Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken

There are certain dinners that just feel like a deep breath at the end of a long day. This Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken is one of those meals in our house. The kind where you walk in the door, kick off your shoes, and the whole kitchen smells like you tried way harder than you actually did. As a dad, I love recipes like this because they give me a win without adding stress. Toss a few things into the slow cooker, go live your life, and come back to something that feels warm, generous, and made with care.

This is the meal I make on those busy afternoons when homework is scattered across the table, someone is asking what is for dinner for the third time, and I just want everyone to slow down and sit together for a minute. The sauce is creamy and rich, the chicken is fall apart tender, and those little pops of sun dried tomatoes make it feel like something you would order at a cozy Italian restaurant instead of something you made in sweatpants.

I usually make this when the weather starts to cool off, but honestly it works all year. It is perfect for Sunday dinners, hectic weeknights, or even when you have friends coming over and want something comforting that still feels special. Serve it over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes, and watch how quiet the table gets once everyone starts eating. That quiet is how you know you nailed it.

What Is Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken

Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken is a creamy Italian inspired dish made with seasoned chicken breasts cooked low and slow in a garlic cream sauce.

It features sun dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, cream cheese, and fresh spinach for a rich, cozy, and deeply satisfying meal that requires very little hands on time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredibly Easy: Everything comes together right in the slow cooker, which means minimal prep and almost no cleanup.
• Rich and Creamy Flavor: The combination of cream cheese, heavy cream, and Parmesan creates a sauce that feels luxurious without being complicated.
• Family Friendly: Mild, comforting flavors that both kids and adults love, with easy ways to customize if you want more heat.
• Perfect for Busy Days: Set it and forget it while you tackle work, errands, or family time.
• Versatile Serving Options: Spoon it over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or even roasted veggies.

When to Serve This Recipe

• Weeknight Dinners: Ideal for days when you want something homemade but do not have time to stand at the stove.
• Sunday Family Meals: Cozy enough to make the whole house feel warm and inviting.
• Casual Entertaining: Fancy enough to serve guests without any stress.
• Meal Prep Weeks: Makes excellent leftovers that reheat beautifully.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Lean, tender, and perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
• 1 teaspoon salt – Brings out all the flavors in the dish.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper – Adds gentle warmth without overpowering.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Gives a deep garlic flavor right from the start.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – Adds classic Tuscan inspired herbs.
• 1 small onion, finely diced – Melts into the sauce and builds savory depth.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic makes the whole dish smell incredible.
• ½ cup sun dried tomatoes, drained and chopped – Adds sweetness and richness with a slightly tangy bite.
• 1 cup chicken broth – Creates the base of the sauce and keeps everything tender.
• 1 cup heavy cream – Makes the sauce silky and indulgent.
• 1 block cream cheese, 8 ounces, softened and cubed – Thickens the sauce and adds richness.
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Brings salty, nutty flavor to the sauce.
• 2 cups fresh spinach – Adds color and freshness right at the end.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch – Helps thicken the sauce.
• 1 tablespoon cold water – Mixed with cornstarch for smooth thickening.
• Fresh basil or parsley, for serving – Brightens everything up before serving.

How to Make Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Lay the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. Sprinkle them evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Do not rush this step. Seasoning early helps the chicken absorb flavor as it cooks.

Step 2: Add the Aromatics

Scatter the diced onion, minced garlic, and chopped sun dried tomatoes over the chicken. This is where the magic starts. As everything cooks, these flavors melt into the sauce and make the whole house smell amazing.

Step 3: Add Liquids and Cream Cheese

Pour the chicken broth into the slow cooker. Nestle the cream cheese cubes around the chicken. It will look a little odd at this stage, but trust the process. It all comes together later.

Step 4: Slow Cook

Cover and cook on Low for four to six hours or High for two to three hours. The chicken should be very tender and easy to shred or slice.

Step 5: Shred or Slice the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and set it aside. Whisk the sauce until the cream cheese is fully melted and smooth. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until creamy.

Step 6: Thicken the Sauce and Add Spinach

Mix the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl, then stir it into the sauce. Add the spinach and cook on High for ten to fifteen minutes until the sauce thickens and the spinach wilts.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Return the chicken to the slow cooker and spoon the sauce over the top. Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley and serve warm.

Substitutions

• Cream: Use half and half if you want a slightly lighter sauce.
• Spinach: Kale works well and holds its texture.
• Chicken: Boneless skinless thighs stay extra tender and flavorful.

