Tuscan Garlic Chicken Thighs with Spinach

Recipe Introduction

Fancy a taste of Italy without leaving your kitchen? Ever wondered if you can have Tuscan Garlic Chicken magic without the fuss? Let's dive into CrockPot Tuscan Garlic Chicken Thighs .

It’s the best comfort food ever.

From Tuscany to Your Crock Pot

Crockpot Dishes like this one bring Italian flavours to your table. This recipe combines creamy garlic sauce with tender chicken thighs.

Originally a simple Italian dish, it's been transformed for the slow cooker. It’s easy, takes little time, and serves about six people.

Why You'll Love This Dish

Honestly, the best part is how easy it is. Plus, it's packed with protein, thanks to the chicken. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or even a casual get-together with friends.

I think it's perfect, especially when paired with pasta.

Ingredients You'll Need

Alright, let’s gather our bits. You’ll need:

• About 2.5 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
• One tablespoon of olive oil.
• Eight cloves of garlic.
• One teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning.
• Half a teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a little zing.
• Salt and pepper.
• A can of diced tomatoes.
• Half a cup of chicken broth.
• Half a cup of heavy cream.
• Half a cup of sun-dried tomatoes.
• Half a cup of grated Parmesan.
• Five ounces of fresh spinach.

Let's Get Started with Crockpot Cooking

This recipe is all about ease. If you don't have a Crock Pot Cooking , You can also try Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken version.

The flavors meld together beautifully. This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe is basically a dump and-go recipe. Quick prep, then the slow cooker does all the work.

Ingredients & Equipment For Amazing CrockPot Tuscan Garlic Chicken Thighs

Let's dive into what you'll need to whip up some CrockPot Tuscan Garlic Chicken Thighs . Honestly, it's all pretty straightforward.

This Easy Crockpot Chicken Dinner is designed to be fuss free. No need to stress about complicated ingredients.

Main Ingredients

Here's the shopping list. This will make enough for 6 hungry people, so adjust accordingly.

• 2.5 lbs (1.13 kg) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed.
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil.
• 8 cloves garlic, minced (trust me, you want this much!).
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning.
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat).
• Salt and pepper, to taste.
• 1 (14.5 oz) (411g) can diced tomatoes, undrained.
• ½ cup (120ml) chicken broth.
• ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream.
• ½ cup (57g) sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped.
• ½ cup (57g) grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving because cheese.
• 5 ounces (142g) fresh spinach, roughly chopped.

When buying your chicken, look for thighs that are plump and have a nice, even color. Don't worry too much about the exact measurements.

This recipe is super flexible, like those fancy Italian Slow Cooker Recipes .

Seasoning Notes

For seasoning, Italian seasoning is your friend. It's a blend of herbs that just works . Red pepper flakes add a lil' kick, but skip it if you prefer things mild.

Don't underestimate good salt and pepper! They really bring out all the flavors in Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe .

If you are missing Italian seasoning, use a mix of dried oregano, basil, rosemary, and thyme. All of these flavors are essential spice combination for this dish.

Equipment Needed

You really don't need much for Crockpot Cooking , I swear!.

• A 6-quart (5.7 liter) slow cooker/Crock Pot.
• A large skillet (optional, for searing the chicken, but it adds flavor).
• Measuring spoons and cups.
• Cutting board and knife.

If you don't have a skillet, just skip the searing step. It will still taste delicious. And if you don't have measuring spoons? Eyeballing it is totally acceptable in my book.

So, there you have it. All you need to get started on Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken . Honestly, the best part about this recipe is how simple it is.

It's perfect for a lazy Sunday or a busy weeknight. Just chuck everything in the Crockpot Dishes and let it work its magic.

Let's Talk CrockPot Tuscan Garlic Chicken Thighs!

Alright, gather 'round, because we're diving headfirst into some proper comfort food today. Think Italian sunshine in a bowl, but without the faff! I'm talking about CrockPot Tuscan Garlic Chicken Thighs , and trust me, it's a game changer.

Forget slaving over a hot stove after a long day; this easy crockpot chicken dinner practically cooks itself. I mean, who doesn't love a bit of "dump and-go" cooking? It's like having your own little sous chef!

Prep Like a Pro: Tuscan Garlic Chicken Before You Cook

Before you even think about switching on that slow cooker, get your mise en place sorted. Chop your 8 cloves of garlic (yes, it’s a lot, but trust me, it’s worth it!), measure out your spices, and give those 2.

5 lbs of chicken thighs a little trim. Honestly, getting everything prepped beforehand saves so much time and stops you from panicking halfway through.

Easy Steps to Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Heaven

1. Season your chicken thighs with salt, pepper, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning , and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you're feeling brave.
2. Optional: Sear the chicken in 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium high heat for 2- 3 minutes per side. This adds a lovely depth of flavour, but it's not essential.
3. Chuck 1 (14.5 oz) can of diced tomatoes and ½ cup of chicken broth into your slow cooker.
4. Nestle your chicken thighs on top, then sprinkle over your chopped garlic and ½ cup of sun-dried tomatoes .
5. Cook on low for 4- 6 hours , or on high for 2- 3 hours , until the chicken is super tender.
6. Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream , ½ cup of Parmesan cheese , and 5 ounces of fresh spinach . Cook until the spinach wilts.
7. Serve over pasta or polenta, and garnish with extra Parmesan. Bellissimo!

