If you’re looking for a dish that’s bursting with flavor and fits seamlessly into your busy lifestyle, then you absolutely need to try my slow cooker Tuscan chicken! This dish is a delightful mix of tender chicken, rich tomatoes, and aromatic Italian spices that will transport your taste buds straight to Italy. Plus, the best part? You can set it and forget it! Just toss everything in your slow cooker, let it work its magic, and return home to a warm, creamy meal that’s ready to impress. Trust me, this Tuscan chicken is not just a recipe; it’s a cozy hug in a bowl that you’ll want to make again and again!
Ingredients List
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup chicken broth, low sodium preferred
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (because garlic makes everything better!)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken
Making this slow cooker Tuscan chicken is a breeze, and I can’t wait to share how easy it is! Let’s dive into the steps that’ll lead you to a creamy, dreamy dinner.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, place the 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts directly into the slow cooker. Make sure they’re spread out a bit so everything cooks evenly.
- Next, pour in the undrained can of diced tomatoes along with the chicken broth and minced garlic. This is where the magic begins to happen!
- Sprinkle the Italian seasoning over the top and season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a gentle stir to combine, but don’t worry about mixing everything perfectly.
- Now, cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Just let it do its thing while you go about your day!
- About 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, stir in the heavy cream and chopped spinach. This adds that luscious creaminess and vibrant color.
- Finally, when it’s all cooked and you’re ready to serve, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top for that extra flavor boost. Wow, you’re going to love it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation: Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic!
- Rich and creamy flavor: The combination of heavy cream, Parmesan, and spices creates a mouthwatering sauce you’ll crave.
- Healthy ingredients: Packed with protein from the chicken and nutrients from spinach, it’s a wholesome dish.
- Perfect for meal prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week—it’s even better the next day!
- Kid-friendly: The creamy sauce and tender chicken make it a hit with little ones and adults alike.
- Versatile: Serve it over pasta, rice, or even on its own for a deliciously satisfying meal.
Tips for Success
To make your slow cooker Tuscan chicken absolutely perfect, here are some of my favorite tips! First off, don’t skip the seasoning—salt and pepper can make all the difference, so taste as you go! Also, if you want to amp up the flavor, consider searing the chicken breasts in a pan before adding them to the slow cooker; it adds a lovely depth to the dish. And remember, every slow cooker is different, so check your chicken towards the end of cooking to ensure it’s tender and juicy without overcooking. If you love a bit of heat, toss in some red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. Lastly, don’t forget to let the dish sit for a few minutes before serving; it helps the flavors meld together beautifully. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Variations
One of the best things about my slow cooker Tuscan chicken is how adaptable it is! Feel free to mix things up and make it your own. For a different flavor profile, try adding sun-dried tomatoes or artichoke hearts for an extra punch of Italian flair. If you want to sneak in more veggies, throw in some bell peppers or zucchini—both add great texture and taste! You can also switch up the cheese; mozzarella or feta would be fantastic alternatives to Parmesan. Don’t forget to play with spices, too! A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can add a spicy kick, or you could use fresh herbs like basil or oregano for a vibrant twist. Let your creativity shine, and enjoy exploring the delicious possibilities!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. The estimated nutritional information for one serving of slow cooker Tuscan chicken is approximately 450 calories, with 40g of protein and 30g of fat. For the most accurate assessment, I recommend checking the labels of your ingredients. Enjoy this delicious meal with confidence, knowing it’s both tasty and nourishing!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your leftover slow cooker Tuscan chicken is super easy! Just let it cool down to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days, perfect for those busy weeknights when you want a quick meal! If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to use freezer-safe containers or bags, squeezing out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
When it comes to reheating, you can simply warm it up in the microwave until heated through, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. If you prefer, you can reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep it nice and creamy. Enjoy those delicious leftovers!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can! Just add an extra hour to the cooking time if you’re using frozen chicken. It will be just as delicious!
What can I serve with slow cooker Tuscan chicken?
This dish pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or even a nice crusty bread to soak up that amazing sauce. You can also serve it over a bed of quinoa for a healthier twist!
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to toss in some bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition. Just keep in mind that delicate veggies like spinach should be added later in the cooking process.
How do I store leftovers?
Transfer any leftover Tuscan chicken to an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days. It’s perfect for quick meals throughout the week!
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for that cheesy flavor without the dairy.
For a delicious side dish, try creamy garlic Parmesan pasta.
Print
Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken: 5 Ingredients for Blissful Flavor
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A flavorful slow cooker dish featuring chicken, tomatoes, and Italian spices.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup spinach
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
- Add diced tomatoes, chicken broth, garlic, and Italian seasoning.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Stir in heavy cream and spinach in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese before serving.
Notes
- Serve with pasta or rice for a complete meal.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste.
- This dish can be made ahead and reheated.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: slow cooker tuscan chicken, chicken recipe, italian chicken
