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Keto Crockpot Creamy Tuscan Chicken - Rich, Comforting, and Low-Carb

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken: 2 to 2.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • Salt and pepper: For seasoning
  • Olive oil or butter: 1 tablespoon (optional, for searing)
  • Garlic: 4 cloves, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder if you’re in a pinch)
  • Italian seasoning: 1 to 1.5 teaspoons
  • Crushed red pepper flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional, for a light kick)
  • Chicken broth: 1/2 cup, low-sodium
  • Heavy cream: 1 cup
  • Cream cheese: 4 ounces, softened and cubed
  • Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup, freshly grated
  • Sun-dried tomatoes: 1/2 cup, chopped (packed in oil, drained)
  • Baby spinach: 3 to 4 cups, loosely packed
  • Fresh basil: A handful, chopped (optional but adds freshness)
  • Lemon zest or juice: 1/2 teaspoon zest or 1 teaspoon juice (optional, to brighten)

Method
 

  1. Prep the chicken: Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt and pepper. If you have time, sear in a hot skillet with olive oil for 2 to 3 minutes per side. This step is optional but adds great flavor.
  2. Layer the crockpot: Place chicken in the slow cooker. Sprinkle on garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
  3. Add liquids and cheese: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Add the cream cheese cubes and half of the parmesan.
  4. Add sun-dried tomatoes: Scatter them over the top. They’ll infuse the sauce with a deep, tangy flavor.
  5. Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on Low for 3.5 to 4.5 hours (for breasts) or 4 to 5.5 hours (for thighs). Chicken should reach 165°F and be tender.
  6. Shred or slice: Remove chicken and shred with two forks or slice into thick pieces. Return it to the crockpot.
  7. Finish the sauce: Stir in spinach, remaining parmesan, and basil. Cover and cook on Low for another 5 to 10 minutes until spinach wilts and sauce is silky.
  8. Adjust and brighten: Taste and add salt, pepper, and a touch of lemon zest or juice if desired. Sauce should be rich and balanced.
  9. Serve: Spoon chicken and sauce over zoodles, cauliflower mash, sautéed greens, or roasted veggies. Garnish with extra parmesan and basil.