If you’re looking for a dish that’s hands-off but ridiculously flavorful, you’re going to adore this Creamy Crockpot Tuscan Chicken Recipe. It’s one of those meals that I’ve made more times than I can count because it’s effortless, full of rich, comforting flavors, and always impresses whoever I serve it to. This recipe combines tender chicken with a luscious, garlicky cream sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach—all slow-cooked to perfection. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through everything you need to nail it in your own kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Flavor: You just toss everything into the crockpot and let it work its magic while you go about your day.
- Creamy & Comforting: The rich sauce with garlic and sun-dried tomatoes makes this feel like a special occasion meal any night of the week.
- Customizable: You can easily swap ingredients based on what you have, making it super flexible.
- Great for Leftovers: It tastes just as good the next day, perfect for meal prep and busy schedules.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All of the ingredients in this Creamy Crockpot Tuscan Chicken Recipe come together beautifully to create a sauce that’s creamy yet savory, with the bright touch of spinach and the tangy sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes. Here’s a quick rundown, plus what to watch for when you shop.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: I like to pick chicken breasts that are about the same size so they cook evenly.
- Salt and Italian seasoning: These give a nice balance of flavor without overpowering the creaminess.
- Paprika and pepper: Just enough for a gentle smoky warmth and spice.
- Heavy whipping cream: This is the secret to the sauce’s luscious texture—don’t skimp!
- Cornstarch: It thickens the cream sauce perfectly as it cooks.
- Garlic: Fresh finely minced garlic is key for that classic Tuscan flavor, but you can adjust based on your love for garlic breath.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: I recommend oil-packed and drained for the best texture and flavor punch.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a lovely savory depth and creaminess to the sauce.
- Fresh spinach: Tossed in towards the end, it keeps its vibrant color and lightness.
Variations
I love that this Creamy Crockpot Tuscan Chicken Recipe is so adaptable—feel free to make it your own by swapping ingredients or adding your twist. I’ve tried a few variations over the years that keep things exciting and fit different dietary needs or ingredient availability.
- Chicken Thighs Variation: Swapping chicken breasts for boneless, skinless thighs gives the dish a little more richness and tends to stay tender and juicy in the crockpot.
- Lighter Cream Option: You can use half-and-half or even milk, but the sauce won’t be as thick—just increase the cornstarch slightly to compensate.
- Veggie Swaps: If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers work wonderfully, and kale is a sturdier and tasty alternative to spinach.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a bit of heat that wakes up the flavors.
How to Make Creamy Crockpot Tuscan Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Chicken and Seasonings
Start by placing your chicken breasts in the bottom of your 3- to 4-quart slow cooker. I like to pat them dry first so the seasoning sticks nicely. Mix together the salt, Italian seasoning, paprika, and pepper in a small bowl, then sprinkle it evenly over the chicken. This step helps build that delicious flavor base while the chicken cooks.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Tuscan Cream Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk the heavy cream, cornstarch, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth. This combo ensures the sauce thickens just right without clumping. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan cheese, then pour everything over the chicken in the slow cooker, letting the sauce drizzle down and coat each breast. This creamy mixture is what truly makes this dish special.
Step 3: Slow Cook and Finish with Spinach
Cover your crockpot and cook on low for about 3 hours. I always use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature hits 165°F for safe, juicy chicken. If you notice the sauce separating during cooking, don’t panic—just give it a good stir and it will come back together silky smooth. Right before serving, stir in your fresh spinach so it wilts gently without losing that vibrant green color.
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Crockpot Tuscan Chicken Recipe
- Consistent Chicken Sizes: I learned early on that using chicken breasts close in size ensures even cooking—nothing worse than dry edges or undercooked centers.
- Don’t Skip Stirring the Sauce: If you see separation, just stir gently while it’s cooking to bring it back together; it happens and it’s totally fixable.
- Add Spinach Last: I add spinach right at the end because if it cooks too long it loses its bright color and texture.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Always check your chicken’s internal temp—slow cookers can vary and this avoids overcooking or undercooking.
