Best Crockpot Tuscan Garlic Chicken Recipe – Easy & Creamy

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Crockpot Tuscan Garlic Chicken

Crockpot Tuscan Garlic Chicken transforms your slow cooker into a restaurant-quality meal maker. This rich, creamy dish combines tender chicken thighs with aromatic garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach in a luxurious parmesan cream sauce. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity – just toss everything into your crockpot and let it work its magic while you go about your day.

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Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Incredibly easy preparation with minimal hands-on time – perfect for busy weeknights
  • Restaurant-quality flavors that will impress your family and guests without the hefty price tag
  • Tender, fall-off-the-bone chicken that’s packed with Italian-inspired flavors
  • Versatile serving options – works beautifully over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes
  • Make-ahead friendly and freezes well for convenient meal planning

Why This Crockpot Tuscan Garlic Chicken Recipe Works

This recipe succeeds because it combines the convenience of slow cooking with bold Mediterranean flavors. The chicken thighs stay incredibly moist during the long cooking process, while the cream sauce develops deep, complex flavors.

The key is the layering of ingredients. Garlic infuses the entire dish, while sun-dried tomatoes add concentrated umami depth. Fresh spinach wilts perfectly in the final minutes, maintaining its vibrant color and nutrients.

The parmesan cheese not only adds richness but also helps thicken the sauce naturally. This creates that restaurant-style consistency that makes every bite memorable.

Crockpot Tuscan Garlic Chicken food photograph 1

What You’ll Need for Crockpot Tuscan Garlic Chicken

Success with this recipe starts with having the right ingredients and tools on hand. Quality ingredients make a noticeable difference in the final dish, so choose fresh garlic and good parmesan cheese when possible.

Ingredients

  • 6-8 skinless, bone-in chicken thighs
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/3 cup chicken broth
  • 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Sea salt and fresh cracked black pepper
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped and packed

Tools

  • 6-quart slow cooker or crockpot
  • Large skillet (optional, for browning)
  • Sharp knife and cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon for stirring
  • Serving ladle

How to Make Crockpot Tuscan Garlic Chicken

This straightforward recipe comes together in minutes. The key is proper seasoning and allowing enough time for the flavors to meld together in the slow cooker.

Step 1:Season chicken thighs generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning on both sides.
Step 2:Place seasoned chicken thighs in the bottom of your crockpot.
Step 3:In a medium bowl, whisk together heavy cream, chicken broth, minced garlic, and parmesan cheese until smooth.
Step 4:Add sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes to the cream mixture, stirring to combine.
Step 5:Pour the cream sauce over the chicken in the crockpot, ensuring all pieces are covered.
Step 6:Cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours until chicken is tender and cooked through.
Step 7:Add chopped spinach during the last 30 minutes of cooking, stirring gently to wilt.
Step 8:Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper before serving.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • Brown the chicken thighs in a skillet before adding to the crockpot for extra flavor depth
  • Use freshly grated parmesan cheese instead of pre-grated for better melting and flavor
  • Don’t lift the lid frequently during cooking – this releases heat and extends cooking time
  • Add spinach only in the final 30 minutes to prevent it from becoming mushy
  • If sauce seems too thin, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water and stir in during last 15 minutes

Serving and Storage Tips for Crockpot Tuscan Garlic Chicken

This versatile dish pairs beautifully with various sides. The creamy sauce begs for something to soak it up, making it perfect over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.

Serving Tips

Serve immediately over your choice of starch. Rice pilaf or garlic mashed potatoes work wonderfully. For a lighter option, try it over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.

Garnish with fresh basil, extra parmesan, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. A side of crusty bread helps capture every drop of that delicious sauce.

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve overnight. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream if needed.

Crockpot Tuscan Garlic Chicken food photograph 2

Mistakes to Avoid while making Crockpot Tuscan Garlic Chicken

Avoid using chicken breasts, as they tend to dry out during long cooking times. Thighs stay much more tender and flavorful.

Don’t add the spinach too early – it will become mushy and lose its vibrant color. Adding it in the final 30 minutes ensures perfect texture.

Resist the urge to lift the lid frequently. Each peek releases heat and can add 15-20 minutes to your cooking time.

Don’t skip seasoning the chicken before cooking. This step builds flavor layers that make the final dish exceptional.

