Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 to 6 hours (Low) or 3 to 4 hours (High)
- Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes to 6 hours 15 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 450 kcal
- Protein: 38 grams
- Carbohydrates: 10 grams
- Fat: 30 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Sugar: 3 grams
- Sodium: 600 mg
Why Make This Delicious Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken
Delicious Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken is a cozy dish that encapsulates the flavors of Italy right in your home. The tender chicken, bright cherry tomatoes, and vibrant spinach create a colorful harmony, while the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese add a rich, creamy texture that comforts the soul. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish requires minimal effort while delivering maximum flavor. It’s not just a meal; it’s a delightful experience that leaves everyone asking for seconds.
How to Make Delicious Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken
Creating this savory dish is straightforward and incredibly rewarding. Follow the steps below to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal cooked right in your slow cooker.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup spinach, fresh
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
Directions:
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Step 1: Preparation
Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are nicely browned. This step enhances the flavor of the chicken and gives it a beautiful color.
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Step 2: Mixing
Once the chicken is browned, place it in the slow cooker. Add the halved cherry tomatoes, fresh spinach, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to mix the ingredients thoroughly, ensuring the chicken is well-coated with all the flavors.
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Step 3: Cooking
Pour the heavy cream over the mixture and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top. Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Cooking until the chicken is tender and cooked through creates a moist and flavorful dish.
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Step 4: Finishing
Once the cooking time is up, serve your delicious Tuscan chicken over pasta or rice to soak up the delightful sauce. Enjoy your creation with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese or a squeeze of fresh lemon for added brightness.
How to Serve Delicious Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken
Serve this Tuscan chicken over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, fragrant rice, or al dente pasta. Add a side of garlic bread or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. This dish is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or an intimate date night at home.
How to Store Delicious Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave in short intervals or warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to keep it moist. You can also freeze the cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Expert Tips for Perfect Delicious Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken
- For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken in olive oil, lemon juice, and Italian herbs for a couple of hours before cooking.
- Substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk for a lighter or dairy-free version.
- Use sun-dried tomatoes instead of fresh for a different twist on flavor.
- Adjust the seasoning to your preference; add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
Delicious Variations
- Pesto Variation: Stir in some pesto sauce for a flavorful twist.
- Mediterranean Twist: Add olives and artichokes for a delightful Mediterranean flavor.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with chickpeas and increase the amount of spinach and tomatoes for a hearty vegetarian meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just increase the cooking time by 1-2 hours, and ensure they are fully cooked before serving. -
What can I serve with this dish?
This Tuscan chicken pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or even a fresh salad. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is also great for dipping into the creamy sauce. -
Can this recipe be doubled?
Yes, you can easily double the ingredients to serve a larger crowd, but you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly. -
What if I don’t have Parmesan cheese?
You can substitute grated Pecorino Romano or even nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option. -
Is it okay to add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add bell peppers, zucchini, or any seasonal vegetables you prefer.
Conclusion
Delicious Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken proves that ease of preparation and exquisite flavors can go hand in hand. With its delightful blend of ingredients and the convenience of a slow cooker, it’s sure to become a new family favorite. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe; it brings Italian comfort to your table with every bite! Enjoy cooking and happy eating!
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Delicious Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken
- Total Time: 315 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A cozy dish featuring tender chicken, cherry tomatoes, and spinach with a rich creamy sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned.
- Place the browned chicken in the slow cooker. Add cherry tomatoes, spinach, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to combine.
- Pour heavy cream over the mixture and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Once cooked, serve over pasta or rice and enjoy with additional Parmesan or a squeeze of lemon.
Notes
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in olive oil and lemon juice before cooking. Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk for a lighter version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 360 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
