Creamy Crockpot Tuscan Chicken Thighs
A cozy, easy slow cooker recipe featuring tender chicken thighs in a creamy Tuscan sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach. Perfect for comforting weeknight dinners with minimal effort.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 to 6 hours (low) or 3 to 4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes to 6 hours 10 minutes (low) or 3 hours 10 minutes to 4 hours 10 minutes (high)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil
- 3 cups fresh spinach leaves (about 3 ounces)
- 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth (120 ml)
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme blend)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pat chicken thighs dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown chicken thighs skin side down for 3-4 minutes until golden and crisp, then flip and brown the other side for 2-3 minutes.
- Transfer browned chicken thighs to the crockpot, skin side up. Scatter minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes around the chicken.
- In a bowl, whisk together heavy cream, chicken broth, softened cream cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Pour the cream mixture evenly over the chicken in the crockpot.
- Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until chicken is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- About 15 minutes before serving, stir in fresh spinach leaves. Cover and let spinach wilt in the residual heat.
- Stir the sauce gently to combine flavors. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve chicken thighs with plenty of sauce spooned over the top, paired with garlic mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, or pasta.
Notes
Browning the chicken before slow cooking adds flavor and texture. Use bone-in, skin-on thighs for juiciness. Add fresh spinach near the end to keep it vibrant. If sauce is too thin, remove chicken and reduce sauce on high or thicken with cornstarch slurry. Can substitute dairy-free ingredients for a dairy-free version. Can be cooked in a Dutch oven on stovetop as an alternative.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 400
- Fat: 30
- Saturated Fat: 15
- Carbohydrates: 6
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 38
Keywords: Tuscan chicken, crockpot chicken, creamy chicken thighs, slow cooker dinner, comfort food, easy chicken recipe, Tuscan recipe, creamy sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach