Description
Creamy “crockpot tuscan chicken” brings Italian countryside comfort straight to kitchen tables with minimal effort. Hearty herb-infused sauce and tender chicken promise a delightful dinner you won’t soon forget.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Seasonings and Spices:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Liquid and Dairy Components:
- 8.5 ounces (240 grams) sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped (1 jar)
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) low-sodium chicken stock
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup baby spinach, chopped
- Fresh parsley or basil, optional for garnish
Instructions
- Lightly coat the interior of the slow cooker with cooking spray to ensure easy cleanup and prevent ingredient adhesion.
- Nestle chicken breasts into the bottom of the cooking vessel, then generously dust with aromatic garlic, robust Italian herbs, and a balanced blend of salt and pepper.
- Gently cascade sun-dried tomatoes and rich chicken broth around the seasoned protein, creating a flavorful liquid base.
- Secure the lid and allow the culinary magic to unfold, slow-cooking on high temperature for approximately 4 hours or on low setting for 6-7 hours until the chicken reaches perfect tenderness.
- Carefully extract the cooked chicken and transfer to a separate plate, preserving its juiciness. Transform the remaining liquid into a luxurious sauce by whisking in velvety heavy cream and aged Parmesan cheese.
- Fold fresh spinach leaves into the creamy mixture, letting them gently wilt and release their vibrant green color and nutrients.
- Reunite the chicken with the silky sauce, allowing the flavors to meld for a few moments. Optional: Embellish with delicate fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a final touch of elegance.
Notes
- Prep Ahead: Marinate chicken in Italian seasoning overnight for deeper flavor infusion.
- Dairy-Free Modification: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a lighter, plant-based alternative.
- Protein Boost: Add white beans or chickpeas during the last hour of cooking to increase protein content.
- Low-Sodium Option: Use low-sodium chicken stock and reduce added salt for heart-friendly preparation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-7 hours
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 45 g
- Saturated Fat: 25 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 45 g
- Cholesterol: 180 mg