Why Make This Recipe
Easy Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken is a fantastic dish for busy people. It combines tender chicken with flavorful sun-dried tomatoes and creamy sauce. You can set it in the morning and come home to a delicious meal without the fuss. It’s perfect for family dinners and impressing guests!
Equipment Needed for Easy Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken
To make this dish, you will need a few basic kitchen items. A slow cooker is essential for this recipe. You will also need measuring cups and spoons, a cutting board, a knife for chopping, and a mixing bowl for combining ingredients.
What You Need to Make Easy Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken
- Chicken breasts
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Spinach
- Parmesan cheese
- Heavy cream
- Garlic
- Italian seasoning
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Pasta (to serve)
How to Cook Easy Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Step by Step
- Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
- In a bowl, mix sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, heavy cream, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or until chicken is tender.
- Once cooked, shred the chicken in the sauce and mix well.
- Serve the chicken over cooked pasta and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
How to Make Easy Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken
Start by placing the chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. This allows the juices to soak in nicely. In a separate bowl, combine sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, heavy cream, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix everything until well combined. Pour this mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker.
Next, cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat. Let it cook for 4 to 6 hours. The longer it cooks, the more tender the chicken will be. Once the chicken is done, shred it right in the sauce for a perfect mix of flavors. Finally, serve the chicken over warm pasta and add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top.
How to Serve Easy Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken
Easy Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken is great served hot right after it’s done cooking. Lay a bed of pasta on each plate and top it with the shredded chicken and creamy sauce. Then, finish with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
What to Serve with Easy Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken
Pair this delicious chicken with a simple side salad to add freshness. Garlic bread or crusty bread can also complement the meal. A light white wine might nicely enhance your dining experience as well.
How to Store Easy Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken
Leftover Tuscan chicken can be stored in airtight containers. Make sure it cools down before putting it in the fridge. It will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. You can also freeze it for longer storage, lasting up to 3 months.
Tips to Make Easy Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken
Make sure to use boneless chicken breasts for easy shredding. Feel free to add more veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms to enhance flavor and nutrition. You can adjust the seasoning based on your taste preferences—try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat!
Variation
For a healthier twist, you can use cauliflower rice instead of pasta. Additionally, adding different greens like kale can also be a great variation. If you enjoy a zingy flavor, try incorporating lemon juice into the sauce.
Best Time to Make Easy Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken
This dish is perfect for weeknight meals when you have a busy schedule. You can prepare the ingredients in the morning, letting the slow cooker do its magic. It’s also a great option for meal prep or hosting friends on weekends.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid overcooking the chicken, as it can become dry. Always check the chicken’s internal temperature to ensure it’s fully cooked. Moreover, don’t skip the step of shredding the chicken in the sauce; it helps distribute the flavor evenly.
Nutritional Notes
This dish is high in protein from the chicken and offers plenty of vitamins from the spinach. Heavy cream adds richness, so be mindful of portion sizes if you’re watching calorie intake. Using whole-grain pasta can also provide extra fiber.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but adjust the cooking time to ensure it thoroughly cooks.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or a dairy-free cream alternative if you’re looking for a lighter option.
Is it possible to make this recipe in a stovetop pot?
Yes, you can adapt the recipe for stovetop cooking by simmering the ingredients in a pot over low heat until the chicken is fully cooked.
Conclusion
Easy Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken is a go-to recipe for anyone looking to create a simple yet flavorful meal. With minimal prep and hands-off cooking, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your household. Enjoy the rich flavors and comforting textures with your loved ones!
