Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs (trimmed of excess fat)
- 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 6 large cloves fresh garlic (peeled and crushed)
- 1/2 cup sliced sundried tomatoes (drained)
- 1/4 cup chicken stock
Creamy Sauce and Finishings
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup freshly-grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
- 3 cups baby spinach leaves (coarsely chopped)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Drizzle the extra-virgin olive oil in the bottom of your slow cooker to prevent sticking and add flavor. Place the chicken thighs evenly in a single layer ensuring all pieces touch the bottom for even cooking. Sprinkle the dried Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, crushed garlic, and sundried tomatoes evenly over the chicken. Pour the chicken stock evenly over the top to add moisture and depth of flavor.
- Slow Cook the Chicken: Cover and cook on LOW heat for 5 to 6 hours or on HIGH heat for 3 to 4 hours. This slow cooking process will tenderize the chicken and allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Finish the Sauce: After the cooking time has elapsed, remove the lid and turn the slow cooker to HIGH heat. Stir in the heavy whipping cream, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped baby spinach leaves. Continue stirring until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts into a creamy sauce, which should take about 1 minute.
- Serve: Plate the Tuscan chicken garnished with fresh basil leaves and additional Parmesan cheese to taste. This adds freshness and a final flavorful touch to the dish.
Notes
- For a thicker sauce, you can cook the sauce uncovered on HIGH for an additional 15-20 minutes before serving.
- Feel free to substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts, but the thighs remain juicier and more tender after slow cooking.
- Sundried tomatoes add a rich, tangy flavor but can be swapped with sun-dried tomato paste if preferred.
- Serve this dish with pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days and freeze nicely for up to 1 month.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian