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- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped - 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped - 1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free option) - 1/4 cup chicken broth - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste To create this dish, start with fresh chicken. I love using boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They cook nicely and absorb the flavors well. The tomatoes add a burst of sweetness. Cherry tomatoes work best, but you can use any type you have. Spinach adds a fresh touch and gives the meal color. Sun-dried tomatoes bring a rich taste that enhances the dish. The cream makes it creamy and smooth. You can swap heavy cream with coconut cream if you want a dairy-free meal. Don’t forget the garlic! It gives the dish a warm, savory flavor. Italian seasoning brings it all together with its herb blend. Lastly, you will need salt and pepper to taste. - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh basil leaves for garnish Adding cheese is a great way to enhance the flavor. I recommend Parmesan for its sharp taste. If you want extra flavor, stir the cheese in just before serving. Fresh basil leaves not only look nice but also add a bright, fresh taste. - Dairy-Free Options - Low-Carb Variations For dairy-free options, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. This works well and keeps the dish creamy. If you want a low-carb meal, you can skip the cream and use more broth. This keeps it lighter but still tasty. You can also add more veggies, like zucchini or bell peppers, for a low-carb meal. This will give you extra nutrients and colors. Seasoning Process First, take the chicken breasts and season them. Use salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Rub the spices evenly on both sides. This step adds flavor to the chicken. Layering in the Slow Cooker Next, place the seasoned chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker. This helps the chicken cook evenly. Make sure they fit well, without overlapping. Mixing the Tomato and Spinach Mixture In a bowl, mix the cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, chopped spinach, and minced garlic. Add the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir until everything is well combined. Ensuring Even Coating Now, pour this mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker. Ensure the chicken is well-coated. This will keep the chicken moist and full of flavor during cooking. Setting the Slow Cooker Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. This allows the flavors to blend and the chicken to become tender. Cooking Time and Temperature Options Keep an eye on the cooking time. If you choose the low setting, the chicken will be more juicy. If you are short on time, the high setting works well too. Just check that the chicken is fully cooked before serving. To make your Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken shine, consider adjusting your seasonings. You can add a bit more Italian seasoning if you love that flavor. If you want a hint of heat, try adding red pepper flakes. For a fresh twist, sprinkle in some lemon juice right before serving. For creaminess, use heavy cream, or go dairy-free with coconut cream. The cream adds richness and smoothness. If you like a thicker sauce, let the dish cook longer with the lid off for the last 30 minutes. This helps the sauce reduce and thicken. Checking for doneness is key. The chicken should reach at least 165°F for safety. If you don’t have a meat thermometer, cut into the thickest part. The meat should be white and juices should run clear. To avoid overcooking, set your slow cooker to low if you have time. Cooking on low for 6-8 hours keeps the chicken moist. If you’re short on time, use high for 3-4 hours. Just remember, the longer you cook, the more tender the chicken will be. Garnishing is fun and easy. Use fresh basil leaves to add color and flavor. You can also sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top. This makes the dish look great and enhances the taste. For serving, consider placing the chicken over a bed of pasta or rice. This lets the sauce soak in, making each bite delicious. You can also serve it with crusty bread to scoop up the sauce. Your guests will love it! {{image_2}} You can swap out chicken for other proteins. Try turkey or pork for a new taste. If you want a plant-based meal, use chickpeas or tofu. These options still soak up the rich sauce well. Feel free to add more veggies to the mix. Zucchini or bell peppers work great. You can also toss in mushrooms for a hearty flavor. Just chop them up and add them with the tomatoes and spinach. Serving this dish over pasta gives it a classic feel. The sauce clings to the noodles nicely. If you prefer a lighter option, rice is a good choice too. It absorbs the sauce and adds a nice texture. To make it even easier, serve the Tuscan chicken as a one-pot meal. Just add uncooked pasta or rice directly to the slow cooker with the chicken. The cooking liquid will cook the grains perfectly. Want to boost the taste? Add extra spices like red pepper flakes for heat or oregano for depth. A pinch of smoked paprika can add a unique smoky flavor. Try different sauces to change things up. A splash of balsamic vinegar gives a tangy twist. You could also use pesto for a fresh kick. These sauces bring new life to the classic Tuscan chicken. Refrigeration Guidelines After you enjoy your meal, let the chicken cool. Place the chicken in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to four days. This keeps it safe and fresh. Freezing Tips To freeze Tuscan chicken, first let it cool completely. Then, put it in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as you can before sealing. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw it in the fridge overnight. Best Methods for Reheating The best way to reheat Tuscan chicken is in the microwave or on the stove. For the microwave, heat it in short bursts. Stir after each burst to heat evenly. If using the stove, add a splash of broth to keep it moist. Avoiding Dry Chicken To avoid dry chicken, always check the temperature. It should be warm but not overcooked. Adding a bit of cream or broth when reheating helps restore moisture. Duration for Refrigerated Storage Tuscan chicken stays good in the fridge for about four days. After that, it’s best to throw it away to avoid any food safety issues. Noticing Signs of Spoilage If you see any mold or the chicken smells bad, do not eat it. Also, if the texture seems off, it’s best to toss it. Always trust your senses when checking food freshness. Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Cooking from frozen works well in a slow cooker. However, you need to adjust cooking times. - Cooking from Frozen: When using frozen chicken, place it in the slow cooker. Add your sauce and veggies on top. Cook on high for 4-5 hours or low for 8-10 hours. This ensures the chicken cooks through safely. - Adjusting Cooking Times: Since frozen chicken takes longer, check for doneness. Use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F for safety. If you want to swap heavy cream, there are many options. You can choose dairy-free or low-calorie alternatives. - Dairy-Free and Low-Calorie Options: Coconut cream works great! It adds a nice flavor. You can also use almond milk with a bit of cornstarch to thicken it. - Alternative Creams: Other options include cashew cream or oat milk. These make the dish lighter while still creamy. This recipe is perfect for meal prep. You can make it ahead of time and enjoy it later. - Tips for Batch Cooking: Cook extra servings and store them in separate containers. This makes it easy for lunch or dinner. - Best Storage Practices: Keep the chicken and sauce in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze it in airtight containers. This blog post covered all you need to know for a tasty slow cooker dish. We explored the main and optional ingredients, plus dietary alternatives. I shared step-by-step instructions to prepare the chicken and combine flavors. You learned tips for seasoning and cooking, alongside variations for customization. Finally, I provided storage info and answered common questions. I hope you feel ready to impress with your cooking! Enjoy your delicious creation.

Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken

Discover the mouthwatering flavors of Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Delight! This easy recipe combines juicy chicken breasts with cherry and sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and a creamy sauce for a satisfying meal that practically cooks itself. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is ready in just a few hours. Click through to explore the full recipe and treat your family to a delightful Italian-inspired dinner tonight!
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Ingredients
  

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup fresh spinach, chopped

1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free option)

1/4 cup chicken broth

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

Begin by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning on both sides.

    Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker.

      In a separate bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, garlic, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Stir until well mixed.

        Pour the tomato and spinach mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker. Make sure the chicken is well-coated.

          Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours, or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.

            Before serving, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese if using. Allow it to melt into the sauce for added creaminess.

              Serve the Tuscan chicken over a bed of pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

                Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 6-8 hrs | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Garnish the dish with fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before serving to add a pop of color and enhance the dish's aroma.