Tuscan Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs Recipe
These Tuscan Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs are a comforting and flavorful dinner option that’s perfect for busy nights. Juicy chicken thighs are slow-cooked with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Italian seasoning in a creamy sauce. The addition of fresh spinach and optional Parmesan cheese adds a burst of color and flavor. This versatile recipe is easy to make, with dairy-free and sauce-enhancing options to suit your taste. Serve it with pasta, rice, or crusty bread for a meal the whole family will love!
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 6 thighs)
½ cup chopped shallots (or substitute sweet yellow onion)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth (or 1 ½ cups for extra sauce)
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (increase to 1 ½ teaspoons for more flavor)
¼ teaspoon salt (adjust as needed)
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
⅓ cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for a dairy-free option)
1 tablespoon cornstarch
3 cups fresh spinach, chopped
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Instructions:
1. Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then brown on both sides (about 2-4 minutes per side). Transfer the browned chicken to your slow cooker.
2. Prepare the Aromatics
Reduce heat to medium. Sauté chopped shallots for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
3. Deglaze the Pan
Pour chicken broth into the skillet. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan and cook for 1 minute. Turn off the heat and transfer this mixture to the slow cooker.
4. Slow Cook the Chicken
Add Italian seasoning, sun-dried tomatoes, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper to the slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for 2-2.5 hours or low for 4-5 hours, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
5. Finish the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk heavy cream (or coconut milk) with cornstarch. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker along with the chopped spinach. Cook for another 5-10 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve warm, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Pair with rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce!
Notes:
For a richer sauce, increase chicken broth to 1 ½ cups and heavy cream to ½ cup.
Coconut milk is a great substitute for heavy cream to make this recipe dairy-free.
This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a side salad for a complete meal.
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This Tuscan-inspired chicken dish is sure to become a weeknight favorite. Its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and vibrant spinach make it an irresistible choice for any occasion!
