Description
Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Thighs are a rich and creamy one-pot meal featuring tender, flavorful chicken cooked with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach in a luscious sauce. This comforting dish is easy to prepare and perfect for busy days, delivering restaurant-quality Tuscan flavors with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2-2.5 lbs)
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 4 cups fresh spinach
Liquids and Finishing
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Generously season the chicken thighs with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning, making sure to rub the herbs into the skin for maximum flavor penetration.
- Brown the Chicken (Optional): Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Quickly brown the chicken thighs on both sides until golden, about 3-4 minutes per side. This step adds extra flavor and texture but can be skipped for convenience.
- Prepare Slow Cooker: Transfer the browned (or unbrowned) chicken thighs to the slow cooker. Add minced garlic, sliced onions, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes evenly around the chicken.
- Add Broth: Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth just enough to cover the bottom of the slow cooker. This moisture helps to keep the chicken juicy and creates steam for gentle cooking.
- Slow Cook the Chicken: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is tender enough to fall off the bone.
- Finish with Cream and Spinach: 30 minutes before serving, stir in the heavy cream and fresh spinach. The residual heat will wilt the spinach and create a creamy sauce that coats the chicken beautifully.
- Serve: Optionally sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over each serving for an added layer of flavor. Serve hot and enjoy your savory Tuscan chicken thighs.
Notes
- Browning the chicken skin before slow cooking adds extra flavor but can be skipped if short on time.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can remove the chicken after cooking and reduce the sauce on the stovetop before adding cream and spinach.
- This recipe is best served with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or over pasta to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
