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Packed full of Italian-style flavors, this crockpot Tuscan chicken recipe is an easy weekday meal that lets the slow cooker do all the hard work for you.
Creamy, juicy, and delicious – nobody quite does dinners like the Italians. This easy Tuscan chicken is inspired by the flavors of the region and is an easy weekday dinner or an impressive addition to a potluck.
Plus the crockpot cooks the chicken breasts perfectly making the insides tender and moist. And if you like this recipe as much as I do, you might also enjoy this creamy Tuscan chicken pasta.
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Ingredients
- Chicken Breasts: I prefer to use boneless breasts but you can use whatever you have to hand.
- Spinach: You can use fresh or frozen spinach (completely thawed before using). Remember – fresh spinach shrinks significantly when cooked, so if it looks like too much, it won’t be.
- Garlic: Minced, you can also use garlic powder.
- Parmesan: I recommend shredding your own from a block of good parmesan – think Parmigiano Reggiano.
- Cornstarch: Also known as cornflour, this will thicken the sauce.
- Sundried Tomatoes: You can buy these from the grocery or have a go at making them yourself, I have a detailed guide here.
- Heavy Cream: You can also swap this out for light cream or a non-dairy one like cashew cream.
- Seasoning: Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
How to make crockpot Tuscan chicken
Prepare the slurry: Mix the cream, minced garlic, and cornstarch. Stir well to avoid any lumps – this will form a slurry that helps create the base sauce and will thicken during the cooking process.
Layer and Cook in the Crockpot: Mix the spices and use them to completely coat the chicken breast (your hands to make sure all the meat is coated). Add a little olive oil or oil spray to the bottom and sides of the crockpot to make sure the chicken doesn’t stick. Then add the slurry, the cheese, and sundried tomatoes (cut into smaller pieces). Stir then close the lid.
How long to cook chicken in the Crock Pot
Cook it on LOW for about 3 hours. Depending on the size of the chicken breast, you may need to adjust the cooking time. You can press the breast to see if the juices run clear – this is a sign that the chicken is done. Alternatively, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the breast – when cooked through, it should read 165°F/75°C.
Be careful not to overcook, as it can turn the chicken breast dry and harder to eat. If you’re worried about overcooking, you can check the temperature at the 2-hour mark.
Before serving this easy crockpot Tuscan chicken, stir in the spinach and allow it to wilt just briefly until it is completely covered with the sauce. You can adjust the amount of spinach based on your personal preference.
Can I use frozen chicken?
I don’t recommend using frozen chicken as it contains a lot of water. The crockpot can cause the meat to release more moisture, which would make the surrounding sauce too thin. Plus, frozen chicken will require longer to cook which can increase the risk of bacterial growth.
If you need to use frozen chicken, first leave it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Then pat the breasts dry with a piece of kitchen paper to remove any excess moisture before cooking.
How to store
- To Store: The best part about any chicken crockpot meal? Leftovers. To store your Tuscan chicken, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container and into the fridge. It should keep for 3-4 days like this and the flavors will meld together even more over the next 24 hours.
- To Freeze: If you prefer to freeze the cooked chicken, transfer it to a freezer-safe container or Ziplock bag. Write the date on the front – it should keep for up to 2-3 months.
- To Reheat: Allow the container to thaw completely in the fridge overnight before reheating. Then heat either in the crockpot or on the stove until it’s completely warmed through. Use a meat thermometer to check if the chicken is warm enough after 5-7 minutes of reheating.
How to serve
- Traditionally, you would serve this crockpot Tuscan chicken with something starchy – all the better to absorb the sauce! Try serving with mashed potatoes or roast potatoes, a bowl of rice, or – of course – your favorite pasta.
- It also pairs excellently with winter or roasted vegetables that complement the spinach and tomatoes. Try it with kale salad, roasted Mediterranean vegetables, grilled broccoli, or baked eggplant.
- Or, serve with a slice of crusty bread or freshly made garlic bread – also an excellent option for soaking up any leftover sauce.
More easy chicken dishes
- Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie
- One Pan Mushroom Chicken
- Chicken Piccata
- Crockpot Chicken and Rice
- Slow Cooker Honey Chicken
If you try this crockpot Tuscan chicken, let me know how it goes in the comments below. I’d appreciate a recipe card rating and would love to see your recipe recreations – tag me on Instagram @Alphafoodie!
The Best Crockpot Tuscan Chicken
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 lb chicken breasts 5 large
- 1 cup heavy cream (double cream)
- 1 cup spinach fresh
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese grated
- 1/2 cup sun dried tomatoes 2.5 oz
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1.5 tbsp corn starch
Instructions
Prepare the elements
- Mix the cream, minced garlic, and cornstarch. Stir well to avoid any lumps.
- Mix the spices and use them to completely coat the chicken breast (use your hands to make sure all the meat is coated).
- Add the slurry, the cheese, and sundried tomatoes (cut into smaller pieces). Stir then close the lid.
Cook
- Cook the chicken on LOW for 3 hours. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the breast to check for doneness. When cooked through, it should read 165°F / 75°C. Alternatively, press the breast to see if the juices run clear.
- Remove the lid and stir in the spinach until it wilts. Serve.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
