If you are looking for a comforting, flavorful meal that practically makes itself, this Easy Tuscan Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs Recipe is an absolute winner. Juicy, tender chicken thighs soak up a rich, creamy sauce bursting with garlic, Parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes—a classic combination that transports you straight to the heart of Italy. Thanks to the slow cooker, all these wonderful flavors meld beautifully while you go about your day. Whether you want a fuss-free family dinner or an impressive yet simple dish for guests, this recipe fits perfectly on the table every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are refreshingly simple, yet each one plays an essential role in building the luscious layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this dish so special.
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs: The skin crisps nicely on sear, locking in juicy tenderness inside.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors of the chicken and ingredients.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle heat to balance the richness.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Perfect for that golden, flavorful sear on the chicken skin.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic provides that unmistakable aromatic punch.
- 1 cup chicken broth: A savory base that keeps the dish moist and tender.
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil, drained and chopped): Offers a sweet and tangy depth along with beautiful color.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Gives the sauce a luscious, creamy texture that feels luxurious.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty edge that ties the sauce together.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant herb blend that brings out an authentic Tuscan vibe.
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who want a gentle kick without overpowering the dish.
- 2 cups fresh spinach: Fresh greens added at the end provide vibrant color and a slight earthy contrast.
How to Make Easy Tuscan Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Start by generously seasoning both sides of the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Then, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down and sear them for 3 to 4 minutes until you get that stunning golden brown crust. Flip them over and sear the other side for 2 minutes to lock in the juices. This extra step builds incredible flavor that a slow cooker alone can’t achieve.
Step 2: Transfer Chicken to Slow Cooker
Once perfectly seared, transfer the chicken thighs to your slow cooker. They’ll soak up all the upcoming flavors, becoming irresistibly tender as they cook low and slow. The slow cooker does the heavy lifting here, making this dish truly effortless.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Deglaze Pan
In the same skillet you used for the chicken, sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Don’t rush this part—it’s crucial for building the base flavor of your sauce. Then pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up all those delicious browned bits left behind by the chicken. This little trick adds a depth of umami that brings the sauce to life.
Step 4: Combine Sauce Ingredients in Slow Cooker
Pour the garlic and broth mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Stir gently to combine everything evenly around the chicken, ensuring every bite is rich and full of flavor.
Step 5: Cook Low and Slow
Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. This slow-cooking process wonderfully tenderizes the chicken, allowing the flavors to marry perfectly and the sauce to thicken just right. The aroma filling your kitchen during this time is pure bliss.
Step 6: Add Spinach and Finish
About 30 minutes before the cooking time is up, stir in fresh spinach. It will gently wilt into the creamy sauce, adding freshness, texture, and a pop of vibrant green color that makes the dish even more inviting.
How to Serve Easy Tuscan Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs Recipe
Garnishes
For a simple finishing touch, sprinkle extra grated Parmesan or some freshly chopped basil leaves on top before serving. These garnishes enhance the flavors and add a pretty visual contrast that will impress anyone at your table.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or al dente pasta all soak up that heavenly sauce. Rustic crusty bread also works wonderfully to mop up every last bit, making every bite an indulgent experience.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to jazz things up, serve the chicken atop a bed of creamy polenta or alongside roasted garlic vegetables. You can even turn it into a filling for warm, soft tortillas with a little salad on the side for a fun, casual twist. The versatility of this recipe allows you to get creative while keeping things delicious and comforting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners later in the week.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, this dish freezes well. Transfer portions to freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Just remember the texture of spinach may change slightly after freezing, but the flavor remains fantastic.
Reheating
To reheat, warm leftovers gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. Stir occasionally to keep the sauce creamy and avoid drying out the chicken. Adding a splash of broth or cream can revive the sauce if it thickened too much in the fridge.
FAQs
Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for this recipe?
Absolutely. You can substitute boneless, skinless thighs, but adjust the cooking time down slightly since they tend to cook faster than bone-in pieces. Just be sure to watch for tenderness to avoid overcooking.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap the heavy cream for coconut cream and omit the Parmesan cheese. This will maintain the creamy texture without the dairy, giving you a delicious dairy-free version of the Easy Tuscan Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs Recipe.
Can I prepare this recipe without slow cooker?
While the slow cooker really allows the flavors to meld beautifully over time, you can make a stovetop or oven version by simmering the sauce gently and baking the chicken covered. Just keep an eye on the cooking time and moisture levels to avoid drying it out.
What can I serve with this chicken recipe for a complete meal?
The rich sauce pairs wonderfully with simple sides like rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables. A crisp green salad or steamed asparagus are also excellent to balance the creaminess and keep the meal light but satisfying.
How spicy is the recipe with red pepper flakes?
The optional crushed red pepper flakes add just a mild, gentle heat that enhances the sauce without overpowering the flavors. You can easily adjust the amount or leave it out entirely if you prefer a milder dish.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Tuscan Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs Recipe truly feels like a warm hug on a plate. The combination of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and vibrant ingredients come together with very little effort but maximum deliciousness. I encourage you to give it a try—you might just find your new favorite go-to dinner that makes both weeknights and weekends feel extra special and full of flavor.
Print
Easy Tuscan Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Easy Tuscan Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs recipe features tender, juicy chicken simmered in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach. Perfectly seasoned and slow-cooked to perfection, it’s a comforting Italian-American main course that’s simple to prepare and delicious served with rice, pasta, or crusty bread.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Sauce and Vegetables
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil, drained and chopped)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cups fresh spinach
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry and season both sides evenly with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 3 to 4 minutes until the skin turns golden brown. Flip and cook for another 2 minutes to seal in the juices and develop flavor.
- Transfer to Slow Cooker: Remove the chicken from the skillet and place them into the slow cooker, arranging them evenly.
- Sauté Garlic and Deglaze: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. This adds depth to the sauce.
- Add Sauce Ingredients: Pour the garlic and broth mixture into the slow cooker over the chicken. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes if desired. Stir gently to combine everything around the chicken thighs.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The chicken should be tender and fully cooked through.
- Add Spinach: About 30 minutes before the end of cooking, stir in the fresh spinach and allow it to wilt into the sauce.
- Serve: Once cooked, serve the creamy Tuscan chicken thighs hot with your favorite sides such as rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Notes
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts can be used as a substitute, but adjust cooking times accordingly.
- For a dairy-free version, replace the heavy cream with coconut cream and omit the Parmesan cheese.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
