Name: Crockpot Tuscan Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 10 min
Cuisine: Tuscan
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lbs); ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning; ¼ teaspoon paprika; ⅛ teaspoon pepper; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 3 cloves garlic, finely minced; ¼ teaspoon salt; ⅛ teaspoon pepper; ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped; ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 cup chopped fresh spinach

If you’re looking for a dinner that feels fancy but is actually super easy, you’ve got to try this Crockpot Tuscan Chicken Recipe. I absolutely love how it comes together — juicy chicken breasts slow cooked in a creamy, flavorful sauce with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach. It practically makes itself while you get on with your day, then rewards you with a rich, comforting meal perfect for any night of the week.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hands-Off Cooking: Just a few minutes prep, then let the slow cooker do all the work.
Rich, Creamy Flavor: The sauce is indulgent without being heavy, thanks to fresh ingredients.
Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for this dish, and it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or guests.
Versatile and Easy to Customize: You can swap veggies or change up the seasoning to suit your taste.

A white slow cooker filled with creamy light orange sauce covering several pieces of light tan cooked chicken, mixed with bright green spinach leaves and small chunks of dark red sun-dried tomatoes scattered throughout the sauce, all sitting on a white marbled surface with some green leaves visible in the upper left corner and a black and white striped cloth in the lower right corner photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients in this Crockpot Tuscan Chicken Recipe come together beautifully — they’re simple staples with a few gourmet touches that elevate the flavors. I always look for good-quality sun-dried tomatoes because they add that perfect burst of tang and sweetness.

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Easy to cook slowly without drying out when done right.
Salt: Just enough to season but not overpower; it brings everything else to life.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds classic Italian flair without fuss.
Paprika: Adds subtle smokiness and a lovely color.
Black Pepper: Freshly ground is best for a bit of kick.
Heavy Whipping Cream: Key for that decadent sauce — don’t skimp on the creaminess!
Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce just right.
Garlic (finely minced): Fresh garlic amps up the flavor in a big way.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes (drained and chopped): Adds a tangy sweet depth that makes the dish stand out.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Melts into the sauce and gives it a subtle nutty bite.
Chopped Fresh Spinach: Freshness and color for balance and nutrition.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how flexible this Crockpot Tuscan Chicken Recipe is. Over time, I’ve tweaked it to suit what’s in my fridge or to make it a bit lighter or more indulgent. Feel free to personalize it — that’s half the fun!

Use Chicken Thighs: If you prefer darker meat, thighs add extra flavor and stay juicy even longer.
Swap Spinach for Kale: I sometimes use kale for a heartier green and a bit more texture.
Make it Dairy-Free: Coconut cream and a vegan Parmesan substitute work well if you’re avoiding dairy.
Add Mushrooms: For an earthy twist, toss in sliced mushrooms about halfway through cooking.

How to Make Crockpot Tuscan Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Chicken and Seasoning

This part is quick but super important. Place your boneless, skinless chicken breasts evenly in a 3- to 4-quart slow cooker. Then mix the salt, Italian seasoning, paprika, and pepper in a small bowl, sprinkling this blend evenly over the chicken to ensure every bite is flavorful. I learned that patting the chicken dry before seasoning helps the spices stick better and gives you a more delicious crust once cooked.

Step 2: Add Garlic, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, and Spinach

Finely mince your garlic—fresh is best here—and add it to the slow cooker along with chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach. The garlic infuses its aroma into the sauce, while the sun-dried tomatoes bring a punch of tangy sweetness. I usually chop the sun-dried tomatoes quite small so they blend well into the creamy sauce without overpowering.

Step 3: Prepare and Add the Cream Sauce

In a separate bowl, whisk the heavy whipping cream with cornstarch to help thicken the sauce as it cooks. Pour this mixture over the chicken and veggies in the crockpot. The creaminess here is what really makes this recipe stand out — if you’ve never slow-cooked cream sauces, it’s a game changer. Just be sure to stir gently halfway through the cooking time if your slow cooker allows it, to prevent any separation.

