Creamy Tuscan Chicken a Crockpot Classic

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a proper comfort food chicken recipes dish that basically cooks itself? These crockpot meals with chicken will become your new best friend! Honestly, who doesn't love a creamy, flavourful, and easy meal?

Brief Overview

This Creamy Tuscan Chicken recipe is inspired by Italian flavours. This easy chicken crockpot meals requires minimal effort. It yields 6 generous servings and is ready in 4- 6 hours on low.

Main Benefits

This recipe is packed with protein and is a fantastic way to sneak in some extra veggies. It's perfect for weeknight chicken dinners when you're short on time.

What makes it special? It's all about that creamy, dreamy sauce!

Crockpot Chicken Recipes: Your Weeknight Saviour!

Ever get that feeling of “Oh my gosh, what’s for dinner?!” You know? Those evenings when the last thing you want to do is spend hours slaving over a hot stove? This creamy tuscan chicken recipe is your answer! I used to dread weeknights.

Then, I discovered the magic of slow cooker chicken recipes , and everything changed. Honestly, I wish I knew this years ago.

This isn’t just any one pot chicken recipes ; it’s a flavour explosion! And the best part? It's a dump and start chicken recipes , which will save you time and effort.

It is really a game changer for those busy evenings.

This is More Than Just Slow Cooker Chicken Breast Recipes

Before you start, grab these ingredients: 6 chicken breasts, salt, pepper, olive oil, onion, garlic, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Italian seasoning.

This is the definition of easy cooking.

Okay, let's get down to brass tacks for these amazing crockpot meals with chicken . We're talking about the bits and bobs you'll need to whip up the creamy tuscan chicken of your dreams.

Honestly, it's easier than putting up shelves from IKEA. And tastier too, if you ask me!

Ingredients & Equipment: Getting Sorted

Main Ingredients: The Stars of the Show

Right, let's get to the good stuff. For six hefty servings of this champion slow cooker chicken recipe , you'll need:

• Chicken: 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs or 680g ). Aim for plump, juicy looking chicken. Avoid anything that looks pale or feels slimy.
• Salt and Pepper: 1 teaspoon ( 5 ml ) of salt and 1/2 teaspoon ( 2.5 ml ) of black pepper.
• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon ( 15 ml ) just a glug for searing, if you're feeling fancy.
• Onion and Garlic: 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (about 1 cup or 150g ), and 2 cloves of garlic, minced. The fresher the better, you know? That garlic smell should knock your socks off!
• Tomatoes and Broth: 1 ( 14.5 ounce / 411g ) can of diced tomatoes (undrained), and 1/2 cup ( 120 ml ) of chicken broth.
• Creamy Goodness: 1/2 cup ( 120 ml ) of heavy cream and 1/2 cup ( 40g ) of grated Parmesan cheese. Go for proper Parmesan, not that dust stuff.
• Sun-dried and Green: 1/2 cup ( 70g ) of sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained and chopped), and 5 ounces ( 140g ) of fresh spinach (roughly chopped).
• Italian Seasoning and Spice: 1 teaspoon ( 5 ml ) of dried Italian seasoning, and 1/4 teaspoon ( 1.25 ml ) of red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of zing).

Seasoning Notes: Flavour Town, Population: You

Italian seasoning is a must for comfort food chicken recipes . A little goes a long way. For a similar flavor, mix dried oregano, basil, rosemary, and thyme.

Red pepper flakes add a subtle heat. If you're not keen, leave them out. Easy peasy! I think this is a great dump and start chicken recipe , so it works for a weeknight chicken dinner .

You can easily make some other slow cooker chicken breast recipes , or easy chicken crockpot meals with those seasonings.

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple

You don't need a kitchen full of gadgets for these crockpot chicken recipes . The essentials:

• Slow Cooker: A 6-quart slow cooker is ideal. If you want to try more one pot chicken recipes , you could get a bigger one.
• Skillet (Optional): A large skillet for searing the chicken. Searing isn't essential, but it does add a nice flavour.
• Chopping Tools: A cutting board and chef's knife.

Honestly, that's it! No need for fancy gadgets. Just the basics to get this chicken dinner ideas slow cooker on your table.

Cooking Method: Creamy Tuscan Chicken...The Lazy Way!

Oh my gosh, you guys! Let's talk about crockpot meals with chicken . Honestly, I'm all about that "set it and forget it" life.

We're making a dish so good it tastes like you spent hours slaving away, but really, it's ridiculously simple. I'm talking about slow cooker chicken recipes , the kind that makes weeknight dinners feel fancy.

If you are looking for easy chicken crockpot meals , this will be one of your favourites.

Prep Steps: Get Your Shizzle Together

This is the mise en place , darling. We need the goods ready! Chop one medium yellow onion and mince 2 cloves of garlic.

Open the 14.5 ounce can of diced tomatoes. Drain the oil from 1/2 cup of sun-dried tomatoes. Roughly chop 5 ounces of fresh spinach and you are ready to go.

Remember, a little organization goes a long way! This is where you save a ton of time. And safety first , always.

When handling raw chicken, wash your hands.

step-by-step: Dump It and Done!

