Description
This Easy Tuscan Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs recipe offers tender, flavorful chicken cooked low and slow with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and a creamy Parmesan spinach sauce. Perfect for an effortless, comforting Italian-American main course that pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasonings
- 6 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
For Cooking
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 1 cup chicken broth
Finishing Sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup baby spinach
Instructions
- Season the chicken: In a bowl, season the chicken thighs evenly with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika to build the base flavor profile.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and sear them for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until lightly browned. This step locks in moisture and adds depth to the final dish.
- Transfer to slow cooker: Place the seared chicken into the slow cooker. Add minced garlic, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and chicken broth to the pot. Cover with the lid.
- Slow cook the chicken: Cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Finish with cream and spinach: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and baby spinach. Cover and cook until the spinach wilts and the sauce becomes creamy and well blended.
- Serve: Serve the creamy Tuscan chicken warm, ideal over pasta, rice, or alongside crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Notes
- You can substitute boneless chicken thighs if you prefer a quicker cook time and easier eating.
- For a dairy-free version, replace heavy cream with coconut cream and Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast.
- Serve this dish with your favorite pasta, steamed rice, or warm crusty bread for a complete meal.