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You Must Know

  • Bone-in chicken thighs are essential for the best texture and flavor – boneless will work but won’t be as tender
  • Heavy cream is crucial for the rich sauce – half-and-half or milk will curdle in the slow cooker
  • Fresh garlic makes a significant difference over garlic powder in this recipe
  • The dish can be made ahead and frozen for up to 3 months, though the cream sauce may separate slightly when reheated

Suggestions for Crockpot Tuscan Garlic Chicken

Transform this dish by adding mushrooms during the last hour of cooking. Button or cremini mushrooms work perfectly and add earthy depth.

For extra richness, substitute some of the chicken broth with chicken stock. You can also add a splash of grape juice for subtle sweetness that complements the sun-dried tomatoes.

Try serving this over different bases for variety. Creamy pasta dishes pair wonderfully, or consider polenta for an authentic Italian touch.

Make it your own by adjusting the spice level. Add more red pepper flakes for heat, or include some fresh herbs like thyme or oregano for additional Mediterranean flavors.

For inspiration on similar slow cooker recipes, check out these slow cooker Tuscan chicken variations or explore garlic Tuscan chicken recipes for stovetop alternatives.

Crockpot Tuscan Garlic Chicken food photograph 3

FAQs:


Can I use boneless chicken thighs for Crockpot Tuscan Garlic Chicken?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs work well and cook faster. Reduce cooking time to 3-4 hours on LOW or 2-3 hours on HIGH. Bone-in thighs provide more flavor and stay more tender during long cooking.


What can I substitute for heavy cream in this recipe?

Heavy cream is best for preventing curdling in the slow cooker. Half-and-half can work but may separate. Avoid regular milk as it will definitely curdle. For dairy-free options, try full-fat coconut milk.


How do I prevent the cream sauce from curdling?

Use heavy cream rather than lighter dairy products, and avoid cooking on HIGH heat for extended periods. Don’t lift the lid frequently, as temperature fluctuations can cause curdling.


Can I make Crockpot Tuscan Garlic Chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep all ingredients the night before and refrigerate. You can also freeze the cooked dish for up to 3 months, though the cream sauce may need whisking when reheated.


What's the best way to serve this dish?

Serve over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or polenta to soak up the delicious sauce. Garnish with fresh basil and extra parmesan cheese. A side of crusty bread is perfect for sauce-dipping.


Conclusion

Crockpot Tuscan Garlic Chicken delivers restaurant-quality flavors with minimal effort. This crowd-pleasing recipe transforms simple ingredients into something truly special. The combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and vibrant vegetables creates a meal that’s both comforting and elegant.

Whether you’re feeding your family on a busy weeknight or entertaining guests, this dish never fails to impress. The hands-off cooking method means you can enjoy the amazing aromas all day while anticipating dinner.

Try this recipe once, and it’ll quickly become a regular in your meal rotation. For more comforting family favorites, explore our collection of easy recipes that bring joy to every dinner table.

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Easy Crockpot Tuscan Garlic Chicken Recipe


  • Author: Jennie Graham
  • Total Time: 8 minute
  • Yield: 6-8 servings 1x

Description

Tender chicken thighs in a creamy parmesan sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach, made effortlessly in your slow cooker.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 68 skinless, bone-in chicken thighs
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/3 cup chicken broth
  • 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Sea salt and fresh cracked black pepper
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped and packed

Instructions

  1. Season chicken thighs generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning on both sides.
  2. Place seasoned chicken thighs in the bottom of your crockpot.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together heavy cream, chicken broth, minced garlic, and parmesan cheese until smooth.
  4. Add sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes to the cream mixture, stirring to combine.
  5. Pour the cream sauce over the chicken in the crockpot, ensuring all pieces are covered.
  6. Cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours until chicken is tender and cooked through.
  7. Add chopped spinach during the last 30 minutes of cooking, stirring gently to wilt.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper before serving.

Notes

  • Brown the chicken thighs in a skillet before adding to the crockpot for extra flavor depth
  • Use freshly grated parmesan cheese instead of pre-grated for better melting and flavor
  • Don’t lift the lid frequently during cooking – this releases heat and extends cooking time
  • Add spinach only in the final 30 minutes to prevent it from becoming mushy
  • If sauce seems too thin, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water and stir in during last 15 minutes
  • Bone-in chicken thighs are essential for the best texture and flavor
  • Heavy cream is crucial for the rich sauce – half-and-half or milk will curdle in the slow cooker
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4-6 hours
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving

Keywords: slow cooker chicken, Tuscan chicken recipe, creamy garlic chicken, chicken thighs crockpot, Italian chicken dinner, one pot chicken meal, easy weeknight dinner, comfort food recipes

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