This Easy Crockpot Tuscan Garlic Chicken is a warm, comforting dish with juicy chicken, vibrant spinach, and a creamy sauce. It’s like a cozy hug in a bowl!
I love that I can throw everything in the crockpot and forget about it for hours. Plus, my kitchen smells amazing; who can resist that? Just serve it over pasta or rice for a complete meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this dish. If you’re looking for a leaner option, consider chicken thighs, which can also stay juicy in the crockpot.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add a lovely tangy flavor. If they’re hard to find, you can use roasted red peppers instead. Just chop them up to mimic the sun-dried variety.
Heavy Cream: While heavy cream gives a rich flavor, you can swap it for half-and-half for fewer calories. For a lighter option, use Greek yogurt or coconut milk, though the taste will vary slightly.
Spinach: Fresh spinach wilts nicely and adds nutrients. If you have frozen spinach, that works too; just make sure to thaw and drain it before adding, so your dish doesn’t get watery.
What’s the Best Way to Ensure Tender Chicken in a Crockpot?
Cooking chicken in a crockpot can sometimes lead to dryness if not done right. To avoid that, follow these tips:
- Use enough liquid; the chicken should be mostly submerged in broth.
- Cook on low heat for a longer time. This allows the chicken to become tender without drying out.
- Avoid opening the lid too often, as this lets heat escape and can extend cooking time.
Finally, let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This will help retain its juices when you shred or slice it!
Easy Crockpot Tuscan Garlic Chicken with Spinach
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (in oil), drained and chopped
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for sautéing garlic)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep and then you can let the crockpot do its magic for 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high. Just set it and forget it until dinner time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
Start by lightly seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. This will give your chicken great flavor right from the start!
2. Sauté the Garlic (Optional):
If you want a boost of garlic flavor, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic for about a minute, just until it’s fragrant. This step adds a nice depth of flavor but can be skipped if you’re short on time.
3. Prepare the Crockpot:
Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot. If you sautéed the garlic, add it now; if not, just sprinkle the raw garlic over the chicken. Then, add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and chicken broth. It’s like a little bath for the chicken!
4. Cooking Time:
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. You want the chicken to be fully cooked and tender enough to shred easily.
5. Add Cream and Cheese:
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. This will make your sauce super creamy and delicious!
6. Add Fresh Spinach:
Now, toss in the fresh spinach on top of everything and cover again. Cook for another 20-30 minutes. The spinach will wilt beautifully, and everything will blend together perfectly.
7. Final Touches:
Just before serving, give the sauce a good stir to combine everything. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve this lovely Tuscan garlic chicken over your favorite pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up all that creamy sauce. Enjoy your delicious homemade meal!
FAQ for Easy Crockpot Tuscan Garlic Chicken with Spinach
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts! Just adjust the cooking time by adding an extra hour for low or 30 minutes for high. Make sure the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F) before serving.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half, or even milk mixed with a bit of cornstarch to thicken it. For a dairy-free alternative, try coconut milk; it adds a different but delicious flavor!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare everything and store it in the fridge (without the spinach) the night before. Just put it in the crockpot the next morning and add the spinach about 30 minutes before serving.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce thickens too much.
