Crockpot Tuscan Chicken
Crockpot Tuscan Chicken is one of those meals that feels fancy but comes together with almost no effort.
Juicy chicken simmers all day in a creamy parmesan sauce with sundried tomatoes and spinach, making your kitchen smell like dinner is already handled.
It’s a simple, comforting recipe that’s perfect for busy nights. Serve it over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes, and dinner’s ready without a second thought.
Crockpot Tuscan Chicken Recipe Highlights
- Slow Cooker Easy – Perfect for busy days with minimal prep.
- Creamy Parmesan Sauce – Rich, savory, and full of flavor.
- Versatile Pairings – Serve over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
- Family-Friendly – A hearty meal everyone can enjoy.
- Make Ahead Ready – Great for meal prep with simple reheating options.
Ingredient Notes
Please check the recipe card below for a detailed, printable ingredient list.
CHICKEN – I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts because they cook up tender and lean in the slow cooker, soaking up all the flavors of the sauce. If you prefer something a little richer, boneless chicken thighs are a great swap—they stay juicy and add a bit more depth to the dish.
ONION AND GARLIC – Yellow onion adds a subtle sweetness that balances the savory sauce, while fresh minced garlic brings bold flavor that you don’t want to skip. Chop the onion finely so it softens evenly as it cooks, and mince the garlic fresh for the best results.
LIQUIDS – Chicken broth provides the base for cooking, keeping the chicken tender and juicy while enhancing the overall flavor. Heavy cream is what gives the sauce its velvety, rich texture. For a lighter option, half-and-half can work, but the sauce won’t be quite as thick or luxurious.
CHEESE – Freshly shredded parmesan cheese is the key to a smooth, creamy sauce with plenty of flavor. Avoid pre-shredded parmesan, as it often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting properly.
SPINACH – Baby spinach adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness that balances the richness of the cream and cheese. Chop it roughly before adding so it wilts evenly into the sauce without clumping together.
HERBS – Basil, parsley, oregano, and thyme come together for that classic Italian flavor. If you have fresh herbs on hand, use them! Fresh herbs can replace dried in a 2:1 ratio, but be sure to add them toward the end of cooking to keep their flavor bright. If you’re in a pinch, a good quality Italian seasoning blend works just as well.
How To Make Crockpot Tuscan Chicken
Please check the printable recipe card below for more detailed instructions.
- Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker and layer the onion, sundried tomatoes, garlic, and herbs on top. Pour in the chicken broth.
- Cook on low for 7-8 hours until the chicken is tender.
- Remove the chicken, then stir in the spinach, heavy cream, and parmesan until smooth. Return the chicken and cook for 30 more minutes.
- Serve warm with the creamy sauce spooned over the chicken. Pair with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes, if desired.
Leftovers and Storage
STORE – Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
FREEZE – Cool the dish completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
REHEAT – Warm leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to maintain the sauce’s texture.
MAKE AHEAD – You can prep the chicken and herb mixture the night before, storing it in the fridge. In the morning, just add it to the slow cooker and start cooking.
Serving Suggestions
PASTA – Spoon the creamy sauce and tender chicken over a bed of fettuccine, spaghetti, egg noodles, or penne. The sauce clings beautifully to the pasta, making every bite satisfying. For extra flavor, toss the pasta with a little olive oil and grated parmesan before serving.
MASHED POTATOES – Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes are the ultimate comfort pairing. The rich sauce seeps into the potatoes, creating a perfect balance of texture and flavor. Use homemade or store-bought mashed potatoes for an easy option.
RICE – White or brown rice works well here, soaking up the sauce without overpowering the flavors. If you want something heartier, try serving it over wild rice or a simple garlic butter rice.
ROASTED CARROTS – Sweet, caramelized roasted carrots add a savory-sweet contrast to the dish. Drizzle them with olive oil and a sprinkle of thyme before roasting to echo the flavors in the chicken.
SAUTÉED GREEN BEANS – Lightly sauté green beans in olive oil with garlic and a pinch of salt for a crisp, fresh side that complements the richness of the sauce without stealing the spotlight.
CHOPPED TOMATO SALAD – A simple salad of fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onion tossed in olive oil and red wine vinegar cuts through the creamy sauce and adds a refreshing, tangy bite.
More Delicious Crockpot Chicken Recipes
Recipe Success Tips
ADD THE SPINACH AT THE RIGHT TIME – Stir in the spinach during the last 30 minutes of cooking so it wilts perfectly without becoming mushy. This step keeps its bright color and fresh flavor, which balances the richness of the sauce.
USE FRESHLY GRATED PARMESAN – Always grate your parmesan from a block. Pre-shredded cheese contains additives that prevent it from melting properly, leaving you with a grainy sauce instead of a smooth, creamy finish.
TASTE AND SEASON AT THE END – After the sauce thickens, give it a quick taste and adjust the salt and pepper. Slow cooking can mellow flavors, so seasoning at the end ensures the dish is well-balanced.
DON’T RUSH THE COOK TIME – Cooking on low for 7-8 hours gives the chicken time to become fork-tender and soak up the flavors. If you’re short on time, you can cook on high for about 4 hours, but the texture won’t be quite as soft.
Commonly Asked Questions
What Is Tuscan Chicken?
Tuscan chicken is created by cooked chicken breasts in a creamy parmesan sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and herbs.
More Easy and Delicious Crockpot Recipes
Crockpot Tuscan Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 large chicken breasts skinless, boneless
- ½ medium yellow onion finely chopped
- 1 8.5-ounce jar sun-dried tomatoes drained and chopped
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon basil
- ½ teaspoon parsley
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon thyme
- ¾ cup chicken broth
- 1 ½ cups baby spinach chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup parmesan cheese shredded
Instructions
- Add the chicken breasts to the bottom of the slow cooker. Place the onion, chopped sundried tomatoes, garlic, basil, parsley, oregano, and thyme on top of the chicken.
- Pour the chicken broth over the chicken breasts. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Carefully remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and set them aside. Add the spinach, heavy cream, and parmesan to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
- Return the chicken breasts to the slow cooker and cook for an additional 30 minutes or until the sauce has slightly thickened and the spinach has wilted.
- Spoon sauce from the slow cooker over the chicken and serve warm.
Equipment
Notes
Slow Cooker Times
on low – 7-8 hourson high – about 4 hours
Nutritional Information
Nutritional Disclaimer
Cheerful Cook team members are not trained nutritionists or medical professionals. Calorie information and nutritional values are estimates. If you have nutritional concerns, we recommend using a nutritional calculator.
Maike Corbett is the founder and food blogger of Cheerful Cook, a popular recipe website featuring comfort food recipes from the US and Germany. She has been featured in numerous media outlets, including the AP Wire and MSN.
Thank you enjoying recipes.
If I cut this recipe in half does it still need 7 hours cook time?
Great question. If you’re making half the recipe, you can still plan on about 7 hours on low. Slow cookers work at the same pace no matter how much is inside. Just start checking around 6 hours and make sure the chicken reaches 165º Fahrenheit.
SO. GOOD. Couldn’t believe how easy it was and how delicious. Similar to Marry Me Chicken except easier and makes a lot more. Everyone loved it and wanted the recipe! I did add 2 ingredients: 4 teaspoons of tomato paste and 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper.
Phenomenal! This is now in my permanent rotation 😀
I am SO happy to have found your site! First of all, I love your name–The Cheerful Cook–and this recipe is delicious. I’ll be going through more of your recipes, too! Thanks for sharing and making this world a brighter place. 🙂
Thank you so much. That’s such a lovely compliment and you have definitely made my day. Really, thank you. 🙂