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To make Crockpot Tuscan Garlic Chicken, gather these key items: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup baby spinach, packed - 1 medium onion, chopped - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup chicken broth - 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese If you want to add some kick, consider using: - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes - Fresh basil for garnish You can also add other herbs like oregano or thyme for more depth. Each serving of this dish contains: - Calories: 520 - Protein: 45g - Fat: 30g - Carbohydrates: 8g - Fiber: 2g This dish is rich and filling while also packed with nutrients from the spinach and tomatoes. Enjoying it with some pasta or rice boosts the flavor and nutrition even more! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather all your ingredients. You need four boneless, skinless chicken breasts, one cup of cherry tomatoes, and one cup of baby spinach. You will also need one medium onion, four cloves of garlic, one cup of heavy cream, and one cup of chicken broth. Don’t forget two teaspoons of Italian seasoning and one teaspoon of red pepper flakes if you want some heat. Finally, grab one cup of grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper for taste, plus fresh basil for that lovely garnish. 1. Layer the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot. 2. Season the Chicken: Sprinkle salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning on both sides of the chicken. 3. Add Aromatics: Evenly spread the chopped onion and minced garlic over the chicken. 4. Top with Veggies: Layer the halved cherry tomatoes and baby spinach on top of the chicken. 5. Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, combine the heavy cream and chicken broth. Pour this over the chicken and veggies. 6. Add Heat (Optional): If you like it spicy, add the red pepper flakes now. 7. Cook: Cover the crockpot. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is tender. 8. Add Cheese: In the last 30 minutes, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top. Cover and let it melt into the sauce. 9. Shred the Chicken: Once done, shred the chicken gently with two forks and mix it back into the sauce. 10. Serve: Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves. For the best results, cook on low heat. This makes the chicken tender and juicy. If you are short on time, the high setting works too but may not be as tender. Always check the chicken's internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C). If you want to serve this dish over pasta or rice, start cooking it about 30 minutes before the chicken is done. This way, everything is ready to enjoy at the same time! To make your Crockpot Tuscan garlic chicken even tastier, consider a few simple tips. First, use fresh herbs like basil or thyme. They add a bright taste to the dish. Second, try using homemade chicken broth if you can. It has more flavor than store-bought broth. You can also add a splash of lemon juice for a tangy kick. Finally, if you want more flavor, let the dish cook longer on low. This helps the flavors mix well. Many cooks make a few common mistakes when making this dish. One mistake is not seasoning the chicken enough. Make sure to use salt and pepper generously. Another mistake is adding too many ingredients at once. Stick to the recipe for the best results. If you add too many tomatoes, it may become watery. Lastly, avoid lifting the lid during cooking. This lets heat escape and can extend cooking time. When serving your Tuscan garlic chicken, choose sides that complement its creamy sauce. Here are some great options: - Cooked pasta, like fettuccine or penne - Rice, such as jasmine or basmati - Crusty bread to soak up the sauce - Roasted vegetables, like zucchini or bell peppers - A fresh salad with mixed greens and a light dressing These sides will make your meal complete and delicious! Pro Tips Marinate for More Flavor: For an extra depth of flavor, consider marinating the chicken in Italian dressing or a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs for a few hours before adding to the crockpot. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, tomatoes, and basil will enhance the overall taste of the dish compared to their dried or canned counterparts. Adjusting Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the lid for the last hour of cooking to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. Freezing Leftovers: This dish freezes well! Portion out any leftovers in airtight containers and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. {{image_2}} You can easily adjust this recipe to fit different diets. If you need a dairy-free meal, swap heavy cream for coconut milk or a nut-based cream. For gluten-free needs, check that your chicken broth is gluten-free. If you are vegetarian, try using firm tofu or chickpeas instead of chicken. These changes keep the dish tasty and enjoyable for everyone. You can make this dish not just in a crockpot but also on the stovetop or in the oven. For stovetop cooking, brown the chicken in a pan. Then, add the other ingredients and simmer on low heat for 30 to 40 minutes. For the oven, place everything in a baking dish, cover it, and bake at 375°F for about 45 minutes. Both methods deliver great flavor and keep the chicken juicy. Feel free to get creative with vegetables and herbs. Add bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture. Fresh herbs like thyme or oregano can enhance the taste. If you enjoy a bit of spice, toss in more red pepper flakes or add jalapeños. Each change makes the dish unique and delicious. After enjoying your Crockpot Tuscan Garlic Chicken, store leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the dish fresh. Allow it to cool down before sealing. Label the container with the date, so you know when you made it. Try to eat leftovers within three to four days for the best taste. Reheating is simple. You can use a microwave or stovetop. For the microwave, place the chicken in a bowl. Heat for one to two minutes, checking often. On the stovetop, use a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth if the sauce is too thick. Stir well until it warms up. Freezing is a great option if you want to save some for later. Let the dish cool completely, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. To enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as mentioned above. Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just add an extra hour to the cooking time. This will help the chicken cook through. Make sure to season it well for flavor. You can use half-and-half or coconut milk. Both will give a nice creamy texture. If you want a lighter option, try plain Greek yogurt. Mix it in just before serving. To add heat, use more red pepper flakes. You can also add diced jalapeños for a fresh kick. Taste as you go to find your ideal spice level. Yes, chicken thighs work great in this dish. They stay juicy and tender. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if needed. The dish lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. This post covered everything you need to make Tuscan Garlic Chicken. You learned the required and optional ingredients, along with their nutrition facts. I provided easy steps for prep and cooking, plus tips for great results. We explored variations for different diets and cooking styles. Lastly, I shared proper storage and reheating methods. By following these guidelines, you can make a tasty meal that suits your taste and needs. Enjoy crafting your perfect Tuscan Garlic Chicken!

Crockpot Tuscan Garlic Chicken

A creamy and flavorful chicken dish cooked slowly in a crockpot with tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan cheese.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 7 hours
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup baby spinach, packed
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • to taste salt
  • to taste pepper
  • for garnish fresh basil

Instructions
 

  • Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot. Season them with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning on both sides.
  • Add the chopped onion and minced garlic evenly over the chicken.
  • Layer the halved cherry tomatoes and baby spinach on top of the chicken.
  • In a separate bowl, mix together the heavy cream and chicken broth. Pour this mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the crockpot.
  • Add the red pepper flakes if you want a kick of heat.
  • Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
  • In the last 30 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top, cover, and allow it to melt into the sauce.
  • Once done, shred the chicken gently with two forks and mix it back into the creamy sauce.
  • Serve the chicken hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves.

Notes

Serve over pasta or rice to soak up the creamy sauce. Drizzle with olive oil and serve with crusty bread.
Keyword chicken, creamy, crockpot, garlic, Tuscan