Name: Crockpot Tuscan Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-487469H53M22S
Total time: PT-487469H53M22S
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 6-8 boneless skinless chicken thighs; 3 garlic cloves, chopped; 1/2 tsp red chili flakes; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper; 1 Tbsp oil; 3 Tbsp butter, divided; 1.5 cups cream; 1/2 cup chicken stock (optional); 3/4 to 1 cup Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped or cut into strips; 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning; 3-4 cups spinach, packed

Jump to Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with Crockpot Tuscan Chicken—a dish brimming with irresistible Italian flavors and an ultra-creamy sauce that tastes like pure comfort. Imagine tender chicken thighs laced with garlic, sundried tomatoes, and bursts of spinach, all slowly cooked to perfection. This is the kind of meal that feels special enough for company, but simple enough for any night of the week. Whether you’re a busy parent or just craving a hearty, delicious dinner, Crockpot Tuscan Chicken is about to become your go-to recipe.

Crockpot Tuscan Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The charm of Crockpot Tuscan Chicken lies in its straightforward, flavorful ingredients. Each component has a starring role: chicken brings succulence, sundried tomatoes and spinach add pops of color and nutrients, and the creamy Parmesan sauce ties everything together.

Boneless skinless chicken thighs (6-8): Opt for thighs for maximum tenderness and flavor; they soak up the creamy sauce fantastically.
Garlic cloves (3, chopped): Fresh garlic infuses the dish with authentic Italian aroma and depth.
Butter (3 Tbsp, divided): Adds rich flavor and silkiness to both the chicken and the sauce.
Cream (1.5 cups): Brings gorgeous creaminess—use heavy cream for best results.
Chicken stock (½ cup, optional): Boosts the sauce’s savory backbone; use more cream if you skip it.
Parmesan cheese (¾ to 1 cup): For a nutty, salty kick and perfect thickening power.
Sundried tomatoes (½ cup, chopped or strips): Give tangy-sweet bursts of flavor and a Mediterranean vibe.
Italian seasoning (1 Tbsp): An easy way to layer in herbs and bring all the flavors together.
Spinach (3-4 cups, packed): Adds freshness, color, and a healthy green note right at the end.
Red chili flakes (½ tsp): Give just enough heat to keep things interesting without overwhelming.
Salt (½ tsp): Essential for bringing out all the natural flavors in every bite.
Freshly cracked black pepper (½ tsp): For savoriness and just a hint of warmth.
Oil (1 Tbsp): Helps achieve that lovely golden sear on the chicken during the first step.

How to Make Crockpot Tuscan Chicken

Step 1: Season & Sear the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken thighs dry and seasoning generously with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of red chili flakes. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, lay the chicken pieces in and let them sizzle undisturbed for 5-6 minutes—this builds delicious caramelization and depth. Flip the chicken and cook another 3-4 minutes, then transfer directly to your crockpot.

Step 2: Build the Sauce

In the same pan, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons butter, scraping up those flavor-packed brown bits. Add chopped garlic and sauté for 30 to 40 seconds—just until fragrant and golden. Pour in the cream and chicken stock, then let it come to a gentle simmer for about 3-4 minutes. Stir in all that glorious Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, cooking another minute as everything melds into a luscious sauce. Toss in the sundried tomatoes and cook one more minute for extra depth.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Pour this rich, creamy sauce over your seared chicken in the crockpot, covering everything evenly. Pop the lid on and cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours or LOW for 6-8 hours. The slow heat melds all those Italian flavors while keeping your chicken meltingly tender.

Step 4: Add the Spinach

About 10-15 minutes before you’re ready to serve, uncover the crockpot and stir in the packed spinach leaves. Give it a good mix so the greens wilt right into the warm sauce, adding a beautiful pop of color and fresh flavor.

Step 5: Final Seasoning

Taste and adjust the dish with a pinch of salt, pepper, and more red chili flakes if you like a little extra zip. Give everything one final, gentle stir so the flavors are balanced and vibrant before serving.

How to Serve Crockpot Tuscan Chicken

Garnishes

Dress up your Crockpot Tuscan Chicken with a shower of freshly grated Parmesan, a scatter of fresh basil or parsley, or a dusting of black pepper. These finishing touches make the dish pop both visually and flavor-wise.

Side Dishes

This dish absolutely begs for a side that’ll soak up its luscious sauce. Serve over rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or thick strands of fettuccine. For lighter fare, try a crisp green salad or roasted asparagus on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

Crockpot Tuscan Chicken is perfect for entertaining: serve straight from the crockpot at the table for rustic charm, or spoon individual portions over toasted garlic bread rounds for a fun appetizer. You can even shred leftover chicken and fold it into cooked pasta or rice for an easy next-day meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Crockpot Tuscan Chicken keeps wonderfully in the fridge! Allow everything to cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. The flavors only deepen as they rest, making it a fantastic option for meal prep.

Freezing

This dish also freezes well. Once completely cooled, transfer to freezer-safe containers (or heavy-duty zip bags) and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the Crockpot Tuscan Chicken gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring until hot and bubbly. If the sauce seems a bit thick, splash in a little cream or milk to loosen it up. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work in Crockpot Tuscan Chicken, but they may cook a little faster and can dry out if overcooked. Keep an eye on the timing and consider checking for doneness a bit earlier.

Is it necessary to sear the chicken before slow cooking?

While you can skip the searing step to save time, browning the chicken first builds a richer flavor and gives the finished dish a more appealing texture. It’s truly worth the few extra minutes.

How spicy is this dish?

Crockpot Tuscan Chicken is mildly spicy thanks to the red chili flakes, but you’re in control! Feel free to use more or less, or omit them for a completely mild dish.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can try swapping in your favorite non-dairy cream and cheese alternatives. Coconut cream and vegan Parmesan-style cheese can work, though the flavor will be different from the traditional version.

Can I add other vegetables?

Of course! Mushrooms, artichoke hearts, or even roasted red peppers make wonderful additions. Just be mindful of adding them at the right time so they don’t get too soft in the crockpot.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a meal that’s as effortless as it is impressive, Crockpot Tuscan Chicken is your answer. Its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and bold Italian flavors are always a hit. Don’t be surprised if it finds a permanent spot in your dinner rotation—give it a try and savor every bite!

Crockpot Tuscan Chicken Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 23 reviews

Author: Jack
Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes (crockpot) / 40 minutes (Instant Pot)
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Crockpot Tuscan Chicken recipe is a flavorful and creamy dish that is easy to prepare in both a slow cooker and an Instant Pot. Tender chicken thighs are cooked in a rich sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, Parmesan cheese, and a blend of Italian seasonings.

Instructions

Season and Sear the Chicken: Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and red chili flakes. Sear the chicken in a pan with oil and 1 Tbsp of butter.
Prepare the Sauce: In the same pan, sauté garlic in remaining butter. Add cream, chicken stock, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and sun-dried tomatoes.
Cook in Crockpot: Pour the sauce over chicken in the crockpot and cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours or LOW for 6-8 hours.
Add Spinach: Stir in spinach and cook until wilted.
Final Seasoning: Season chicken with salt, pepper, and red chili flakes.
Sear in Instant Pot: Sear chicken in Instant Pot.
Prepare Sauce in Instant Pot: Make the sauce in the Instant Pot with garlic, cream, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and sun-dried tomatoes.
Combine and Pressure Cook: Return chicken to the sauce, pressure cook, then sauté spinach.