If you’re looking for a simple and tasty dinner idea, slow cooker Tuscan chicken is a great choice. It’s a hands-off meal that gives you tender chicken in a creamy sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan cheese. You just add everything to the slow cooker, and it slowly cooks to bring out rich, comforting flavors.
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You don’t need to spend time standing over the stove or worry about complicated steps. This recipe is perfect if you want a warm, hearty meal ready by dinnertime with very little prep. Plus, it pairs well with pasta or rice for a complete dish your whole family will enjoy.
Related Recipe: Easy Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage
How to Make Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken
Making Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken involves using simple ingredients and a few clear steps. You’ll learn what to gather first, how to prepare and cook the dish, and ways to make sure the chicken turns out tender and flavorful every time.
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Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Recipe
Servings: 4–6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4–6 hours (low) or 2–3 hours (high)
Total Time: Up to 6 hours
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for extra tenderness)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped)
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Lightly season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for about 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. This step locks in flavor but can be skipped if you’re in a hurry.
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Place the seared chicken in the bottom of the slow cooker.
Add minced garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach over the chicken.
In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes until smooth.
Pour the creamy mixture evenly over the chicken and vegetables.
Cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours or high for 2–3 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through.
Once done, stir the sauce gently to combine all the flavors and wilt the spinach completely.
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Tips for Perfect Texture and Flavor
Use chicken thighs if you want juicier, tender meat. They stay moist better in slow cooking.
Don’t add cream too early. Adding it at the end keeps it from curdling or breaking in the slow cooker.
If you brown the chicken first, you’ll get deeper flavor, but skipping that step saves time.
For creamier sauce, stir in the Parmesan slowly and make sure the heat is low near the end to avoid clumping.
Fresh spinach works best. Add it last so it doesn’t overcook and lose its bright color.
Serving and Storage Ideas
You can make Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken a complete meal by pairing it with the right sides. Storing leftovers properly helps keep the flavors fresh and makes future meals easy. There are also fun ways to use any extra chicken to keep your dinners exciting.
Best Side Dishes
Pair your Tuscan chicken with simple, tasty sides that soak up the creamy sauce. Pasta, like fettuccine or penne, works great and adds a comforting touch. Rice or creamy mashed potatoes also match well and help balance the richness.
For a lighter side, try steamed or sautéed vegetables like green beans, broccoli, or roasted asparagus. Crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the sauce. A fresh salad with lemon vinaigrette adds brightness and contrasts the creamy chicken nicely.
Creative Leftover Recipes
Use your leftovers in different dishes to avoid boredom. Shred the chicken and mix it into a warm pasta bake for an easy, comforting meal. You can also stuff it into a wrap with spinach and a sprinkle of Parmesan for a quick lunch.
Another idea is to add the chicken and sauce over baked potatoes or use it as a topping for pizza with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. These options make your leftovers feel new while saving you time in the kitchen.
Follow my Slow Cooker recipes board on Pinterest.