How to Serve Creamy Crockpot Tuscan Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
I love finishing this dish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or some extra grated Parmesan right before serving. It adds a fresh, vibrant touch and a little extra savory punch. Sometimes, I add a few cracked black peppercorns on top for a bit of texture and a rustic look. If you have a lemon handy, a tiny squeeze over the top brightens the flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
When my family sits down to this, I typically pair it with garlic mashed potatoes or creamy polenta to soak up all that luscious sauce. Roasted or sautéed green beans and a simple Caesar salad round out the meal nicely for a balance of fresh and indulgent.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ll plate the chicken over a bed of fettuccine or serve it alongside crusty bread with bowls of the sauce for dipping. It makes the meal feel extra cozy and inviting, perfect for sharing with friends or family at a dinner party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so you might find it tastes even better the next day—just a heads up that the spinach will be a little softer when reheated.
Freezing
This recipe freezes really well! I portion the chicken and sauce into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to three months. When I’m ready, I thaw it overnight in the fridge—that slow thaw preserves the creamy texture much better than microwaving from frozen.
Reheating
To reheat, I like using a low heat setting on the stove, gently warming the chicken and sauce while stirring occasionally to keep it smooth and creamy. If you’re in a hurry, a microwave works, but watch for hot spots and stir halfway through heating to keep things even.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts in this recipe?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a great swap and tend to stay extra juicy during slow cooking. Just use about 2 pounds of meat, the same as with breasts, and follow the same cooking time. The flavor will be just as delicious!
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What can I substitute for sun-dried tomatoes if I don’t have any?
If sun-dried tomatoes aren’t in your pantry, roasted red peppers make a fantastic alternative, adding a slightly sweeter flavor and softness that complements the creamy sauce well.
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How can I thicken the sauce if it seems too thin?
If the sauce turns out thinner than you like, whisk together a little extra cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the crockpot about 15-20 minutes before it’s done cooking. Then let it continue to cook uncovered on low to thicken.
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Is it okay if the sauce separates during cooking?
Yes, this can happen with cream sauces in slow cookers due to the heat. Just stir the sauce well, and it will come back together smooth and creamy. Adding the spinach at the end also helps balance the texture.
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Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you ensure your cornstarch and Italian seasoning don’t contain gluten additives. Always check labels if you’re unsure.
Final Thoughts
Every time I make this Creamy Crockpot Tuscan Chicken Recipe, it feels like such a treat without the usual fuss—something that’s especially precious on busy weeknights or lazy weekends. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and enjoy how the slow cooker turns simple ingredients into a rich, restaurant-worthy meal you’ll be excited to serve. Once you make it, I bet it’ll become a staple in your dinner rotation just like it did in mine!
Print
Creamy Crockpot Tuscan Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Crockpot Tuscan Chicken recipe offers a creamy, flavorful meal with tender chicken breasts cooked slowly in a rich Tuscan cream sauce featuring sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and fresh spinach. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, the slow cooker method infuses the chicken with bold Italian-inspired flavors while keeping it moist and delicious.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lbs)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ⅛ teaspoon pepper
Tuscan Cream Sauce
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 3 cloves garlic (finely minced)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon pepper
- ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil packed, drained and chopped)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup chopped fresh spinach
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Seasoning: In a small bowl, mix together ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning, ¼ teaspoon paprika, and ⅛ teaspoon pepper. Sprinkle evenly over the chicken breasts placed in a 3- to 4-quart slow cooker.
- Make Tuscan Cream Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup heavy whipping cream, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 3 cloves finely minced garlic, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ⅛ teaspoon pepper. Stir in ⅓ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes and ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese until combined.
- Combine and Cook: Pour the Tuscan cream sauce over the seasoned chicken in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low heat for 3 hours, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). If the sauce separates during cooking, stir it gently to smooth it back together.
- Add Spinach and Finish: Stir 1 cup chopped fresh spinach into the slow cooker near the end of cooking. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired. Remove chicken from the slow cooker and serve with the creamy sauce.
Notes
- This recipe can be found on page 143 of the cookbook for further reference.
- Serving size may vary depending on the size and weight of the chicken breasts used.
- You can substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the breasts, aiming for about 2 lbs of meat.
- Using a lighter cream will result in a thinner sauce; to compensate, increase cornstarch slightly.
- Sun-dried tomatoes can be swapped with roasted red peppers; spinach can be replaced with kale according to preference.
- Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days or frozen for 2-3 months.
- To reheat, thaw frozen leftovers overnight in the fridge and warm on the stove or oven until heated through.
- To quickly thaw frozen chicken before cooking, place it in a bowl of cool water, changing the water every 20 minutes until thawed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce (approx. 200g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
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