This Easy Crockpot Tuscan Garlic Chicken is a cozy dish! It features tender chicken cooked in a creamy garlic sauce, loaded with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes that add a pop of flavor.
Cooking in a crockpot means you can set it and forget it—perfect for busy days! I love serving this over pasta or rice for a complete meal. It’s like a warm hug on a plate! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect here for tenderness. You can swap for thighs if you prefer dark meat, which tends to be juicier.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter option, use half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce won’t be as rich. If you’re dairy-free, coconut milk can work as a substitute, adding a slight sweetness.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add a tangy flavor; however, if you don’t have them, you can use fresh tomatoes or roasted red peppers for a different twist.
Spinach: Fresh spinach is best, but frozen spinach is a great alternative. Just thaw and squeeze out the excess water before adding it to the dish.
How Do I Make Sure The Chicken Stays Tender?
Keeping chicken tender in the crockpot is all about cooking it just right. Here are my tips:
- Don’t overcook: Keep an eye on cooking times. Chicken in the crockpot can become dry if left too long.
- Use broth: Chicken broth adds flavor and moisture, helping keep the chicken juicy.
- Add spinach later: Stirring in fresh spinach just before serving helps keep the dish vibrant and prevents it from wilting too much.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have a delicious and tender dish on your hands!
Easy Crockpot Tuscan Garlic Chicken with Spinach
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (preferably jarred in oil), chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (if browning chicken before slow cooking)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time and then you can let the crockpot do its magic for 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high. Don’t forget to account for a little extra time to let the sauce thicken if you choose to do that!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts evenly with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. This adds lots of flavor right from the beginning!
2. Optional Browning:
If you like, you can heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and brown the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side. This step is optional, but it adds a great depth of flavor!
3. Place in Crockpot:
After seasoning (and browning if you chose to), place the chicken breasts into your crockpot. They should fit comfortably!
4. Prepare the Sauce:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, chicken broth, heavy cream, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and grated Parmesan cheese. This creamy mixture will be the star of the dish!
5. Add Sauce to Chicken:
Pour the delicious sauce mixture over the chicken in the crockpot, ensuring all the chicken is covered. Yum!
6. Cook:
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and very tender.
7. Add the Spinach:
About 15 minutes before you’re ready to serve, stir in the fresh spinach. It will wilt nicely and add a pop of color and nutrition to your meal!
8. Optional Thickening:
If you’d like a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with the water to make a slurry and stir it into the crockpot. Cook for an additional 10-15 minutes uncovered to thicken up!
9. Serve:
Serve the chicken topped with the creamy Tuscan sauce and wilted spinach over your choice of pasta, rice, or even mashed potatoes. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Enjoy your creamy, flavorful Crockpot Tuscan Garlic Chicken with Spinach! 🥳
FAQ for Easy Crockpot Tuscan Garlic Chicken with Spinach
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts! Just make sure to increase the cooking time. Cook on high for about 3-4 hours or low for 6-7 hours until fully cooked and tender.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or whole milk. For a dairy-free version, coconut milk is an excellent alternative, adding a unique flavor!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to toss in additional vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini along with the spinach for added nutrition and flavor. Just make sure to add them in during the last 15 minutes of cooking!
