Crockpot Tuscan Chicken
Carolyn Richardson
Imagine a cozy evening, the scent of succulent chicken mingling with sun-kissed tomatoes and the fresh bite of basil wafting through your kitchen. You’re all set for an unforgettable meal. But what to pair it with?
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 3 hours hrs
Total Time 3 hours hrs 10 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 4
Calories 480 kcal
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream: This creamy base is essential for a lush texture.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: To thicken the sauce to creamy perfection.
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic: Adds a kick and depth to the dish.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: A little seasoning goes a long way.
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper: A bit of warmth.
- ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped: These provide a sweet, tangy flavor burst.
- ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese: Richness meets nutty flavor.
- 1 cup fresh spinach chopped: A boost of color and nutrition.
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts about 1.5-2 lbs: The main event!
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors.
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that sings "Italian."
- ¼ teaspoon paprika: Adds warmth without overpowering.
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper: For that gentle kick.
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Take your chicken breasts and place them on a cutting board. Sprinkle a generous half teaspoon of salt, half teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and a sprinkle of paprika and black pepper over each breast. Rub it in with your fingers. Trust me; the more love you put into seasoning, the more flavor you get!
Step 3: Set Up Your Crockpot
Step 4: Prepare the Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, cornstarch, minced garlic, salt, pepper, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. Watch as it transforms into a beautiful creamy mixture. Pour this over the chicken in the Crockpot. Don’t worry about mixing it all; it will blend beautifully as it cooks.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the cooking time has elapsed, the chicken should be utterly tender. Use two forks to shred the chicken in the sauce and stir everything together. Serve it hot, and watch the smiles spread across your table.
Here are five expert tips to elevate your cooking experience:
- Use Quality Ingredients: The key to unlocking the best flavor is using fresh, high-quality ingredients. It makes a significant difference.
- Adjust Seasonings to Taste: Everyone’s palate is unique. Don’t hesitate to taste and adjust the flavors to suit your liking.
- Don’t Skip the Cornstarch: It’s essential for achieving that creamy, enveloping texture.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to sneak in some zucchini or mushrooms. They absorb the sauce beautifully and add more nutrition.
- Let Leftover Sauce Shine: If you have leftover sauce, it makes a great pasta dressing. Toss it with some fettuccine for a delightful meal.
Calories: 480kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 40gFat: 35gFiber: 1g
Keyword Crockpot Tuscan Chicken