This creamy Tuscan chicken is a rich, indulgent slow cooker dish featuring tender boneless chicken thighs simmered in a luscious garlic-Parmesan cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. Bursting with Italian flavors, this easy crock pot recipe delivers a restaurant-quality meal that pairs perfectly with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Sear the chicken first: Browning the chicken thighs before slow cooking adds a deeper, richer flavor.
- Use heavy cream for richness: Substituting with milk may result in a thinner, less creamy sauce.
- Add spinach at the end: To keep it fresh and vibrant, stir in spinach during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Don’t skip the sun-dried tomatoes: They provide a sweet, tangy depth that balances the creaminess.
- Thicken the sauce: If the sauce is too thin, mix cornstarch with water and add it during the last 30 minutes.
- Enhance with Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan gives the sauce a nutty, umami boost—don’t use pre-shredded for the best results.
- Garnish before serving: Fresh basil, parsley, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds the perfect finishing touch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This creamy Tuscan chicken is a dream come true for those who love rich, comforting meals without spending hours in the kitchen. The slow cooker does all the work, transforming boneless chicken thighs into a tender, melt-in-your-mouth dish with a creamy, garlicky Parmesan sauce. Sun-dried tomatoes bring a slightly tangy sweetness, while spinach adds a pop of freshness.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, special occasions, or meal prepping. It’s versatile, pairing beautifully with pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or even low-carb options like cauliflower rice. Plus, it reheats well, making leftovers just as delicious the next day!
Creamy Tuscan Boneless Chicken Thighs Slow Cooker Recipe
Slow cooker creamy Tuscan chicken thighs are tender, rich, and packed with Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach for an irresistible meal.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp butter
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Chop the sun-dried tomatoes, mince the garlic, and grate the Parmesan cheese for a fresher taste.
- Sear the Chicken (Optional, but Recommended): In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sear the chicken thighs for 2 minutes per side until golden brown. This step adds extra depth to the flavor.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together heavy cream, chicken broth, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Assemble in the Slow Cooker: Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker and scatter the chopped sun-dried tomatoes on top. Pour the creamy sauce over everything.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours or high for 2–3 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If a thicker sauce is desired, mix cornstarch with water and stir it into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Add the Spinach & Parmesan: Stir in the fresh spinach and Parmesan cheese during the final 10 minutes, allowing the spinach to wilt and the cheese to melt into the sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley, and serve over pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice. Enjoy every creamy, flavorful bite!
Notes
- If using bone-in chicken thighs, increase the cooking time by 30–60 minutes.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Best served with pasta, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables.
Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 461Total Fat 31gSaturated Fat 15gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 14gCholesterol 242mgSodium 806mgCarbohydrates 8gFiber 1gSugar 3gProtein 42g
The recipes and nutritional information on Crock Pot Meal are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.
Ingredient Notes
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Stay juicy and tender during slow cooking. Chicken breasts can be used but may require a shorter cook time.
- Heavy cream: Creates a rich, silky sauce. Half-and-half can be used, but avoid using milk alone.
- Chicken broth: Adds depth to the sauce without making it overly heavy.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic enhances the flavor. Don’t skimp!
- Parmesan cheese: Use freshly grated for the best taste and smooth sauce texture.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Choose oil-packed ones for a more intense flavor. If using dry-packed, rehydrate them in warm water before chopping.
- Spinach: Fresh spinach works best—frozen can be used, but drain excess water before adding.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of oregano, basil, and thyme adds classic Tuscan flavors.
- Butter: Helps create a velvety texture in the sauce.
- Cornstarch (optional): Thickens the sauce if needed.
Variations and Substitutions
- Use chicken breasts: They work well but cook faster—check for doneness at 3 hours on low.
- Make it dairy-free: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
- Add mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms bring an earthy flavor and extra heartiness.
- Spicy twist: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for heat.
- Low-carb option: Serve with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of pasta.
- Swap spinach for kale: Kale holds up well in slow cooking for a slightly different texture.
- Extra veggies: Bell peppers, asparagus, or cherry tomatoes can add more color and nutrition.
Storage Options
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Freezing: Freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Make ahead: This dish tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep!
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