The Ultimate Crockpot Tuscan Chicken Recipe (Easy Slow Cooker Chicken)

Published on: November 24, 2025

Creamy Crockpot Tuscan Chicken with tender chicken breasts, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and parmesan in a white baking dish.

Welcome to your new favorite weeknight dinner: creamy Crockpot Tuscan Chicken! This delightful dish combines tender chicken with a rich, savory sauce brimming with classic Italian flavors. With minimal hands-on time, your slow cooker works its magic, creating an indulgent meal perfect for busy evenings. Prepare to enjoy a delicious, versatile dish the whole family will adore.

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Chicken Recipe

This recipe is designed for ease and maximum flavor, making it a standout among crockpot chicken recipes.

Minimal Prep: Spend less than 15 minutes getting everything ready. This allows you more time to relax after a long day.
Hands-Off Cooking: “Set it and forget it” truly applies here. Your slow cooker does all the work, building deep flavors effortlessly.
Rich, Creamy Flavor: Indulge in a decadent sauce infused with sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, and garlic. The chicken comes out incredibly tender.
Versatile Meal: Easily customize this dish with your favorite sides or add-ins. It adapts perfectly to any family meal occasion.

Ingredients

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to making these wonderful crockpot chicken recipes. Everything is simple and easy to find!

Chicken: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lbs). These cook beautifully in the slow cooker, staying moist and tender.
Chicken Seasoning: ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning, ¼ teaspoon paprika, ⅛ teaspoon pepper. This simple blend enhances the natural flavor of the chicken.
Cream Sauce Base: 1 cup heavy whipping cream, 1 tablespoon cornstarch. This forms the luxurious, thick foundation of your Tuscan sauce.
Aromatics & Flavor: 3 cloves garlic (finely minced), ¼ teaspoon salt, ⅛ teaspoon pepper. Garlic adds a crucial aromatic depth to the dish.
Tuscan Elements: ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil packed, drained and chopped), ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 cup chopped fresh spinach. These ingredients bring the vibrant Tuscan character to life.

Notes & Substitutions

You can easily adjust this crockpot chicken recipe to fit your preferences or what you have on hand.

Chicken Alternatives: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are an excellent substitute. They stay incredibly juicy in the slow cooker. You can also use chicken tenderloins for faster cooking.
Cream Options: For a slightly lighter sauce, use half-and-half or light cream. You may need to adjust the cornstarch amount to achieve your desired thickness.
Spinach Tips: Fresh spinach wilts down significantly. If using frozen spinach, thaw it first and squeeze out all excess water before adding. This prevents a watery sauce.
Cheese Quality: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts smoother and offers a superior flavor compared to pre-grated varieties. However, pre-grated works in a pinch.
Flavor Boosts: Elevate your Tuscan flavors by adding a handful of chopped artichoke hearts or roasted red peppers alongside the sun-dried tomatoes.

Equipment

You only need a few basic kitchen tools to make this fantastic slow cooker chicken.

3-4 quart slow cooker (crockpot). This is essential for hands-off cooking.
Small and medium mixing bowls. Use these for seasoning the chicken and mixing the cream sauce.
Whisk. Perfect for ensuring your cream sauce is smooth and lump-free.
Meat thermometer. Crucial for checking chicken doneness safely and accurately.

Instructions

Making this Crockpot Tuscan Chicken is incredibly simple, even for beginners. Just follow these steps for a delicious, easy meal.

Prep Chicken: Place the 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts in your 3- to 4-quart slow cooker. In a small bowl, combine ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning, ¼ teaspoon paprika, and ⅛ teaspoon pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.
Mix Cream Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup heavy whipping cream, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 3 cloves of finely minced garlic, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ⅛ teaspoon pepper. Whisk until the cornstarch is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
Add Tuscan Flavors: Stir ⅓ cup of drained and chopped oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes and ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese into the cream mixture. These ingredients are key to the classic Tuscan taste.
Pour Sauce: Carefully pour the cream and Tuscan mixture over and around the seasoned chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Ensure the chicken is well coated with the sauce.
Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on the LOW setting for 3 to 4 hours, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken registers 165°F. Do not overcook. If the sauce appears separated during cooking, simply stir it gently until it smooths out.
Stir in Spinach: Once the chicken reaches 165°F, remove the lid. Stir in 1 cup of fresh chopped spinach. Continue stirring gently until the spinach has fully wilted into the warm sauce, which usually takes just a few minutes.
Adjust & Serve: Taste the sauce and adjust any seasonings as desired. You might want a pinch more salt or pepper. Carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker and serve immediately with your favorite sides. This easy crockpot chicken recipe is ready to enjoy!