Pro Tips for the Best Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe

Want to elevate your Crock Pot cooking skills? Try searing those chicken thighs before they hit the slow cooker. I know, it's an extra step, but it gives them such a lovely flavour.

Also, don't skimp on the garlic. It's what makes this Tuscan garlic chicken so darn delicious.

A common mistake? Overcooking the chicken. Keep an eye on it, and check for doneness after the minimum cook time.

The meat should easily shred with a fork. The best part? You can absolutely make this ahead. Prepare everything the night before and pop it in the slow cooker in the morning.

This Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken is fantastic served over pasta, creamy polenta, or with crusty bread for mopping up all that delicious sauce.

And if you're feeling extra fancy, a sprinkle of fresh basil never hurt anyone! I mean, this recipe is so good it is among Italian slow cooker recipes , you’ll want to make it every week.

It’s a great way to make slow cooker chicken thighs recipe .

Recipe Notes for Your CrockPot Tuscan Garlic Chicken Thighs

Right then, let's talk about how to make these CrockPot Tuscan Garlic Chicken Thighs truly shine. I’ve made this recipe a gazillion times, and honestly, there's always something new to discover.

Think of these as little nuggets of wisdom, gleaned from my own kitchen catastrophes and triumphs.

Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro

Fancy a bit of MasterChef presentation? Spoon your Creamy Garlic Chicken with Spinach over a bed of pasta. Linguine works a treat.

Or how about creamy polenta? Proper Italian comfort food. Don't forget some crusty garlic bread! It is vital for mopping up that delicious sauce.

A glass of chilled Pinot Grigio wouldn't go amiss, either!

Storage Tips: Keepin' It Fresh

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Tuscan Garlic Chicken keeps like a dream. Pop it in an airtight container and into the fridge.

It will last for up to 3 days . Reheat it gently on the hob or in the microwave. Don't overdo it, or the chicken will dry out.

Freezing? Yes, you can. Just be aware that the cream sauce might separate a little upon thawing. Still tastes amazing though!

Variations: Mix It Up!

Fancy a twist? For a Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe with even more flavour, stir in a dollop of tomato paste and some chopped fresh basil.

It really elevates the dish. Or, if you're watching your waistline, swap the heavy cream for light cream cheese. No one will know the difference!

Fancy making this suitable for vegetarians? Chickpeas or Cannellini beans work brilliantly!

For a fresher taste, why not try swapping out Sun-Dried Tomatoes for fresh cherry tomatoes? The possibilities are endless.

Nutrition Basics: A Wholesome Treat

Each serving is roughly 450 calories , with a whopping 40g of protein . It is a balanced and satisfying meal.

Remember, this is just an estimate. Always check your own labels for accurate info. There are lots of key health benefits such as Protein and Fibre!

These Crockpot Dishes are super easy and always deliver. Have fun experimenting, and don't be afraid to get creative. Remember, cooking should be fun, like enjoying a Sunday roast with your family.

And now you know, your Easy Crockpot Chicken Dinner is one step closer to being a delicious success! Happy Crockpot Cooking ! Enjoy making this Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs Recipe!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in this CrockPot Tuscan Garlic Chicken Thighs recipe?

While chicken thighs are recommended for their juiciness and flavor, you can use chicken breasts. However, be mindful that chicken breasts tend to dry out more quickly in the slow cooker. Reduce the cooking time by about an hour and check for doneness frequently. Nobody wants chicken as dry as a vicar's smile!

Help! My CrockPot Tuscan Garlic Chicken Thighs sauce is too thin. How can I thicken it?

No worries, thickening the sauce is easy! You have a couple of options. You could mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water to make a slurry, then stir it into the sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Alternatively, you can remove the chicken, then simmer the sauce in the slow cooker on high with the lid off for about 15-20 minutes until it reduces to your desired thickness.

How long can I store leftovers of this CrockPot Tuscan Garlic Chicken Thighs dish?

Leftovers of this yummy slow cooked chicken can be safely stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. Make sure it's piping hot!

You can also freeze it for longer storage (up to 2-3 months), although the texture of the sauce might change slightly upon thawing.

I'm trying to eat healthier. Are there any lower calorie variations of this Tuscan Garlic Chicken Thighs dish I can try?

Absolutely! To lighten things up, you can use light cream cheese instead of heavy cream. Or consider swapping half the cream for a dollop of Greek yogurt at the very end of cooking. Using low-sodium chicken broth and going easy on the Parmesan will also help reduce the overall sodium content.

Serve with a side of steamed broccoli instead of pasta and Bob's your uncle!

Can I add other vegetables to my CrockPot Tuscan Garlic Chicken Thighs?

Definitely! Feel free to add other veggies that complement the flavors, but be mindful of cooking times. Mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini would all work well. Add them during the last hour or so of cooking to prevent them from becoming too mushy. This isn't MasterChef, but a bit of care will go a long way!