Description
This Easy Tuscan Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs recipe features tender, juicy chicken cooked slowly in a rich and creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and fresh spinach. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, this Italian-inspired dish is simple to prepare and delivers deep flavors with minimal effort — just set it in the slow cooker and let it work its magic.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Sauce and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups baby spinach
Instructions
- Season and Sear the Chicken: Start by seasoning the chicken thighs evenly with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken thighs for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they develop a light golden-brown crust. This step is optional but adds a deeper flavor.
- Slow Cook the Chicken: Transfer the seared chicken thighs to your slow cooker. Add minced garlic, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and chicken broth to the pot. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 5 to 6 hours, or on high heat for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Finish the Sauce: About 30 minutes before the cooking time ends, stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese to the slow cooker. Add the baby spinach on top, then cover again. Allow the spinach to wilt and the sauce to thicken during the remaining cooking time.
- Serve: Once done, serve the creamy Tuscan chicken thighs hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite pasta for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Notes
- For a lighter sauce, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk.
- Add extra texture by including mushrooms or white beans during the slow cooking process.
