Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken the Easiest Weeknight Win
Table of Contents
- Recipe Introduction
- Why You'll Love This Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Recipe
- Level Up Your Weeknight Dinner With Tuscan Garlic Chicken Slow Cooker
- look into into the Ingredients
- Ingredients & Equipment
- Cooking Method: Nail that Crockpot Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe!
- Recipe Notes: Your Crockpot Creamy Tuscan Chicken Success Guide
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 📝 Recipe Card
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a taste of Italy without the jet lag? Oh my gosh, this crockpot creamy tuscan chicken recipe is where it's at! It's got a rich, creamy flavor that'll have you licking your plate!
Brief Overview
This dish screams comfort food. The origins of creamy tuscan chicken are rooted in rustic Italian cuisine. It is a super easy meal clocking in at just under 7 hours, and feeds up to 8 people.
Main Benefits
This tuscan chicken recipe easy is packed with protein and those leafy greens. Make this a great choice for a family get-together or a relaxed Sunday dinner.
What makes this recipe special is that you can just dump it all in your slow cooker and go about your day.
Why You'll Love This Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Recipe
Let's be honest. Weeknights are hectic! That is why I love crockpot chicken recipes . You know? Throw everything in the slow cooker in the morning.
Then, come home to a delicious, ready-to-eat dinner. This recipe is the ultimate "set it and forget it" kind of deal!
This creamy sun-dried tomato chicken crockpot recipe is my secret weapon for busy days. The sun-dried tomatoes add such a unique flavour.
It's like a little burst of sunshine in every bite. Honestly, I get excited just thinking about it!
Level Up Your Weeknight Dinner With Tuscan Garlic Chicken Slow Cooker
Craving Italian but can't be bothered to do dishes? You need this slow cooker tuscan chicken . This easy crockpot chicken dinner is simple but flavourful.
Plus, it requires minimal cleanup. This is truly a win-win!
This is one of my go-to slow cooker italian chicken recipes . You can easily add your own twist. I sometimes add a splash of white wine for extra flavour.
The possibilities are endless! And if you are thinking about creamy tuscan chicken pasta can I mention that pasta goes amazing with this?
look into into the Ingredients
Alright, let's talk ingredients. Nothing too fancy here! Most of these things you probably already have in your pantry. You'll need chicken thighs, some onions, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, cream cheese, and heavy cream.
Simple, right?
For the chicken, I prefer thighs because they stay super moist in the slow cooker. But if you prefer chicken breast, go for it.
Just cut them into cubes so they cook evenly. Remember, the key is to keep it easy!
Ingredients & Equipment
So, you're ready to make this crockpot creamy tuscan chicken recipe ? Ace! Let's talk about what you'll need. Honestly, it’s all pretty straightforward, nothing too cheffy, promise!
Main Ingredients
Here’s the shopping list, simplified. This slow cooker tuscan chicken is all about flavour, and these ingredients are the cornerstone.
- Chicken Thighs: 2.5 lbs ( 1.1 kg ), boneless and skinless. If you're using chicken breasts, cut them into roughly 1 inch cubes. The star of the show is the chicken itself.
- Olive Oil: 1 tbsp. A good extra virgin.
- Yellow Onion: 1 medium , chopped. About 1 cup or 150g .
- Garlic: 3 cloves , minced. Should be around 1 tbsp .
- Diced Tomatoes: 1 (14.5 oz / 411g) can, undrained.
- Sun-dried Tomatoes: 1 (4 oz / 113g) jar in oil, drained and chopped. Keep 1 tbsp of the oil.
- Italian Seasoning: 1 tsp , dried.
- Salt: ½ tsp , or to taste. Go easy at first.
- Black Pepper: ¼ tsp , or to taste.
- Cream Cheese: 8 oz (227g) , softened and cubed.
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup (240ml) .
- Fresh Spinach: 5 oz (142g) , roughly chopped.
