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Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken - Creamy, Comforting, and Easy

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken: 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • Seasoning: 1.5 teaspoons kosher salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • Herbs and spices: 1.5 teaspoons Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon paprika (optional), 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Aromatics: 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • Sun-dried tomatoes: 1/2 cup, drained and sliced (oil-packed preferred)
  • Chicken broth: 1 cup low-sodium
  • Creamy base: 4 ounces cream cheese, softened; 3/4 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
  • Parmesan: 1/2 cup freshly grated
  • Spinach: 3–4 cups fresh baby spinach (about 4 ounces)
  • Olive oil: 1 tablespoon (optional, for searing)
  • Fresh basil or parsley: for garnish (optional)
  • To serve: Cooked pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread

Method
 

  1. Prep the chicken: Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika (if using). This step sets the foundation for a flavorful sauce.
  2. Optional sear: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high. Sear chicken for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly golden. This adds flavor, but you can skip it if you’re short on time.
  3. Build flavor in the slow cooker: Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the slow cooker. Scatter the sun-dried tomatoes on top.
  4. Add liquids: Pour in the chicken broth. Nestle the chicken into the mixture in an even layer so it cooks evenly.
  5. Slow cook: Cover and cook on Low for 4–5 hours or High for 2.5–3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Avoid lifting the lid too often.
  6. Make it creamy: In a small bowl, whisk the softened cream cheese with the heavy cream until mostly smooth. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker, then add the Parmesan. Cover and cook on High for 15–20 minutes to melt and thicken.
  7. Add spinach: Stir in the spinach and cook for another 5 minutes, just until wilted and vibrant.
  8. Adjust and serve: Taste and adjust salt and pepper. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of broth or cream. If too thin, let it sit uncovered for a few minutes to thicken. Serve over pasta, rice, or potatoes, and garnish with fresh basil or parsley.