Go Back

Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken - Cozy, Rich, and Weeknight-Friendly

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for extra tenderness)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for searing)
  • 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced (packed in oil, drained)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or 3/4 cup half-and-half plus 1/4 cup cream for lighter sauce)
  • 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach (lightly packed)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thicker sauce)
  • Fresh basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)
  • Cooked pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread, for serving

Method
 

  1. Season the chicken. Pat the chicken dry. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder on both sides.
  2. Optional sear for extra flavor. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high. Sear chicken 1–2 minutes per side until lightly golden. This step adds depth but isn’t required.
  3. Build the base in the slow cooker. Add chicken broth, minced garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
  4. Add the chicken. Place seasoned (and seared, if using) chicken into the slow cooker in a single layer if possible.
  5. Cook low and slow. Cover and cook on Low for 3.5–4.5 hours or High for 2–3 hours, until the chicken is just cooked through and tender. Avoid overcooking.
  6. Make it creamy. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan. If you prefer a thicker sauce, add the cornstarch slurry and stir well.
  7. Wilt the spinach. Add spinach, mix gently, and cook on High for another 10–15 minutes until the sauce is slightly thickened and the spinach has wilted.
  8. Adjust and serve. Taste and add more salt or pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh basil. Serve over pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.