Variations

• Tuscan Chicken Pasta: Stir in cooked penne or fettuccine right before serving.
• Spicy Tuscan Chicken: Add red pepper flakes for a gentle kick.
• Creamy Mushroom Version: Add sliced mushrooms with the onions for extra earthiness.

Tips and Tricks

• Slice After Cooking: Cutting the chicken after cooking lets it soak up more sauce.
• Use Oil Packed Sun Dried Tomatoes: They add extra richness and flavor.
• Add Spinach Last: This keeps it bright green and tender, not mushy.
• Whisk the Sauce Well: Take a minute to fully blend the cream cheese for the smoothest sauce.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, but it is best to thaw it first for even cooking and food safety.

Is this recipe gluten free?

Yes, as written it is gluten free.

Can I make it dairy free?

You can experiment with dairy free cream and cream cheese alternatives, though the flavor will change.

Serving Ideas

• Over Pasta: Classic and comforting, perfect for soaking up the sauce.
• With Mashed Potatoes: Creamy on creamy in the best way.
• Over Rice: Simple and filling for busy nights.
• With Crusty Bread: Ideal for scooping up every bit of sauce.

Storage and Make Ahead Tips

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to four days.
• Freeze: Freeze without spinach for best texture, up to two months.
• Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of broth or cream.

Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken

Creamy slow cooker Tuscan chicken made with tender chicken breasts, sun dried tomatoes, spinach, garlic, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce. Cozy comfort food that feels fancy but could not be easier.

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Prep Time:15 minutes mins

Cook Time:6 hours hrs

Total Time:6 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Ingredients

• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 small onion finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes drained and chopped
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 8-ounce block cream cheese, softened and cubed
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon cold water
• Fresh basil or parsley for serving

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Instructions

• Step 1: Season the Chicken – Lay the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. Sprinkle them evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Do not rush this step. Seasoning early helps the chicken absorb flavor as it cooks.
• Step 2: Add the Aromatics – Scatter the diced onion, minced garlic, and chopped sun dried tomatoes over the chicken. This is where the magic starts. As everything cooks, these flavors melt into the sauce and make the whole house smell amazing.
• Step 3: Add Liquids and Cream Cheese – Pour the chicken broth into the slow cooker. Nestle the cream cheese cubes around the chicken. It will look a little odd at this stage, but trust the process. It all comes together later.
• Step 4: Slow Cook – Cover and cook on Low for four to six hours or High for two to three hours. The chicken should be very tender and easy to shred or slice.
• Step 5: Shred or Slice the Chicken – Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and set it aside. Whisk the sauce until the cream cheese is fully melted and smooth. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until creamy.
• Step 6: Thicken the Sauce and Add Spinach – Mix the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl, then stir it into the sauce. Add the spinach and cook on High for ten to fifteen minutes until the sauce thickens and the spinach wilts.
• Step 7: Finish and Serve – Return the chicken to the slow cooker and spoon the sauce over the top. Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley and serve warm.

Notes

Cook Time: 4–6 hours on Low (2–3 hours on High)

Substitutions

• Cream: Use half and half if you want a slightly lighter sauce.
• Spinach: Kale works well and holds its texture.
• Chicken: Boneless skinless thighs stay extra tender and flavorful.

Variations

• Tuscan Chicken Pasta: Stir in cooked penne or fettuccine right before serving.
• Spicy Tuscan Chicken: Add red pepper flakes for a gentle kick.
• Creamy Mushroom Version: Add sliced mushrooms with the onions for extra earthiness.

Tips and Tricks

• Slice After Cooking: Cutting the chicken after cooking lets it soak up more sauce.
• Use Oil Packed Sun Dried Tomatoes: They add extra richness and flavor.
• Add Spinach Last: This keeps it bright green and tender, not mushy.
• Whisk the Sauce Well: Take a minute to fully blend the cream cheese for the smoothest sauce.

Private Notes

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Servings: 6 servings

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken is one of those recipes that earns a permanent spot in the dinner rotation. It is comforting, reliable, and always makes the people around the table feel cared for.

RELATED RECIPE:Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls

As a dad, those are the meals I keep coming back to. The ones that bring everyone together, slow things down, and remind us that good food does not have to be complicated to be special. If you make this, I hope it brings the same warmth to your table that it brings to ours.