Crock Pot Tuscan Garlic Chicken

Imagine tender, juicy chicken simmering in a rich, aromatic sauce infused with the warmth of garlic and the bright flavors of sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. Crock Pot Tuscan Garlic Chicken brings the rustic flavors of Tuscany straight to your dinner table with minimal effort. This creamy, comforting slow cooker masterpiece transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal while you go about your day. You’ll learn how to create this impressive Italian-inspired dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights yet elegant enough for special occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

CrockPot Tuscan Garlic Chicken is the epitome of fuss-free gourmet cooking. The slow cooking method allows the chicken to become incredibly tender, practically melting in your mouth with each bite. The contrast between the succulent chicken and the silky, garlic-infused cream sauce creates a textural symphony that’s utterly satisfying.

What makes this dish truly special is how the flavors develop and meld together over hours of gentle cooking. The pungent garlic mellows into a sweet, nutty backdrop, while the sun-dried tomatoes add pops of intense flavor against the creamy sauce. The bright green spinach not only adds nutritional value but provides a fresh counterpoint to the richness of the dish.

Best of all, this recipe follows the “set it and forget it” philosophy that makes slow cooker meals so appealing. With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can walk away and return to a home filled with irresistible aromas and a dinner that tastes like you’ve been cooking all day.

Ingredients

For this Crock Pot Tuscan Garlic Chicken, you’ll need:

• 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 6 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
• 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• ⅔ cup (85g) sun-dried tomatoes, julienned (oil-packed, drained)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 4 cups (120g) fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• ¾ cup (75g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• 2 tablespoons cold water (optional, for thickening)

The heavy cream is crucial for creating that velvety Tuscan garlic sauce, while oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes offer more flavor than their dry counterparts. Use fresh spinach rather than frozen for the best texture and appearance.

Pro Tips

Control moisture for maximum flavor: Pat your chicken breasts dry with paper towels before adding them to the slow cooker. This simple step prevents excess liquid from diluting your rich Tuscan garlic sauce.

Develop deeper flavor with a quick sear: For an extra dimension of flavor, take a few minutes to brown the chicken breasts in a hot skillet before adding them to the crockpot. This optional step creates a beautiful caramelization that enhances the overall taste profile of your CrockPot Tuscan Garlic Chicken.

Perfect your sauce consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, don’t add the cornstarch mixture at the beginning of cooking. Instead, during the last 30 minutes, whisk together 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the crockpot. This prevents the sauce from breaking down during the long cooking process and gives you that ideal creamy texture that clings beautifully to the chicken.

Instructions

Step 1

Place the chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of your 6-quart slow cooker. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. This creates a foundation of flavor before the other ingredients are added.

Step 2

Scatter the minced garlic evenly over the chicken, then arrange the julienned sun-dried tomatoes around and on top of the meat. The garlic will infuse the entire dish as it cooks, while the tomatoes will slowly release their intense flavor.

Step 3

Pour the chicken broth around the edges of the slow cooker (not directly on the chicken to avoid washing off seasonings), then sprinkle the Italian seasoning over everything. Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 4

When the chicken is cooked through, remove it temporarily to a plate and cover to keep warm. Don’t worry about shredding it yet – we’ll return to it shortly!

Step 5

Turn the slow cooker to HIGH (if it wasn’t already) and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. If you’d like a thicker sauce, now’s the time to add that cornstarch slurry. Let the sauce cook for about 15 minutes to thicken slightly.

Step 6

Return the chicken to the slow cooker and add the chopped fresh spinach, gently pushing it into the sauce. Cover and cook for another 10-15 minutes until the spinach is wilted and the chicken is reheated.

Step 7

Before serving your CrockPot Tuscan Garlic Chicken, taste the sauce and adjust seasonings as needed. For a more elegant presentation, transfer to a serving platter and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you enjoy a hint of heat.

Variations

Tuscan Garlic Chicken with Pasta: Transform this dish into a complete one-pot meal by adding 8 ounces of cooked fettuccine or penne pasta to the slow cooker during the last 10 minutes of cooking. The pasta will absorb some of the luscious garlic sauce, creating an even more satisfying dinner.

Dairy-Free Tuscan Chicken: Create a dairy-free version by replacing the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and omitting the Parmesan cheese. Add a tablespoon of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy. The result is still creamy and delicious with all the signature Tuscan garlic chicken flavors.

Spicy Tuscan Garlic Chicken: For those who enjoy some heat, add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes along with the Italian seasoning, and stir in 2 tablespoons of diced pickled jalapeños with the sun-dried tomatoes. This creates a subtle warmth that complements the garlic and cream beautifully.

Storage and Serving

Crock Pot Tuscan Garlic Chicken stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually continue to develop overnight, making leftovers even more delicious. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or microwave at 50% power to prevent the cream sauce from separating.

For an elegant presentation, serve this creamy garlic chicken over freshly cooked pasta such as pappardelle or fettuccine. The wide noodles provide the perfect vehicle for capturing the luxurious sauce. Alternatively, pair it with fluffy mashed potatoes or creamy polenta for an extra comforting meal.

To create a complete Tuscan-inspired dinner, accompany your slow cooker garlic chicken with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil, and some warm crusty bread for soaking up every last drop of that magnificent sauce.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this Tuscan garlic chicken?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe and often result in even more tender meat. The cooking time remains about the same.

Can I make Tuscan garlic chicken ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare all ingredients up to the point of cooking up to 24 hours ahead. Store the prepped ingredients in separate containers in the refrigerator, then combine in the slow cooker when ready to cook.

Why did my cream sauce curdle?
Curdling typically happens when cream is added too early in the cooking process. Always add the heavy cream during the last 30 minutes to 1 hour of cooking time to prevent separation.

Can I freeze leftovers of this crockpot chicken?
While you can freeze it, cream-based sauces may separate slightly upon thawing. Reheat gently and whisk to recombine for the best results.

What can I substitute for sun-dried tomatoes?
If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, you can use 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes or 1 can of drained, diced tomatoes. The flavor profile will be different but still delicious.

Conclusion

This Crock Pot Tuscan Garlic Chicken is comfort food at its finest — a creamy, aromatic blend of tender chicken, sweet garlic, and vibrant vegetables that come together in a dish that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day. It’s the kind of dish that makes ordinary weeknights special while requiring minimal effort from you. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, transforming simple ingredients into something truly memorable. Whether you’re serving family or guests, this Tuscan-inspired creation delivers restaurant-quality flavor right from your kitchen, proving once again that the most satisfying meals often come from the simplest cooking methods.

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