This Easy Crockpot Tuscan Garlic Chicken is a warm and cozy dish. Juicy chicken is cooked with garlic, fresh spinach, and vibrant tomatoes for a colorful meal that’s simply tasty!
Who doesn’t love a meal that practically cooks itself? Just toss everything in the crockpot and let it do the magic. Serve it over pasta or rice for a delightful dinner. 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for easy shredding. If you prefer, you can use thighs for a juicier option. Both work well in the crockpot!
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add rich flavor. If you can’t find sun-dried tomatoes, you can use canned diced tomatoes instead. Just drain them well to avoid excess moisture.
Spinach: Fresh baby spinach wilts beautifully into the dish. You can substitute it with kale or frozen spinach if needed. Just remember to thaw the frozen spinach first!
Heavy Cream: This gives a creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, half-and-half or coconut cream can work instead, though flavor will vary slightly.
Parmesan Cheese: For a classic taste, Parmesan is great. You can swap it with Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free alternative.
How Do I Get the Best Flavor from My Garlic?
Garlic is key in this recipe, adding depth and aroma. The trick is to mince it finely, so it releases its flavor quickly. If you’re not a huge fan of raw garlic, sauté it for a minute in olive oil before adding it to the crockpot. This mellows its taste and enhances the dish!
- Ensure garlic is added early in the cooking process for maximum flavor.
- Consider using fresh garlic rather than pre-minced for a stronger taste.
- Mix garlic with the Italian seasoning before sprinkling over the chicken for an even flavor distribution.
Easy Crockpot Tuscan Garlic Chicken With Spinach & Tomatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (preferably packed in oil), drained and chopped
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Optional Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp olive oil (if needed for sautéing)
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 10 minutes for prep and needs 4-6 hours to cook in the crockpot on low. That’s right! Just a little prep and then let it simmer away!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot. Think of this as the base of your delicious dish.
2. Season the Chicken:
Next, sprinkle the minced garlic, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper evenly over the chicken. This will give the chicken great flavor.
3. Add the Sun-Dried Tomatoes:
Now, it’s time to add those vibrant sun-dried tomatoes on top of the garlic seasoned chicken. The tomatoes add a nice sweetness and depth to the dish!
4. Mix the Creamy Sauce:
In a separate bowl, mix together the heavy cream, chicken broth, and grated Parmesan cheese until well combined. This creamy goodness will make your dish rich and tasty.
5. Combine Everything:
Pour the creamy mixture over the chicken and tomatoes in the crockpot. Make sure it’s all covered for the best flavor development!
6. Cook It Up:
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked (check with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
7. Add the Spinach:
About 20 minutes before you’re ready to eat, stir in the fresh spinach into the crockpot. Let it wilt gently—that lovely green color brings so much freshness!
8. Taste and Adjust:
When everything is heated through and the spinach is wilted, taste your dish. Adjust the seasoning if needed. It should be delicious!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Tuscan garlic chicken over cooked pasta, rice, or with some crusty bread to soak up all that creamy goodness!
10. Garnish:
If you’d like, add some fresh basil or parsley on top for a pop of color and extra flavor. Enjoy your meal!
FAQ for Easy Crockpot Tuscan Garlic Chicken
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts for This Recipe?
It’s best to use thawed chicken breasts to ensure even cooking. If you only have frozen chicken, make sure to fully thaw it beforehand in the fridge, or use the microwave’s defrost function. Cooking from frozen in the crockpot can lead to uneven cooking.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you want a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or whole milk, but keep in mind the sauce will be less creamy. For a dairy-free option, try coconut cream or cashew cream for a similar richness.
How to Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces and add them to the crockpot along with the sun-dried tomatoes.
