Description
This Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Thighs recipe delivers tender, flavorful chicken simmered in a creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach. Perfect for a comforting, hands-off meal, this dish marries Italian herbs with rich ingredients for a satisfying dinner that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasonings
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2-2.5 lbs)
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Cooking Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 cups fresh spinach
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 massage the herbs thoroughly into the skin for maximum flavor.
- Brown the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Quickly brown the chicken thighs on both sides until golden to add flavor and a nice color to the skin. This step is optional but recommended.
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Transfer the browned chicken thighs to the slow cooker. Add the minced garlic, sliced onions, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes on top of the chicken.
- Add Broth: Pour in enough chicken broth to cover the bottom of the slow cooker. This liquid will create steam and keep the chicken moist during cooking.
- Cook the Chicken: Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 6-8 hours, or set to high for 3-4 hours. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is tender.
- Finish with Cream and Spinach: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the heavy cream and fresh spinach. Allow the residual heat to wilt the spinach gently and meld flavors together.
- Serve: Optionally sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and serve hot for a rich, delicious meal.
Notes
- Browning the chicken before slow cooking adds extra flavor but can be skipped to save time.
- You can substitute fresh herbs for Italian seasoning if desired.
- Adjust the cream quantity for a lighter or richer sauce according to preference.
- Serve with crusty bread or over pasta or rice to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Make sure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