1. Season 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper.
2. (Optional, but recommended) Sear the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium high heat. Brown each side for 2- 3 minutes.
3. Chuck 1 chopped yellow onion and 2 minced garlic cloves into your crockpot.
4. Add 14.5 ounce can of diced tomatoes, 1/2 cup of chicken broth, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning.
5. Place the browned (or unbrowned) chicken on top.
6. Cook on low for 4- 6 hours or high for 2- 3 hours . Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165° F ( 74° C) and shred easily.
7. Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream, 1/2 cup of Parmesan, 1/2 cup of sun-dried tomatoes, and 5 ounces of spinach. Let it sit for 15-20 more minutes for the spinach to wilt.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Crockpot Game

Want next level creamy tuscan chicken ? Sear that chicken first. Trust me, it's worth the extra five minutes. Don't overcook the chicken or it will get dry.

No one likes dry chicken. This recipe is so great as one pot chicken recipes , so it's a win-win!.

To avoid this, check the chicken is cooked through close to the end of your expected cooking time.

Alright, that's all there is to it for these dump and start chicken recipes ! This comfort food chicken recipes is going to be your new go-to for weeknight chicken dinners ! Enjoy!

Recipe Notes for Your Easy Chicken Crockpot Meals

Let's chat about making these crockpot meals with chicken extra special. You know, the little tweaks that make a good recipe great .

I've whipped up a few crockpot chicken recipes myself, so trust me, I've learned a thing or two! These notes are here to help you avoid my mistakes, which were many.

Honestly, if I’d known this before, there would have been no more dry chicken ever!

Serving Up Smiles: Plating and Sides

Plating is everything, innit? Think about how you can make this creamy tuscan chicken look banging on a plate. A swirl of balsamic glaze, a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

Serve it over some perfectly cooked pasta, like linguine. Or, if you're feeling carb conscious, try some cauliflower mash. Roasted asparagus would also be a shout.

A cheeky glass of Pinot Grigio on the side? Absolutely.

Storage Sorted: Keepin' It Fresh

Right, so you've got leftovers. Don't just shove them in a tub! Let the easy chicken crockpot meals cool completely before refrigerating in an airtight container.

It'll keep for up to 3 days. Fancy freezing it? Go for it! Thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the hob or in the microwave.

Just be aware that the sauce might split a bit. Give it a good stir, and it will be perfectly lovely.

Variations: Your Dinner, Your Rules

Want to mix things up? This recipe is super versatile. For a dairy-free version of my delicious slow cooker chicken recipes , swap the heavy cream for coconut cream.

It adds a lovely sweetness! If you’re after something a bit spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can swap the spinach for kale, just add it a little earlier so it has time to soften.

These simple weeknight chicken dinners are yours to own.

Nutrition Nuggets: Fueling Your Body

Okay, let's get a bit serious for a sec. This comfort food chicken recipes is packed with protein from the chicken and calcium from the Parmesan.

The spinach adds a boost of vitamins. Just be mindful of the heavy cream if you're watching your fat intake.

These are basically dump and start chicken recipes so you're not losing sleep over cooking a healthy meal.

So there you have it. A few extra tips and tricks to make your Creamy Tuscan Chicken a total triumph.

Enjoy, you absolute legends! And remember, even the best chefs make mistakes. The key is to learn from them. These one pot chicken recipes are perfect to impress your family, or just to make you feel better when you're feeling a bit meh.

I think it's time you start looking into slow cooker chicken breast recipes .

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I really just throw everything in the crockpot and forget about it? What's the catch?

Mostly, yes! Crockpot meals with chicken are designed for minimal fuss. The biggest "catch" is to avoid overcooking the chicken; it's best to check for doneness (internal temp of 165°F/74°C) toward the end of the suggested cook time, especially on high.

Overcooked chicken can get a bit dry, a fate worse than a soggy bottom, wouldn't you agree?

My chicken always comes out dry in the slow cooker. What am I doing wrong?

Dry chicken in a crockpot is a common problem, a real kitchen conundrum! It usually means the chicken has been cooked for too long. To combat this, try searing the chicken beforehand to lock in moisture, and use a meat thermometer to ensure you don't overcook it.

Chicken thighs are also naturally more forgiving than breasts as they have a higher fat content!

Can I adapt this recipe for other crockpot meals with chicken using different ingredients? Fancy a change, what?

Absolutely! The beauty of crockpot meals with chicken is their versatility. Feel free to swap out the Tuscan flavors for something else maybe a BBQ chicken, a spicy salsa chicken, or even a lemon herb version. Just be mindful of how different ingredients might affect the cooking time and adjust as needed.

I'm trying to eat healthier, any tips for making this crockpot chicken dish lighter?

Of course! You can easily lighten this up. Swap the heavy cream for a lighter option like half and-half or even a bit of Greek yogurt at the very end. Load up on the veggies, like adding extra spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers. Also, consider serving it over quinoa or brown rice instead of pasta for extra fiber.

How long will this crockpot chicken keep in the fridge, and can I freeze it?

Leftover creamy Tuscan chicken will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days in an airtight container. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 2-3 months. When freezing, consider portioning it out into freezer safe bags or containers for easy thawing.

Just bear in mind the sauce's texture might change slightly after freezing, but it will still be perfectly tasty!

Help! I don't have sun-dried tomatoes. What can I use instead?

No worries! If you haven't got any sun-dried tomatoes, you can use roughly chopped roasted red peppers in the recipe instead. You can also add a teaspoon of tomato paste for an added boost of tomato flavor. It won't be exactly the same, but it will definitely add some nice flavour notes!