Crockpot Tuscan Chicken - The Recipe Critic

Name: Crockpot Tuscan Chicken - The Recipe Critic
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-489440H48M2S
Total time: 3 h 10 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts; 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon onion powder; Kosher salt and cracked black pepper, to taste; 2 cloves garlic, minced; ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped; ½ cup chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 cup baby spinach, chopped

Jump to Recipe

I remember the first time I made a Tuscan-style chicken dish—it was one of those cold evenings when all I wanted was something warm, creamy, and deeply satisfying. With just a few simple ingredients and my trusty slow cooker, I ended up with a dish that felt gourmet without the stress. That experience sparked my love for easy, comforting meals like this Crockpot Tuscan Chicken.

This Crockpot Tuscan Chicken – The Recipe Critic recipe is a beginner’s dream. It’s low effort, packed with flavor, and relies on staple ingredients. With a short prep time and the magic of slow cooking, even novice home cooks can create a creamy, herbaceous chicken dish that tastes like it came from a cozy Italian kitchen. Plus, it’s easy to make nutritious by serving with veggie-packed sides or low-carb alternatives.

Why This Recipe is Special

Beginner-Friendly: No complex steps or advanced cooking techniques required.
One-Pot Convenience: Everything comes together in the crockpot—less cleanup, more time to relax.
Flexible and Forgiving: Easily adjustable ingredients and cook times.
Nutritious Comfort Food: Creamy, hearty, and filled with good-for-you ingredients like spinach and garlic.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Leftovers store beautifully for days or even months.

Ingredients and Preparation

Chicken Breasts
Lean and tender, chicken breasts are the protein centerpiece. They absorb the creamy sauce well and remain juicy when slow-cooked. Boneless chicken thighs can be used for extra richness.

Italian Seasoning
This herb blend adds that signature Tuscan flair—typically includes oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary. Use store-bought or mix your own for salt-free customization.

Onion Powder
Enhances depth without the hassle of chopping. It rounds out the flavor and complements the garlic.

Salt and Pepper
Essential for seasoning the chicken and balancing the sauce.

Garlic Cloves
Fresh garlic brings sharpness and aroma. You can use pre-minced garlic for convenience.

Sun-Dried Tomatoes
These concentrated tomatoes provide sweetness, acidity, and umami. For a milder version, use roasted red peppers.

Chicken Broth
Acts as a savory base and thins the sauce. Vegetable broth or bone broth are good alternatives.

Heavy Cream
Creates the luxurious, creamy texture. You can swap for canned coconut milk or a cashew cream if dairy-free.

Parmesan Cheese
Adds saltiness and nutty depth. Nutritional yeast can work in dairy-free versions.

Spinach
Tossed in at the end, it adds freshness, color, and nutrients. Kale or arugula also work well.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1
Season the chicken breasts on both sides with Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and pepper to ensure every bite is flavorful.

Step 2
Spray your crockpot with non-stick spray and place the seasoned chicken in a single layer at the bottom.

Step 3
In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken broth, heavy cream, minced garlic, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and parmesan cheese, whisking until smooth and creamy.

Step 4
Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the chicken in the crockpot, making sure the chicken is well coated.

Step 5
Cover and cook on high for 3 hours or low for 5 hours, depending on your schedule. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and easily shreds with a fork.

Step 6
About 5–10 minutes before serving, stir in the chopped spinach and replace the lid. Let it wilt gently in the heat of the sauce.

Step 7
Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot over pasta, mashed potatoes, or vegetable noodles.

Beginner Tips and Notes

Don’t Overcook: Check the chicken for doneness early—slow cookers can vary. Dry chicken means it’s been in too long.
No Crockpot? Use a Dutch oven on low heat or bake at 325°F for 1.5 hours covered.
Prep Shortcut: Use jarred minced garlic and pre-chopped sun-dried tomatoes to speed up prep.
Cream Separation Fix: If your sauce separates slightly, whisk in a splash of milk or blend gently before serving.
Too Thin? Thicken with a slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp cold water) added 10 minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve With: Buttered noodles, garlic mashed potatoes, or cauliflower rice.
Vegetable Sides: Roasted asparagus, air-fried mushrooms, or steamed green beans add color and crunch.
Sauce Soaker: A slice of crusty bread or garlic toast makes sure no sauce goes to waste.
Storing Leftovers: Keep in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge or 3 months in the freezer. Reheat gently to maintain creaminess.

Engagement Features

This is the kind of dish that quickly becomes a household staple—simple, cozy, and endlessly adaptable. If you give this recipe a go, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Did you add a twist? Try it with a different protein? Drop your thoughts, tips, or questions in the comments below—let’s make this a cooking journey together.

FAQ About Crockpot Tuscan Chicken

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a great substitute. They are more forgiving in texture and provide richer flavor, especially in slow cooker recipes.

How can I make this dish dairy-free?

You can substitute the heavy cream with full-fat canned coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a dairy-free variation.

Can I cook this recipe without a crockpot?

Absolutely. You can bake the chicken with the sauce in a covered baking dish at 325°F (163°C) for 1.5 hours or simmer it gently on the stove in a covered pot.

More Relevant Recipes