Print

Creamy Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken

slow cooker tuscan chicken - featured image
Print Recipe

Tender chicken breasts cooked slowly in a creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach, perfect for cozy, easy weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds / 680 grams)
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (packed in oil)
  • 3 cups fresh baby spinach (loosely packed)
  • 3 cloves minced garlic
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup small-curd cottage cheese (about 120 grams)
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste (start with 1/2 teaspoon salt)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
  • Optional: handful of fresh basil, chopped

Instructions

  1. Pat dry chicken breasts and season both sides with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes; sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese and cottage cheese; mix until smooth.
  4. Place seasoned chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Pour sautéed garlic and sun-dried tomatoes over the chicken.
  5. Add chicken broth over everything, then dollop the cream cheese and cottage cheese mixture on top. Sprinkle Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes if using.
  6. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  7. About 15 minutes before serving, add fresh spinach to the slow cooker and stir gently until wilted.
  8. Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top and stir to melt.
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of broth or water; if too thin, cook uncovered on high for 10-15 minutes to thicken.
  10. Serve garnished with chopped fresh basil if desired.

Notes

Sautéing garlic and sun-dried tomatoes before adding to the slow cooker enhances flavor. Add spinach near the end to keep it fresh and vibrant. Adjust seasoning after cooking as slow cooking concentrates flavors. For dairy-free, substitute cream cheese and cottage cheese with coconut cream or dairy-free alternatives and use vegetable broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker chicken, Tuscan chicken, creamy chicken recipe, easy dinner, comfort food, slow cooker recipe, chicken breasts, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach

Find it online: https://tastytuck.com/creamy-slow-cooker-tuscan-chicken-recipe-for-easy-cozy-dinners/