dried herbs work perfectly fine. Use about 1/3 of the amount of fresh herbs called for in the recipe, as dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.

• Is it okay to skip the searing step?

While optional, searing helps lock in flavor and creates a nice golden exterior. If you’re short on time, you can skip it, but the chicken might have a slightly less rich taste.

Crockpot Tuscan Garlic Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Slow-cooker Tuscan Garlic Chicken blends rich Italian flavors with effortless preparation, creating a comforting meal that whisks senses straight to Tuscany. Creamy sauce, tender chicken, and aromatic herbs will make this dish a cherished favorite for home cooks seeking delicious simplicity.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 6 chicken thighs)

Seasonings and Spices:

• 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)

Liquid and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for searing)
• 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)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken breasts by patting them dry with paper towels to ensure optimal seasoning adherence and even cooking.
2. Season the chicken generously with dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and cracked black pepper, massaging the spices into the meat for thorough flavor distribution.
3. Layer sliced onions and minced garlic across the bottom of the crockpot, creating an aromatic base for the chicken.
4. Carefully arrange the seasoned chicken breasts on top of the onion and garlic bed, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
5. Sprinkle sun-dried tomatoes and fresh chopped spinach around and between the chicken pieces, adding vibrant color and nutritional depth.
6. Pour chicken broth and heavy cream over the chicken, creating a rich, velvety sauce that will infuse the meat with intense Tuscan-inspired flavors.
7. Cover the crockpot and set to low heat, allowing the chicken to slow-cook for 6-7 hours until the meat becomes supremely tender and easily pulls apart.
8. During the final 30 minutes of cooking, gently stir in cream cheese to enhance the sauce’s creamy texture and add a luxurious tang.
9. Once cooking is complete, carefully remove the chicken and whisk the sauce to create a smooth, consistent consistency.
10. Garnish with freshly grated parmesan cheese and chopped parsley before serving over preferred accompaniments like pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables.

Notes

• Searing chicken before slow cooking creates a deeper, more complex flavor profile by caramelizing the exterior and trapping moisture inside.
• Adjust cooking time for frozen chicken by adding an extra 1-2 hours on low setting, ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
• Dairy-free modification works perfectly by substituting heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream, maintaining the rich, creamy texture without compromising taste.
• Meal prep hack: Chicken can be prepared ahead and frozen in marinade, then directly transferred to crockpot when ready to cook, saving significant preparation time.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4-5 hours (Low) / 2-3 hours (High)
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 650
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 45 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 47 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg