Crockpot Tuscan Chicken is a delightful and easy meal that brings the heart of Italian cuisine to your dinner table, with minimal effort. This dish combines tender chicken breasts slow-cooked in a creamy sauce of cherry tomatoes, garlic, and spinach, making for a comforting meal that bursts with flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings, it’s a dish that everyone will love.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6-7 hours 15 minutes (low) or 3-4 hours 15 minutes (high)
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 470
- Protein: 39g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fat: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
Why Make This Crockpot Tuscan Chicken
If you’re looking for a simple yet delicious meal, Crockpot Tuscan Chicken is an excellent choice. It requires minimal prep time, allowing you to throw everything into the crockpot and let it work its magic. The outcome is a rich, creamy dish with succulent chicken infused with the freshness of tomatoes and spinach. It’s perfect for family dinners, parties, or meal prepping for the week ahead. The aroma that fills your kitchen as it cooks is an added bonus!
How to Make Crockpot Tuscan Chicken
Follow these easy steps and enjoy a home-cooked Italian meal without the fuss!
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup spinach, fresh
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
In a Crockpot, add the chicken breasts and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Step 2: Mixing
Add the cherry tomatoes, garlic, and spinach on top of the chicken.
Step 3: Cooking
Pour the heavy cream over the mixture and stir gently to combine. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through.
Step 4: Finishing
After cooking, stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted. Serve warm, and enjoy!
How to Serve Crockpot Tuscan Chicken
Serve your Crockpot Tuscan Chicken over a bed of rice or pasta to soak up the delicious creamy sauce. Pair it with a fresh side salad or some crusty garlic bread for a well-rounded meal that everyone will adore.
How to Store Crockpot Tuscan Chicken
Store leftover Crockpot Tuscan Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Expert Tips for Perfect Crockpot Tuscan Chicken
- If you prefer a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt for a lower fat content.
- Don’t have fresh spinach? You can use frozen spinach; just thaw and drain it before adding it to the crockpot.
- For added depth of flavor, consider sautéing the garlic in olive oil before adding the other ingredients.
- Make it a complete meal by adding bell peppers or zucchini along with the other vegetables in the crockpot.
Delicious Variations
- Pesto Tuscan Chicken: Stir in a few tablespoons of basil pesto before cooking for an aromatic twist.
- Mushroom Addition: Add sliced mushrooms to the mixture for an earthy flavor.
- Cheesy Version: Add mozzarella cheese along with the Parmesan for a gooey, cheesy finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I use frozen chicken breasts? Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but be sure to adjust the cooking time as they may take longer to cook through.
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Can I prepare this dish the night before? Absolutely! You can prepare all the ingredients and store them in the refrigerator overnight. Just add them to the Crockpot in the morning and let it cook.
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What can I use instead of Italian seasoning? You can use a blend of dried oregano, basil, and thyme as a substitute for Italian seasoning.
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Is this dish gluten-free? Yes, all the ingredients listed are gluten-free, making it a perfect option for those with dietary restrictions.
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How can I make this dish spicier? Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture for some heat.
Conclusion
Crockpot Tuscan Chicken is a comforting and delicious dish that is straightforward to prepare and sure to please. The creamy sauce and flavorful chicken make it a standout meal that you can enjoy any night of the week. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a meal prep for the busy week ahead, you’ll love the ease and taste of this recipe. So gather your ingredients, set your Crockpot, and soon you’ll have a warm and satisfying meal ready to enjoy!
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Crockpot Tuscan Chicken
- Author: lydia
- Total Time: 375 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A delightful and easy meal featuring tender chicken breasts slow-cooked in a creamy sauce of cherry tomatoes, garlic, and spinach.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil
Instructions
- In a Crockpot, add the chicken breasts and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Add the cherry tomatoes, garlic, and spinach on top of the chicken.
- Pour the heavy cream over the mixture and stir gently to combine. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through.
- After cooking, stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
Serve over rice or pasta to soak up the creamy sauce. Pair with a fresh side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 360 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 39g
- Cholesterol: 90mg