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Tuscan Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

Tuscan Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs
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Tender and flavorful Tuscan Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs cooked slowly in a rich blend of garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian herbs, and creamy sauce. This comforting, easy-to-make recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and cozy meals, delivering juicy, melt-in-your-mouth chicken with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, thyme mix)
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Optional Ingredients

  • 2 cups fresh spinach (optional)
  • Crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño for spice (optional)
  • Additional veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini (optional)
  • Splash of dry white wine (optional)

Instructions

  1. Brown the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken thighs skin-side down until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side. Browning locks in flavor and adds beautiful color and texture.
  2. Prepare the Slow Cooker Base: Place minced garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and chicken broth into the slow cooker. Stir to combine these fragrant ingredients to create a flavorful base that will infuse the chicken during cooking.
  3. Add Chicken and Cook: Arrange the browned chicken thighs on top of the mixture in the slow cooker and cover. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
  4. Finish with Cream and Parmesan: During the last 30 minutes of cooking, add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese to the slow cooker, stirring gently. This creates the signature creamy Tuscan sauce that ties everything together.
  5. Stir in Fresh Spinach: Right before serving, fold in fresh spinach if desired. The residual heat will wilt the spinach perfectly without overcooking it, adding a fresh green touch to your meal.

Notes

  • Brown chicken before slow cooking to caramelize the skin and boost flavor.
  • Don’t skip Parmesan cheese; it enhances the sauce’s richness and authenticity.
  • Use bone-in chicken thighs for better moisture retention and flavor.
  • Adjust creaminess by reducing cream or swapping for Greek yogurt after cooking.
  • Add delicate ingredients like spinach and cheese toward the end to maintain vibrant texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: Tuscan chicken thighs, slow cooker chicken, creamy chicken thighs, Italian herbs chicken, easy slow cooker recipe, gluten free chicken

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