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Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Recipe Easy Cozy Dinner with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

slow cooker tuscan chicken - featured image

A cozy and easy slow cooker Tuscan chicken dish featuring tender chicken thighs in a creamy, garlicky sauce with sun-dried tomatoes. Perfect for busy evenings when you want a comforting, flavorful meal with minimal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs / 680 g)
  • ½ cup (75 g) sun-dried tomatoes (in oil), chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (240 ml) small-curd cottage cheese, blended smooth
  • 1 cup (240 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
  • ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups (60 g) fresh or frozen spinach (thawed and drained)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil (optional, for sautéing garlic and sun-dried tomatoes)

Instructions

  1. Place 1 cup (240 ml) of small-curd cottage cheese in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth, about 30-45 seconds. Set aside.
  2. Optional: Heat 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and ½ cup (75 g) chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. This step boosts flavor but can be skipped.
  3. Place 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs into the slow cooker. Season lightly with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning.
  4. Pour the sautéed garlic and sun-dried tomatoes (or raw chopped sun-dried tomatoes and garlic if skipping sauté) over the chicken.
  5. In a bowl, combine the blended cottage cheese, softened cream cheese, low-sodium chicken broth, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth and well combined.
  6. Pour this creamy sauce evenly over the chicken in the slow cooker.
  7. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and easily shreddable.
  8. About 15 minutes before serving, stir in 2 cups (60 g) fresh or thawed frozen spinach. Cover and let wilt.
  9. Taste the sauce and adjust salt and pepper as needed. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth to loosen.
  10. Serve the creamy Tuscan chicken over cooked pasta, mashed potatoes, or orzo.

Notes

Avoid opening the slow cooker lid frequently to maintain cooking temperature. Sautéing garlic and sun-dried tomatoes is optional but adds depth of flavor. Blend cottage cheese for a silky sauce texture. Add spinach in the last 15 minutes to keep it fresh and vibrant. Bone-in thighs can be used but will require longer cooking time. For dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese and cottage cheese with coconut cream and dairy-free cream cheese alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker chicken, Tuscan chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, creamy chicken, easy dinner, cozy meal, slow cooker recipe