Imagine walking into your kitchen after a long day, only to be greeted by the irresistible aroma of Slow Cooker Crock Pot Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken wafting through the air. This Italian-inspired dish is not just a meal; it's a warm embrace on a plate, featuring tender chicken breasts enveloped in a rich and creamy sauce, bursting with flavors of garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach. With just 10 minutes of prep time and a slow cooker doing the heavy lifting, you can effortlessly create a comforting dinner that will impress your family and friends. Ready to elevate your weeknight dinners? Let's dive into this mouthwatering recipe that promises to be a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup spinach
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken breasts by patting them dry with paper towels and seasoning generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning on both sides.
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts into the bottom of the slow cooker, arranging them in a single layer.
- In a separate mixing bowl, combine minced garlic, heavy cream, and finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Whisk the ingredients together until well incorporated.
- Pour the cream mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker, ensuring each piece is well coated.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat. Cook for 5-6 hours, or until the chicken is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- During the last 30 minutes of cooking, gently stir in fresh spinach leaves, allowing them to wilt into the creamy sauce.
- Once cooking is complete, carefully remove the chicken breasts and transfer to a serving platter.
- If desired, use a whisk to thicken the sauce by stirring it in the slow cooker for an additional 5-10 minutes.
- Spoon the creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach over the chicken breasts before serving.
- Optionally, garnish with fresh chopped parsley or grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
Tips
- Choose the Right Chicken: For the best results, use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They cook evenly and absorb the flavors of the sauce beautifully.
- Season Generously: Don’t skimp on the salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Proper seasoning is key to enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.
- Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, whisk the sauce in the slow cooker for an additional 5-10 minutes after removing the chicken. You can also add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water) to achieve your desired consistency.
- Add Fresh Herbs: For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding fresh basil or oregano towards the end of the cooking time, or use them as a garnish before serving.
- Serve with Sides: This creamy chicken pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. You can also serve it over a bed of sautéed vegetables for a lighter option.
- Make it Ahead: This recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can prepare it the night before, store it in the fridge, and simply set it to cook in the morning for a hassle-free dinner.
- Experiment with Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to the slow cooker for added nutrition and flavor.By following these tips, you'll ensure your Slow Cooker Crock Pot Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken is a delightful success every time!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Cholesterol: 140mg
