Sometimes, after a long day of chaos—kids, work, and the endless scroll of social media—a simple, hearty meal is all you need to find your center again. This crockpot chicken recipe, with its tender, juicy bites and rich flavors, feels like a warm hug on an otherwise hectic evening. You can almost hear the quiet hum of the crockpot as it works its magic; it’s as if it knows exactly how to transform raw ingredients into a dish that feels like home.
Steps
- Place the chicken breasts into a slow cooker. In a small bowl, mix together salt, Italian seasoning, paprika, and black pepper, then sprinkle this blend evenly over the chicken.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, minced garlic, cornstarch, salt, and pepper until well combined. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and shredded Parmesan cheese.
- Pour the sauce mixture over and around the chicken in the slow cooker. Cover with the lid and cook on low heat for 3 hours, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Once cooked, stir in the fresh chopped spinach until it is well incorporated into the sauce. Serve the Tuscan chicken with pasta or a side of your choice.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5-2 lbs)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ? teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ? teaspoon black pepper
- ? cup sundried tomatoes, chopped
- ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup chopped fresh spinach
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1572cal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 116g | Fat: 108g | Saturated Fat: 60g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 32g | Trans Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 636mg | Sodium: 2848mg | Potassium: 3292mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 16g | Vitamin A: 5844IU | Vitamin C: 28mg | Calcium: 548mg | Iron: 8mg
FAQ
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts in this recipe?
- Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used as a substitute for chicken breasts. Aim for approximately 2 pounds of chicken thighs for optimal results.
- Is there an alternative to using heavy cream in the sauce?
- Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with a lighter cream like half and half. However, keep in mind that the sauce may not be as rich or thick, so consider increasing the cornstarch to help maintain the desired consistency.
- How should I store leftover Crockpot Tuscan Chicken?
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken for 2-3 months. Remember to let it cool to room temperature before placing it in the freezer.
- Can I freeze the Crockpot Tuscan Chicken, and how should I reheat it?
- Yes, you can freeze this dish. Allow it to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then warm it on the stove or in the oven until heated through.
- What are some serving suggestions for Crockpot Tuscan Chicken?
- This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of Garlic Mashed Potatoes or over a bed of pasta. Adding Roasted Green Beans or Honey Glazed Carrots can also enhance your meal with additional flavors and textures.
Tips
- Consider using boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier result; just make sure to use about 2 lbs of meat.
- If you prefer a lighter cream sauce, you can substitute heavy cream with a lighter option, like half-and-half, but increase the cornstarch to maintain thickness.
- For a twist on flavor, replace sun-dried tomatoes with roasted red peppers or swap fresh spinach for kale.
- Be sure to chop the sun-dried tomatoes into smaller pieces so they blend well into the sauce, enhancing the overall taste.
Equipment
- Slow Cooker (Crockpot) – This is essential for the recipe as it is used to cook the chicken slowly and to perfection.