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Ensure perfect results every time you make crockpot chicken recipes with these handy tips.

Don’t Overcook: Chicken can dry out quickly. Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches exactly 165°F, then remove it from the heat. The USDA recommends an internal temperature of 165°F for all poultry to ensure it is safely cooked.
Prevent Curdling: Cream-based sauces can sometimes curdle if cooked on too high a heat or for too long. Stick to the LOW setting for best results with this slow cooker chicken.
Thickening Sauce: If your sauce is too thin after cooking, remove about ½ cup of the sauce. Whisk in 1 teaspoon of cornstarch to create a slurry, then stir it back into the slow cooker. Cook for another 15-20 minutes on LOW, or until thickened.
Browning Chicken: For an extra layer of flavor and texture, briefly sear the chicken breasts in a hot skillet for 2-3 minutes per side before placing them in the slow cooker. This step is optional but delicious.
Uniformity: If your chicken breasts are very large or uneven, consider cutting them into similar-sized pieces. This ensures they cook at the same rate and reach doneness simultaneously.

Serving, Storage, & Variations

This versatile Crockpot Tuscan Chicken pairs wonderfully with many sides and is easy to store.

Serving Suggestions

Serve it generously over your favorite pasta, such as fettuccine, penne, or simple buttered noodles.
Delicious with fluffy white rice, like Instant Pot jasmine rice, to soak up all the creamy sauce.
Pair with creamy mashed potatoes, especially garlic mashed potatoes, for a comforting meal.
Offer crusty bread or garlic bread on the side. It’s perfect for dipping into the rich sauce.
Complete your meal with a side of roasted vegetables, such as tender green beans or sweet carrots.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerate: Store any leftover crockpot chicken recipes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheat: Gently warm individual portions in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. Be careful not to boil the sauce, as cream can sometimes separate if reheated too vigorously. Add a splash of broth or cream if the sauce seems too thick.
Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date.
Thawing: Thaw frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator. You can also use the defrost setting on your microwave or place the container in a bowl of cool water.

Variations

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the Italian seasoning for a subtle heat.
Herbaceous Boost: Stir in a tablespoon of fresh chopped basil or oregano with the spinach for added aroma and flavor.
Extra Veggies: Boost the nutritional value and texture by adding sliced mushrooms or diced bell peppers at the beginning of the slow cooking process.
Cheese Swaps: Experiment with different cheeses! Try shredded mozzarella or provolone for a different melt and flavor profile in this crockpot chicken recipe.

Nutrition Information

This Crockpot Tuscan Chicken offers a flavorful and satisfying meal. Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional values per serving.

Serving Size	260 grams
Calories	393 kcal
Carbohydrates	9 g
Protein	29 g
Fat	27 g
Saturated Fat	15 g
Polyunsaturated Fat	1 g
Monounsaturated Fat	8 g
Trans Fat	1 g
Cholesterol	159 mg
Sodium	712 mg
Potassium	823 mg
Fiber	1 g
Sugar	4 g
Vitamin A	1461 IU
Vitamin C	7 mg
Calcium	137 mg
Iron	2 mg

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

FAQ

You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers about making delicious crockpot chicken recipes!

Can I cook this on high heat? While possible, it’s not recommended for this recipe. High heat increases the risk of the cream sauce curdling and the chicken drying out. Stick to the LOW setting for the best results.
Can I use frozen chicken? Yes, you can use frozen boneless, skinless chicken breasts. However, you will need to increase the cooking time by at least 1-2 hours. Always check for an internal temperature of 165°F.
Can I prepare and freeze the ingredients before cooking? You can certainly prep and freeze the chicken with its seasonings. However, it’s best to add the cream sauce and fresh spinach on the day of cooking for the freshest flavor and texture.
What if my sauce separates or curdles? Don’t worry! This can happen with cream sauces. Simply stir the sauce vigorously with a whisk in the slow cooker, and it should smooth out. If it’s still chunky, a quick blend with an immersion blender can help.
Can I make this dairy-free? You can try substituting the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. Omit the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free Parmesan substitute, keeping in mind the flavor will be different.

Conclusion

This Crockpot Tuscan Chicken recipe truly delivers on flavor and convenience, making it a perfect addition to your weekly meal rotation. With minimal prep and the magic of your slow cooker, you can enjoy a creamy, savory, and utterly delicious meal with ease. It’s the ideal solution for busy weeknight dinners when you crave something homemade and comforting. Give this incredible crockpot chicken recipe a try tonight – your taste buds and schedule will thank you! We’d love to see your creations, so share your photos and leave us a review!