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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken breasts by patting them dry with paper towels to ensure optimal seasoning adherence and even cooking.
- Season the chicken generously with dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and cracked black pepper, massaging the spices into the meat for thorough flavor distribution.
- Layer sliced onions and minced garlic across the bottom of the crockpot, creating an aromatic base for the chicken.
- Carefully arrange the seasoned chicken breasts on top of the onion and garlic bed, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
- Sprinkle sun-dried tomatoes and fresh chopped spinach around and between the chicken pieces, adding vibrant color and nutritional depth.
- Pour chicken broth and heavy cream over the chicken, creating a rich, velvety sauce that will infuse the meat with intense Tuscan-inspired flavors.
- 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.
- During the final 30 minutes of cooking, gently stir in cream cheese to enhance the sauce’s creamy texture and add a luxurious tang.
- Once cooking is complete, carefully remove the chicken and whisk the sauce to create a smooth, consistent consistency.
- 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