Creamy Tuscan Chicken in the Crockpot

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy an easy chicken crockpot dinners that tastes like you've slaved away all day? This recipe is about to become your new best mate.

This dish is packed with creamy, garlicky, Tuscan flavors!

Brief Overview

This creamy tuscan chicken crockpot recipe hails from a love of Italian comfort food. It's perfect for a cozy night in.

It’s easy with minimal prep, ideal for busy bees. Yields about 6 servings perfect for a family dinner or meal prepping.

Main Benefits

Spinach adds a sneaky dose of iron. This recipe is spot on for easy weeknight chicken dinners crockpot . What makes it so special? It’s basically a hug in a bowl.

Getting Started with Tuscan Crockpot Magic

Have you ever come home after a long day thinking, "I can't be bothered to cook"? Same here, mate! That's where slow cooker chicken recipes easy like this one come in clutch.

Honestly, dump and start chicken crockpot meals are my go-to for stress free evenings.

This recipe is a real crowd pleaser. Even the fussiest eaters will be begging for more. It's a fantastic way to get some greens into your diet, too.

Plus, the flavors meld together beautifully in the slow cooker. It is easy to achieve perfection with a chicken thigh crockpot recipes

What Makes This Recipe a Winner?

This isn't just any easy crockpot chicken dinners , it's a taste of Tuscany without the airfare. The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and creamy sauce creates a symphony of flavors.

Plus, the slow cooker does all the work! You just bung everything in, set it, and forget it.

It also makes it very good for crockpot chicken recipes for beginners . Trust me; it's almost impossible to mess this up.

It’s all about embracing simple steps for maximum flavor. The best part? The aroma that fills your house while it's cooking.

You know, even thinking about it makes me hungry.

Ingredients You'll Need

Alright, let's talk ingredients. You'll need chicken thighs, of course. I prefer them over chicken breasts in this slow cooker tuscan chicken thighs recipe because they stay so juicy and tender.

Also, grab some sun-dried tomatoes. Those add a serious flavor punch.

Don't forget the spinach, garlic, and cream. A little Parmesan cheese is also perfect. And, if you are feeling a bit cheeky, you might as well prepare the tuscan chicken pasta crockpot recipe , you know? You can always switch crockpot chicken and spinach recipes to taste.

Ingredients & Equipment: Your Arsenal for Easy Chicken Crockpot Dinners

Right then, let’s talk about what you’ll need for these easy chicken crockpot dinners . No need to panic, it's all pretty standard stuff.

Trust me, if I can do it, anyone can. These chicken thigh crockpot recipes are genuinely fool proof.

Main Ingredients for Tuscan Delight

Here's what you need. Don't skimp on quality where it counts especially the sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan!

• 2.5 lbs (1.1 kg) boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Look for thighs that are plump and pink. Avoid any that look pale or feel slimy.
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil. Extra virgin is best!
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced. Fresh is always better.
• 1 (14.5 oz) (411g) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (4 oz) (113g) jar sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped. The ones packed in oil are delicious; feel free to use a little of that oil in the recipe.
• 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth.
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream.
• 1/4 cup (30g) grated Parmesan cheese. Go for proper Parmigiano Reggiano if you can!
• 5 oz (142g) fresh spinach, roughly chopped.
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning.
• 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste).
• 1/4 tsp black pepper (adjust to taste).
• Optional: Red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. I like a little kick.

Seasoning Secrets: Tuscan Magic

The beauty of this creamy tuscan chicken crockpot recipe lies in its simplicity. Italian seasoning is your friend here. Think oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary all in one.

If you want to be fancy, add a bay leaf or two to the slow cooker tuscan chicken thighs while they cook.

Remember, taste as you go! Salt and pepper are key, but don't be shy with the herbs. For substitutions, oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary are a win.

Essential Equipment: Keep It Simple

Here are some slow cooker chicken recipes easy , and the tools don't need to be complicated.

• 6-quart (5.7-liter) or larger slow cooker (crockpot). This is the star of the show.
• Large skillet (for searing, optional). A good non-stick pan does the trick.
• Measuring cups and spoons. Obvious, right?
• Cutting board.
• Knife.

No need for anything fancy! If you don't have a skillet, you can skip the searing step, and the dump and start chicken crockpot meals still taste amazing.

So, that's the plan! With these simple ingredients and equipment, easy weeknight chicken dinners crockpot are totally within reach! And don't forget, crockpot chicken recipes for beginners are a great way to get started with slow cooking.

If you want other crockpot chicken and spinach recipes besides this one, I have a few more listed on my site, including a tuscan chicken pasta crockpot recipe .

Cooking Method: Creamy Tuscan Chicken Crockpot Magic

Alright, let's talk easy chicken crockpot dinners ! I mean, who doesn't love a dish where you basically chuck everything in and let the magic happen? Honestly, these types of meals are my saviour on busy weeknights.

This Creamy Tuscan Chicken is total comfort food, pure and simple.

Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row

Essential mise en place is key. Chop your onion and garlic. Measure out your sun-dried tomatoes, and roughly chop that spinach.

It sounds posh, but really just means having everything ready before you start. You know? For easy crockpot chicken dinners , a little prep goes a long way.

For time saving, I often chop veggies the night before. Pop them in a container, and boom, it's done! Safety wise, remember to wash your chicken and work surfaces.

Salmonella is not invited to dinner.

step-by-step: Tuscan Chicken Time!

1. (Optional) Sear the Chicken: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium high heat. Brown the 2.5 lbs chicken thighs on both sides. This gives a lovely colour and flavour, but it's skippable.
2. Crockpot Base: Pop the chopped 1 medium yellow onion and 2 cloves minced garlic into the bottom of the crockpot.
3. Chicken on Top: Arrange the chicken thighs on top of the onion and garlic.
4. Sauce Time: Pour in the 14.5 oz can of diced tomatoes , 4 oz sun-dried tomatoes , 1 cup chicken broth , 1 tsp Italian seasoning , 1/2 tsp salt , and 1/4 tsp black pepper . Stir gently.
5. Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low for 6- 8 hours or high for 3- 4 hours . Chicken should easily shred with a fork, and reach an internal temperature of 165° F ( 74° C) .
6. Creamy Finish: Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream , 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese , and 5 oz spinach . Cook for 15- 20 minutes , or until spinach wilts.

Pro Tips for Crockpot Greatness

Searing the chicken really bumps up the flavour of this slow cooker tuscan chicken thighs . Don't skip it if you can.

A common mistake is overcooking the chicken. Keep an eye on it! You want it tender, not dry. Also, taste the sauce near the end and adjust seasoning.

Now, who wants to try some creamy tuscan chicken crockpot today?

If you're feeling adventurous, try using chicken thigh crockpot recipes . They're so tender! This recipe also works great as dump and start chicken crockpot meals , perfect for busy bees! I’ve even tried adding a bit of mascarpone at the end for extra richness total game changer!

You could even chuck in some artichoke hearts too! Honestly, this is one of those slow cooker chicken recipes easy enough for anyone to try.

You can even adapt it into a tuscan chicken pasta crockpot recipe by stirring in cooked pasta at the end.

I sometimes add a handful of cherry tomatoes too. Give it a go.

Alright, let's chat about making the most of these easy chicken crockpot dinners . We're talking proper comfort food here, and a few tweaks can really elevate it, you know? Think about it like this: are we going full-on Sunday roast vibes, or are we keeping it light and breezy for a casual weeknight?

Recipe Notes

Here are some pointers to make this creamy tuscan chicken crockpot recipe a roaring success. I've cooked my fair share of slow cooker chicken recipes easy , and trust me, a few simple things can make all the difference! I reckon after trying a couple of my easy crockpot chicken dinners you will be coming back for more!

Serving Like a Pro

• Plating and Presentation Ideas: This tuscan chicken pasta crockpot recipe looks stunning over pasta. A sprinkle of fresh basil and a generous grating of Parmesan make it Instagram worthy. For a rustic touch, serve it in a shallow bowl with a side of crusty bread. If you're feeling fancy, try polenta instead of pasta.
• Complementary Sides or Beverages: Honestly, a crisp side salad cuts through the richness beautifully. A glass of chilled Pinot Grigio or even a cheeky rosé goes down a treat with this dish. And don’t forget the garlic bread for sopping up that amazing sauce!

Super Storage Tips

• Refrigeration Guidelines: Leftovers will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days in an airtight container. Perfect for lunch the next day, right?
• Freezing Options (if applicable): This freezes surprisingly well! Pop it in a freezer safe container for up to 3 months . I portion it out for individual meals makes those easy weeknight chicken dinners crockpot even easier.
• Reheating Instructions: Reheat gently in a saucepan over medium heat, or in the microwave. If the sauce seems a bit thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water.

Variations Galore

• Dietary Adaptations: Want a lighter version? Use half and-half instead of heavy cream. For gluten-free, serve over rice or quinoa. If you're watching the calories, you can experiment with chicken thigh crockpot recipes and use chicken breasts instead.
• Seasonal Ingredient Swaps: In the summer, try adding some fresh zucchini or bell peppers. In the autumn, butternut squash or mushrooms would be lovely. I have tried crockpot chicken and spinach recipes with kale and is a delight too.

Nutrition De-Stressed

• Simplified Nutrition Information: Each serving is roughly 450 calories. It's a good source of protein, but remember it is fairly high in fat due to the cream. Remember, this is an estimate, so feel free to adjust ingredient amounts!
• Key Health Benefits: Chicken is packed with protein, which is essential for muscle building. Spinach is full of vitamins and minerals. While the creamy sauce might not be a health food, it sure does make you happy!

So there you have it a few tips and tricks to make your dump and start chicken crockpot meals even better.

Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own! Happy cooking!