Name: Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-487920H42M36S
Total time: 5 h 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs (trimmed of excess fat); 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; 6 large cloves fresh garlic (peeled and crushed); 1/2 cup sliced sundried tomatoes (drained); 1/4 cup chicken stock; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 1 cup freshly-grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving); 3 cups baby spinach leaves (coarsely chopped); 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves (for garnish)

Jump to Recipe

There’s no better way to end a busy day than coming home to a colorful, aromatic meal, and this Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Recipe fits the bill perfectly. Juicy chicken thighs soak up all the flavors of garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and just enough spices, while the creamy Parmesan sauce and a burst of fresh basil make every bite irresistible. Whether you’re cooking for family, entertaining friends, or treating yourself, this dish delivers comforting Italian-inspired flavors with almost no effort required.

Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Recipe proves that exceptional flavor comes from simple ingredients. Each component contributes something special—color from the spinach and sundried tomatoes, richness from the cream and cheese, and a medley of savory spices for depth. Here’s your flavor-packed lineup:

Extra-virgin olive oil: A drizzle at the bottom of the slow cooker keeps everything moist and brings a subtle richness to the chicken.
Boneless skinless chicken thighs: These turn wonderfully tender and juicy during the slow cook; trimming excess fat prevents your sauce from becoming oily.
Dried Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that instantly infuses the dish with classic Tuscan herb flavors.
Salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors into sharp focus.
Black pepper: A must-have for subtle heat and background spice.
Crushed red pepper flakes: A dash adds that extra warmth and a pleasant edge—feel free to adjust according to your heat preference.
Fresh garlic: Six big cloves ensure your kitchen smells wonderful and your sauce sings with punchy flavor.
Sundried tomatoes (drained): They add tang, chew, and a pop of vibrant color—make sure they’re well-drained to keep the sauce perfectly creamy.
Chicken stock: This brings moisture and a savory backbone, amplifying all the other flavors as it blends with the cooking juices.
Heavy whipping cream: Here’s where it gets gloriously creamy—the base for your luscious sauce.
Freshly-grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a beautiful nutty, salty finish, and melts into the sauce like a dream; save extra for serving!
Baby spinach leaves (coarsely chopped): Just a quick stir-in at the end for fresh, green color and an easy veggie boost.
Fresh basil leaves (for garnish): Bright, fragrant basil tops it all off with a vibrant, garden-fresh touch.

How to Make Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Layer and Season the Chicken

Start by drizzling extra-virgin olive oil in the bottom of your slow cooker. Place the chicken thighs in a single, even layer so that every piece gets a chance to soak up flavor from the bottom up. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes across the chicken. Toss in your crushed garlic cloves and scatter the sundried tomatoes over the top. Drizzle chicken stock evenly to help everything meld together as it cooks.

Step 2: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and set it on LOW for 5 to 6 hours or HIGH for 3 to 4 hours. The chicken will slowly tenderize, soaking in all those wonderful Mediterranean flavors and building a naturally flavorful base for the creamy sauce later on.

Step 3: Finish with Cream, Cheese, and Greens

Once the chicken is cooked through and tender, remove the lid. Turn the heat to HIGH and stir in the heavy cream, freshly-grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped baby spinach. Stir just until the spinach wilts—this usually takes about a minute. The cheese should melt into the sauce, making it rich and silky with flecks of green for a beautiful presentation.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

This is the moment when your Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Recipe comes alive. Spoon the creamy chicken onto plates or bowls and shower with lots of fresh basil and even more Parmesan for good measure. Enjoy every savory, sun-kissed bite!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

Don’t underestimate the impact of a handful of fresh basil and a generous shaving of extra Parmesan! These fresh touches add brightness and give each serving of your Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Recipe a true restaurant-quality finish. For an extra pop, try a twist of black pepper or a drizzle of olive oil.

Side Dishes

The creamy sauce begs to be served with crusty bread, garlic toast, or a big swirl of buttered pasta. For a lighter pairing, go for fluffy rice, quinoa, or even a side of garlic green beans. This dish adapts beautifully to whatever’s in your pantry, making it endlessly versatile.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the chicken over a bed of creamy polenta for a rustic, comforting meal. For a more dramatic dinner, pile the Tuscan chicken atop a platter of roasted vegetables or use as a decadent filling for baked potatoes. Leftovers make fantastic sandwich fillings, too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cool it down to room temperature, then store in an airtight container. The creamy sauce will thicken slightly, but the flavors deepen wonderfully, making leftovers almost better than the first round.

Freezing

You can freeze this Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Recipe! Allow the chicken and sauce to cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. It’s best to freeze without the fresh basil garnish, adding that once you reheat and serve. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

Gently reheat leftovers on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken stock or cream to loosen the sauce if needed. You can also microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently to prevent the sauce from separating. Top with fresh basil again for that just-made flair.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts can be used in this Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Recipe, though they may cook a bit faster and won’t be quite as juicy. Watch your cook time closely to avoid dryness, and consider shredding the breasts before adding the cream and spinach.

Is there a way to make this dish dairy-free?

If you’d like a dairy-free option, substitute full-fat coconut milk for the heavy cream and use a dairy-free Parmesan-style cheese or nutritional yeast. The sauce will be slightly different but still deliciously creamy and comforting.

Can I prepare Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Recipe ahead of time?

Definitely! You can assemble all the ingredients (except the cream, cheese, spinach, and basil) in your slow cooker insert the night before. Store it in the fridge, then set it in the cooker and proceed as directed the next day for ultra-easy prep.

What can I use instead of sun-dried tomatoes?

If you’re not a fan of sun-dried tomatoes, try halved cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers for a touch of sweetness, color, and texture. Both work beautifully and still keep the Tuscan vibe alive.

How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?

If your sauce turns out a bit runny, create a quick slurry with 1-2 teaspoons of cornstarch mixed into a tablespoon of cold water. Stir it into the sauce just after adding the cream and cheese, and let it simmer for a minute or two until thickened to your liking.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a hearty, flavorful dinner with minimal effort and maximum wow-factor, this Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Recipe is bound to earn a spot in your weekly rotation. I can’t wait for you to try it out and make it your own—don’t forget to savor those last spoonfuls of the creamy sauce!

Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 5 reviews

Author: Ethan
Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes (on LOW)
Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Indulge in the rich flavors of Tuscany with this Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken recipe. Tender chicken thighs cooked in a creamy, Parmesan-laced sauce with sundried tomatoes and spinach, all made effortlessly in your slow cooker.

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Drizzle the oil in the slow cooker, add chicken, season with Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, garlic, and sundried tomatoes.
Cook: Cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours.
Finish the Dish: Remove the lid, stir in cream, cheese, and spinach until wilted.
Serve: Garnish with basil and Parmesan cheese.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 hours on LOW or 3 hours on HIGH
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: Italian