This Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken recipe brings the rich and comforting flavors of Tuscany to your dinner table with minimal effort. Imagine tender, juicy chicken thighs simmered in a luscious creamy sauce, infused with aromatic herbs, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and the sharp, nutty flavor of Parmesan cheese. This dish is incredibly easy to prepare, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or when you want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in a truly unforgettable culinary experience.

Perfect for a cozy night in, this Tuscan Chicken is not only simple to make but also incredibly versatile. Serve it over a bed of egg noodles, your favorite pasta, fluffy rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. The creamy sauce is so good, you’ll want to soak up every last drop! It’s a crowd-pleaser that everyone in the family will love, and it’s sure to become a regular in your meal rotation.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-7 hours on low, 3-4 hours on high
• Total Time: Approximately 7 hours (including prep)
• Servings: 5

By: Julia Pacheco

Ingredients

Chicken & Seasoning

• 6-8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp pepper
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained

Creamy Tuscan Sauce

• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp minced garlic
• ⅓ cup chicken broth
• ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Evenly distribute the sun-dried tomatoes over the chicken.
2. Make the Tuscan Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Gradually add the heavy cream, whisking constantly until the sauce begins to slightly thicken.
4. Add Parmesan Cheese: Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
5. Combine and Cook: Pour the Tuscan sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker, ensuring the chicken is well coated.
6. Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken over egg noodles, pasta, rice, or cauliflower rice. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, if desired.

Tips and Variations for Your Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken

Want to tailor this Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken to your taste or dietary needs? Here are some tips and variations to help you create the perfect dish:

Spice It Up

If you like a little more heat, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for an extra kick.

Add Some Greens

Stir in a handful of fresh spinach or chopped kale during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This adds a nutritional boost and a pop of color to the dish.

Make It Lighter

For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or milk for the heavy cream. Keep in mind that this may result in a slightly thinner sauce.

Use Different Proteins

While this recipe calls for chicken thighs, you can also use chicken breasts or even pork tenderloin. Adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the protein is cooked through.

Add More Vegetables

Feel free to add other vegetables to the slow cooker. Sliced bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms would all be delicious additions.

Cheese Variations

Experiment with different types of cheese. Asiago, Romano, or a blend of Italian cheeses would all work well in this recipe.

Thicken the Sauce

If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Make It Gluten-Free

Serve the Tuscan Chicken over gluten-free pasta or cauliflower rice to make it gluten-free. Always double-check the labels of your ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free.

Herb Variations

Try using different herbs to change up the flavor profile. Fresh basil, oregano, or thyme would all be delicious additions.

Add a Splash of Wine

For a deeper, richer flavor, add a splash of dry white wine to the sauce while it’s simmering on the stovetop.

Make It Ahead

You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to cook, simply pour the sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker and proceed with the recipe.

By trying these tips and variations, you can customize this Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken to suit your preferences and create a dish that is uniquely yours. Enjoy experimenting and discovering your favorite combinations!

Video Tutorial

Watch this video for a visual guide on how to make Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken:

Nutrition Information (per serving, approximate)

• Calories: 463 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Cholesterol: 199 mg
• Sodium: 698 mg
• Potassium: 795 mg
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar: 6 g
• Vitamin A: 1083 IU
• Vitamin C: 6 mg
• Calcium: 248 mg
• Iron: 3 mg

Note: Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.

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