Step 4: Cook Low and Slow

Set your slow cooker to low for about 3 hours. This time frame lets the chicken cook through perfectly and the sauce thicken up beautifully. Resist the urge to open the lid too often — every peek releases heat and adds to your cook time. When I first tried this, I was worried about overcooking the chicken, but this timing hits the sweet spot every time.

Step 5: Stir in Parmesan and Finish

About 10 minutes before serving, sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and give the sauce a gentle stir to combine everything. The cheese melts into the sauce, taking that creamy goodness to the next level. I’ve learned that adding Parmesan at the end preserves its flavor and texture best.

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Pro Tips for Making Crockpot Tuscan Chicken Recipe

Dry Your Chicken Well: Helps the seasoning stick and creates better texture.
Use Low Heat for Tenderness: Slow cooking on low makes chicken juicy and tender, avoiding toughness.
Add Greens Last: Fresh spinach wilts nicely without becoming mushy when added during cooking.
Resist Lifting the Lid: Keep heat in to cook evenly and save precious time.

How to Serve Crockpot Tuscan Chicken Recipe

A white plate holds a bed of yellow fettuccine pasta with a creamy light beige sauce poured over a piece of light brown cooked chicken on top. The sauce contains small chunks of sun-dried tomatoes and bits of fresh green herbs scattered around. The pasta strands are flat and slightly twisted, spreading under the chicken. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with small bowls of grated cheese and chopped green herbs in the background. Some green herb leaves are also visible on the surface near the plate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping this recipe with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and a few fresh basil leaves whenever I have them on hand. It just brightens up the dish and makes it feel a little extra special — plus, basil adds a fresh, herbaceous note that complements the creamy sauce perfectly.

Side Dishes

For sides, I usually go with classic pasta like fettuccine or penne to soak up every bit of that tasty sauce. Garlic bread on the side is a must for my family — we love dipping it into the creamy goodness. Sometimes, I serve it over mashed potatoes for a comforting twist, or even cauliflower rice if I’m watching carbs.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve plated this chicken over a bed of creamy polenta and garnished with toasted pine nuts and a drizzle of good olive oil. It makes the dish look restaurant-worthy but requires almost zero extra effort. You can also bake it in small ramekins for lovely individual portions that impress guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, I like to transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking to keep everything fresh. The sauce thickens a bit as it chills, which actually helps it cling beautifully to the chicken when reheated.

Freezing

I usually freeze leftovers in individual portions for easy lunches or quick dinners later in the week. Be sure to cool completely before freezing, and label with the date so you know how fresh it is. It freezes surprisingly well, retaining most of that creamy texture after thawing.

Reheating

When reheating, I recommend warming gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce. Microwave works too, but stirring occasionally helps keep the texture smooth and prevents drying out the chicken.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts in this Crockpot Tuscan Chicken Recipe?

It’s best to use thawed chicken breasts for even cooking. Frozen chicken can release extra water and might cause the sauce to be thinner than desired, and the cook time can be unpredictable. If you only have frozen chicken, increase cooking time and check frequently for doneness.
Is it okay to use low-fat cream or milk instead of heavy cream?

Heavy cream is key for that rich, silky sauce in this recipe. Using low-fat cream or milk might result in a thinner sauce or curdling during slow cooking. If you prefer lighter options, try half-and-half but expect a slightly different texture and flavor.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Since slow cookers vary in heat, using a meat thermometer can help avoid over- or undercooking. Usually, 3-4 hours on low does the trick for average-sized breasts.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely! This recipe is very forgiving. Vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini can be added. Just consider their cooking times — heartier veggies go in at the start, delicate ones close to the end.
What do I serve with Crockpot Tuscan Chicken?

Pasta is a classic and perfect for soaking up the sauce, but mashed potatoes, polenta, or crusty bread also work wonderfully. Adding a simple green salad balances the richness nicely.

Final Thoughts

This Crockpot Tuscan Chicken Recipe quickly became one of my go-to meals when I want dinner that feels special without the fuss. It’s creamy, comforting, and hits that perfect balance of elegant and everyday. I’m confident you’ll enjoy it as much as my family does — give it a try and let the slow cooker work its magic while you relax!