- Parmesan Cheese: ¼ cup , grated, plus more for serving.
- Fresh Basil: Chopped, for garnish (optional).
For the chicken, look for thighs that are plump and pink. Good quality chicken really does make a difference to your creamy tuscan chicken thighs crockpot .
I tend to buy free range when I can find it at a decent price.
Seasoning Notes
Right, let’s get spicy! Proper flavour is what makes this tuscan chicken recipe easy so banging.
- Italian seasoning is key. It’s a blend, usually oregano, basil, thyme and rosemary. You can mix your own if you’re feeling fancy.
- Garlic and sun-dried tomatoes are the flavour enhancers. Honestly, these make a massive difference to any slow cooker italian chicken recipes . Don’t skimp!
- No Italian seasoning? No stress. Just use a mix of dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary. About ¼ tsp of each will do the trick.
Equipment Needed
Now for the tools, keep it simple. This easy crockpot chicken dinner is about a relaxing, stress free cook.
- Slow Cooker: A 6-quart one is ideal.
- Large Skillet: Only if you want to sear the chicken first. I think it adds a good flavour.
- Cutting Board and Chef's Knife: For chopping.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: To measure the ingredients.
Don’t have a skillet? No worries. You can skip the searing and throw everything straight into the crockpot chicken recipes .
Honestly, it will still taste great! My nan always says, "adapt and overcome", so let's do it!.
Cooking Method: Nail that Crockpot Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe!
Right, so you're after the ultimate crockpot creamy tuscan chicken recipe ? Honestly, you've come to the right place. This ain't your nan's bland chicken stew.
We're talking restaurant quality, easy crockpot chicken dinner that will blow your socks off. Let me walk you through it.
Prep Like a Pro
First things first, mise en place posh French for "get your stuff together". Chop that onion, mince the garlic (don’t burn it!), and drain those sun-dried tomatoes.
Soften the cream cheese too! Trust me, having everything ready saves a right old mess later on. And yeah, wash your hands, obviously! No one wants dodgy tummy.
step-by-step to Tuscan Heaven
Okay, here's the lowdown on how to create my incredible slow cooker tuscan chicken .
- (Optional) Sear the chicken in olive oil for 2- 3 minutes each side. Don't overcrowd .
- Sauté onion until soft, about 5 minutes . Add garlic, cook for 1 minute .
- Chuck everything in the slow cooker: chicken, onions, garlic, tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper.
- Cook on low for 4- 6 hours , or high for 2- 3 hours . Chicken must shred easily.
- Shred the chicken, then stir in softened cream cheese and heavy cream.
- Add spinach and Parmesan. Stir until spinach wilts.
- Serve over pasta or mash. Boom!
Pro Tips for a Proper Feed
Wanna up your game? Don't skip searing if you can help it; that's the first step to Tuscan garlic chicken slow cooker greatness.
Softened cream cheese melts like a dream. Watch out for overcooking nobody likes dry chicken. Plus, this creamy tuscan chicken pasta sauce is amazing the next day, so feel free to make a big batch!
This dish can be easily adapted into a creamy sun-dried tomato chicken crockpot recipe by increasing the sun-dried tomato amount!
Remember, this creamy tuscan chicken thighs crockpot recipe is all about comfort and ease. Get creative, use what you have and most importantly, enjoy the process.
So, there you have it, the tuscan chicken recipe easy enough for a weeknight but fancy enough to impress your mates.
Now go on, get cooking and show me what you got! You got this!
Recipe Notes: Your Crockpot Creamy Tuscan Chicken Success Guide
Alright, so you're about to tackle this epic crockpot creamy tuscan chicken recipe ? Good on ya! Here are a few pointers I've picked up along the way to make sure yours is absolutely smashing .
Honestly, this tuscan chicken recipe easy to make, even if you aren't a natural chef!
Serving Suggestions: Level Up Your Plating!
Right, so you've got this creamy tuscan chicken pasta ready to go, but how do you make it look extra tempting? Think about it: a bit of plating goes a long way.
I usually serve mine over a bed of perfectly cooked pasta fettuccine is my personal favourite, but honestly, any type works.
Garnish with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan and some fresh basil for that extra pop of flavour and colour. For sides, some crusty bread is essential for mopping up all that dreamy sauce.
A simple green salad cuts through the richness nicely.
Storage Tips: Keeping it Fresh
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This slow cooker tuscan chicken is just as good the next day. Refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
If you're thinking long term, you can also freeze it for up to 2 months. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth to prevent it from drying out.
Honestly, nothing beats having a creamy sun-dried tomato chicken crockpot meal ready to go on a busy weeknight. This easy crockpot chicken dinner is a game changer.
Variations: Mix it Up!
Fancy tweaking things a bit? You could make this slow cooker italian chicken recipes dairy-free by using coconut cream instead of heavy cream and a dairy-free cream cheese.
Alternatively, chuck in a handful of chopped kale or spinach in the last hour of cooking for an extra bit of goodness.
It is easy to adjust this Tuscan garlic chicken slow cooker to your personal liking.
Nutrition Basics: A Little Bit of Goodness
Okay, so let's be real: this creamy tuscan chicken thighs crockpot is indulgent, but it also packs a decent protein punch, thanks to the chicken.
Plus, the spinach and sun-dried tomatoes add some vitamins and antioxidants. Look, no one expects a full healthy meal, however, this slow cooker creamy chicken recipes still offers some nutritional value.
It's all about balance, innit?
So there you have it. A few nuggets of wisdom to help you on your crockpot creamy tuscan chicken recipe journey.
Remember, cooking should be fun! Enjoy the process, and don't be afraid to experiment. You've got this. Happy cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in this crockpot creamy tuscan chicken recipe?
Absolutely! While chicken thighs will give you a richer flavour, chicken breasts work just as well. I'd recommend cutting them into 1 inch cubes before adding them to the slow cooker to prevent them from drying out.
You might want to check for doneness a little earlier too, as chicken breasts tend to cook faster than thighs.
My slow cooker tends to cook things quickly. How can I prevent the chicken from drying out when making this slow cooker creamy tuscan chicken recipe?
Ah, the dreaded dry chicken! If your slow cooker runs hot, reduce the cooking time. Start checking for doneness after about 3 hours on low or 1.5 hours on high. Also, make sure there's plenty of liquid in the slow cooker, and resist the urge to peek too often, as that lets heat escape.
What are some good side dishes to serve with this creamy Tuscan chicken?
This dish is fantastic with so many things! Pasta is a classic choice think linguine, fettuccine, or even penne. Creamy mashed potatoes would also be divine. And don't forget some crusty bread to mop up all that delicious sauce; it's too good to waste!
A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette will add some freshness too. Proper lush!
Can I make this crockpot creamy tuscan chicken recipe ahead of time, and how should I store it?
You sure can! This dish is actually even better the next day, as the flavors have time to meld. Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2-3 months.
Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
I'm trying to watch my calorie intake. Are there any ways to make this crockpot creamy tuscan chicken recipe healthier?
Absolutely! You can reduce the calories and fat by using chicken breasts instead of thighs and trimming any visible fat. Swap the heavy cream for half and-half or even a lighter milk (though the sauce won't be as thick). You could also use a low-fat cream cheese.
Load up on the spinach, as it is full of goodness and fibre, and serve it with a lighter side like quinoa or brown rice instead of pasta.
Can I add any vegetables to this crockpot creamy tuscan chicken recipe?
Of course, feel free to add any vegetables you desire. Mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini would all complement this dish beautifully. Add them at the same time as the onions and garlic, so they have a chance to soften.
For a bit of freshness, you could also stir in some chopped asparagus during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken The Easiest We
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450-550 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 30-40g |
| Fiber | 2-3g |