Description
This Easy Tuscan Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs recipe features tender chicken cooked to perfection in a creamy, flavorful sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and fresh spinach. Using a slow cooker allows the dish to develop rich, comforting flavors with minimal effort, making it an ideal meal for busy days. Serve this Italian-inspired main course over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasonings
- 6 bone-in or boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Sauce and Garnish
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Quickly sear the chicken thighs for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a light golden crust. This step enhances the flavor and texture of the chicken.
- Transfer to Slow Cooker: Place the seared chicken thighs into the slow cooker, ensuring they are arranged evenly to allow even cooking.
- Add Vegetables and Seasonings: Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the slow cooker. Pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle Italian seasoning, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes over the ingredients.
- Slow Cook the Chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for about 6 hours, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Prepare the Sauce: Once the chicken is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese to the slow cooker. Mix well to create a creamy sauce.
- Add Spinach and Finish Cooking: Add the fresh spinach on top of the chicken and sauce. Cover and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes until the spinach is wilted and the sauce is thickened and creamy.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the sauce and adjust salt or pepper if necessary. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Serve the dish over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can skip browning the chicken if you’re short on time, but searing adds extra flavor and texture.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes to soak up the creamy sauce.
- For a lower-fat option, consider substituting heavy cream with half-and-half, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian Inspired
