1 Dish: Creamy Tuscan Slow Cooker Chicken Recipe

Oh my goodness, you are in for a treat! I’m so excited to share my go-to recipe for the most amazing Creamy Tuscan Slow Cooker Chicken. Seriously, it’s the easiest way to get a restaurant-quality meal on the table, and the flavors are just incredible. Think tender, juicy chicken swimming in a rich, creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach – pure comfort food!

I’ve been a slow cooker fanatic for years. It all started when I was a busy mom juggling work and kids. I needed meals that practically cooked themselves, and the slow cooker became my absolute best friend. I’ve tweaked and tested countless recipes over the years, and this Creamy Tuscan Slow Cooker Chicken is the ultimate winner. It’s simple, flavorful, and perfect for any night of the week.

Ingredients for Delicious Creamy Tuscan Slow Cooker Chicken

Alright, let’s talk ingredients! You won’t believe how simple this is. Honestly, the hardest part is opening the fridge, haha! Here’s what you’ll need to make the most amazing Creamy Tuscan Slow Cooker Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or you can use chicken thighs if you prefer!)
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and roughly chopped (these are a MUST!)
• 5 ounces fresh spinach (or you can use frozen, but fresh is best!)
• 1 cup heavy cream (this is where the creamy magic happens!)
• 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium, please!)
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning (I like to use a good quality one)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (fresh is always best, but jarred works in a pinch)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated is always the best choice!)

That’s it! See? Told you it was easy. Now, let’s get cooking!

Equipment List

Okay, before we get started, let’s make sure you’ve got everything you need. This recipe doesn’t require a ton of gear, which is a total win! Here’s the lowdown:

• A 6-quart slow cooker (or similar size – adjust cooking times if yours is different!)
• Measuring cups and spoons (gotta get those amounts right!)
• A sharp knife (for chopping the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes)
• A cutting board (protect your countertops!)

That’s it! Easy peasy.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Making Creamy Tuscan Slow Cooker Chicken

Okay, friends, let’s get down to business! This Creamy Tuscan Slow Cooker Chicken is so easy, it’s almost silly. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying a delicious dinner in no time. Seriously, even if you’re a beginner, you got this!

Preparing the Chicken and Vegetables

First things first! Grab your chicken breasts and give them a quick rinse under cold water. Then, place those beauties right into the bottom of your slow cooker. Next, we’re gonna add some flavor! Toss in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes (make sure you drain them first, unless you want extra oil!), the fresh spinach, minced garlic, and that yummy Italian seasoning. Don’t worry about being perfect here; just toss it all in. Oh, and if you’re feeling fancy, you can add some sliced mushrooms in this step. Yum!

Slow Cooking to Perfection

Now for the magic! Pour the chicken broth and heavy cream right over the chicken and veggies. Make sure the chicken is mostly submerged in that creamy goodness. Now, put the lid on your slow cooker and set it to low. You’ll want to cook it for about 6-8 hours on low, or if you’re in a hurry, you can cook it on high for 3-4 hours. Just keep an eye on it! You want the chicken to be cooked through and super tender, but not falling apart completely. Nobody wants dry chicken, right?

Finishing Touches and Serving Suggestions

Once the chicken is cooked, it’s time to get ready to eat! Carefully remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker (be careful, they’ll be hot!). Then, using two forks, shred the chicken right in the slow cooker. Now, stir in that glorious Parmesan cheese until it’s all melty and incorporated. Give it a taste and add a little salt and pepper if you need it. And that’s it! Dinner is served! You can serve this over pasta (yum!), rice, or even cauliflower rice if you’re watching your carbs. A simple side salad or some crusty bread for dipping is also a perfect addition. Enjoy!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Tuscan Slow Cooker Chicken Recipe

Okay, let me tell you why this Creamy Tuscan Slow Cooker Chicken is going to become a regular in your dinner rotation! Honestly, it’s a game changer. Here’s why:

• Super Easy: Seriously, “dump and go” is the name of the game!
• Flavor Explosion: The sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Italian seasoning create the most amazing taste.
• Versatile: Serve it over pasta, rice, or even zucchini noodles!
• Healthy-ish: Packed with protein and veggies. You can feel good about eating this!
• Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone always loves this one!

Trust me, you’re going to be obsessed!

Ingredient Notes and Possible Substitutions

Okay, let’s talk about some of these ingredients, because sometimes you gotta make do with what you’ve got, right? Don’t worry, even if you don’t have *every* single thing, you can still make an amazing Creamy Tuscan Slow Cooker Chicken!

If you’re out of sun-dried tomatoes, you can use regular canned tomatoes. Just drain them well and chop them up. Don’t have heavy cream? No biggie! Half-and-half will work, but your sauce might be a little thinner. For the spinach, kale is a great substitute. Just make sure to chop it up a little bit before adding it to the slow cooker. You can also totally use frozen spinach. Just thaw it and squeeze out the excess moisture first. See? Easy peasy!

Tips for Creamy Tuscan Slow Cooker Chicken Success

Okay, friends, wanna know how to take this already amazing Creamy Tuscan Slow Cooker Chicken to the next level? Here are a few of my favorite pro tips that I swear by!

First, if you have a few extra minutes, sear the chicken breasts in a pan with a little olive oil before you toss them into the slow cooker. This gives them a gorgeous golden-brown color and adds so much flavor! Also, don’t be shy with the fresh herbs! A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley at the end makes all the difference! And finally, always, always, use good quality Parmesan cheese. It makes a HUGE difference in the taste and texture. You got this!

Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Tuscan Slow Cooker Chicken

Alright, let’s get to some of the questions I get asked all the time about this Creamy Tuscan Slow Cooker Chicken. I know you’re probably wondering a few things, so let’s get those answered right now! Hopefully, this helps you with your slow cook recipes.

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Okay, so here’s the deal: I usually recommend using thawed chicken breasts for the best results. But, if you’re in a pinch, you *can* use frozen! Just make sure you add a little extra time to your cooking. The best thing to do is cook it on low for about 8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. The chicken needs to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to be safe to eat. And, make sure you shred the chicken when it’s still warm – it’ll be easier!

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

No heavy cream? No problem! You can totally use half-and-half, but the sauce might be a little thinner. If you want a thicker sauce, you can add a tablespoon or two of cornstarch to the sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Just make sure to whisk it with a little cold water first to make a slurry. You can also use cream cheese or sour cream, but add it at the end, so it doesn’t curdle!

How can I make this recipe spicier?

Ooh, I love a little kick! To spice things up, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients. You can also add a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies. Or, if you want even more heat, try adding a chopped jalapeño pepper. Just be careful, and taste as you go! You can also serve it with a drizzle of hot sauce at the end. Yum!

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! This Creamy Tuscan Slow Cooker Chicken is super versatile, so feel free to experiment! Mushrooms are a classic addition, and they taste amazing in this dish. You could also try adding some bell peppers, zucchini, or even some artichoke hearts! Just remember to chop the vegetables into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly. You can also add other veggies like carrots and celery. Get creative!

Estimated Nutritional Information for Creamy Tuscan Slow Cooker Chicken

Okay, so I know you’re probably wondering about the nutrition facts, right? Well, let’s talk about it! Keep in mind that these numbers are just estimates, and they can vary a bit depending on the exact ingredients and brands you use. But hey, it gives you a good idea of what you’re getting!

For a single serving of this delicious Creamy Tuscan Slow Cooker Chicken, you can expect roughly the following:

• Calories: Around 450 (but, hey, it’s worth it!)
• Fat: About 30g (that creamy sauce, though!)
• Saturated Fat: Around 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: About 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g (thank goodness!)
• Carbohydrates: Around 10g (mostly from the veggies)
• Fiber: About 2g (yay for spinach!)
• Protein: A whopping 35g (chicken is your friend!)
• Cholesterol: About 150mg

So, there you have it! A pretty balanced meal, all things considered. And remember, the health benefits of this dish make it a win-win! Enjoy!

Serving Suggestions for Creamy Tuscan Slow Cooker Chicken

Okay, so you’ve made this amazing Creamy Tuscan Slow Cooker Chicken, and now it’s time to serve it up! You’ve got a few options for what to serve it with, but trust me, whatever you choose, it’s gonna be delicious!

My favorite is to serve it over some pasta, like penne or fettuccine, to soak up all that creamy goodness. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette is always a great choice, too. Or, if you’re feeling fancy, some crusty bread for dipping is a must! You could also serve it with roasted vegetables, like broccoli or asparagus, to get some extra nutrients in there. Yum!

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