Creamy Tuscan Chicken Crock Pot
- Recipe Introduction: Chicken Crock Pot Recipes
- Ingredients: The Stars of the Show
- Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
- Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row
- Step-By-Step: Slow Cooker Magic
- Pro Tips: Level Up Your Crockpot Dishes
- Recipe Notes for Your Tuscan Chicken Masterpiece
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 📝 Recipe Card
Recipe Introduction: Chicken Crock Pot Recipes
Fancy a proper delicious dinner without all the fuss? ever wondered what to do with that old crock pot taking up space? this creamy tuscan chicken recipe is the answer.
It’s one of those chicken crock pot recipes that makes you look like a culinary genius. honestly, it's like a warm hug in a bowl.
A Taste of Tuscany, No Plane Ticket Needed
This isn't your average crock pot dinners fare. this dish transports you straight to italy. picture tender chicken swimming in a creamy, sun-dried tomato and spinach sauce.
It's proper comfort food. this recipe draws inspiration from traditional tuscan cuisine. it's adapted for easy crockpot dinners . you will only need about 15 minutes prep and 4- 6 hours in the slow cooker.
This makes about 6 servings.
Health and Happiness in One Pot
This crockpot slow cooker recipe is packed with protein from the chicken. it has vitamins and minerals from the spinach.
Serve it up for a cozy family dinner. imagine coming home to this on a cold evening. it's a right treat! what makes this recipe special? the depth of flavour from the sun-dried tomatoes.
The creamy sauce just elevates it, making it restaurant quality.
Ready to dive into the ingredients list? let's go! i once tried making something similar but forgot the sun-dried tomatoes.
Honestly, it was a complete disaster. now, i always double check. i also love throwing in a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick.
It's the business!
Alright, let's dive into what you need for this creamy tuscan chicken crock pot ! getting the right bits and bobs will make all the difference.
Honestly, it's dead easy, even if you're not a seasoned chef. so, grab your shopping basket and let's get started.
Ingredients: The Stars of the Show
We're talking quality here, yeah? Good ingredients mean a better flavour.
Main Players
- Olive Oil: 1 tbsp . You know, the extra virgin stuff.
- Chicken Breasts: 1.5 lbs (that's around 680g). Make sure they're skinless and boneless, and cut into bite sized chunks about 1 inch in size.
- Italian Seasoning: 1 tsp . Honestly, if you're out, a mix of dried oregano, basil, and thyme will do the trick.
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Black Pepper: 1/4 tsp
- Garlic: 4 cloves , minced. Fresh is always best, innit?
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: 1/2 cup , oil-packed, drained and chopped.
- Chicken Broth: 1 cup .
- Heavy Cream: 1/2 cup . This is what makes it lush.
- Spinach: 5 oz , roughly chopped. Fresh is brill but frozen works, just squeeze out the excess water.
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup plus more for serving. Get the real deal if you can.
Seasoning Notes: The Secret Sauce
Don't underestimate the power of good seasoning! These flavor enhancers are essential for a real Tuscan taste.
- Essential Spice Combinations: Italian seasoning gives it that proper Mediterranean vibe.
- Flavor Enhancers and Aromatics: Garlic and sun-dried tomatoes are the real heroes. They add loads of umami!
- Quick Substitution Options: Out of sun-dried tomatoes? Roasted red peppers work a treat. And if you can’t get fresh spinach, use frozen. Make sure you squeeze out as much of the water as you can.
My mate once used pickled onions, by accident, instead of sun-dried tomatoes! it was… interesting. we don't talk about that.
These seasonings can take an ordinary meal, to an extraordinary one. easy crockpot dinners needs to be flavourful to be interesting.
Crock pot dinners and crock pot ideas should always taste fantastic, to engage the reader.
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
You don't need a fancy kitchen to whip up delicious chicken crock pot recipes . Let's stick to the essentials.
- Slow Cooker ( Crock Pot ): At least a 6-quart one.
- Large Skillet: For searing the chicken. Adds a nice colour and flavour but you can skip it if you're in a rush. This is handy for any Pot Dinners , in the event that you want to add some flavour before the slow cooking.
- Knife and Cutting Board: For chopping.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key for perfect flavour.
Crockpot dishes can be an amazing way to create simple and quick cooking. many crockpot ideas for cooking, exist out there, however flavour, taste and simplicity are always important.
Remember, even if you don't have a slow cooker, many of these crockpot slow cooker recipes will allow you to just create in a pot.
Mississippi Chicken is a similar dish that is cooked slowly in a crock pot, and is just a delicious way to cook, in an easy and simple way.
So there you have it! you have all the essentials to produce the best chicken crock pot recipes ever. you are not attempting to recreate mississippi pot roast , you are trying to cook a mediterranean style meal.
I hope you enjoyed this easy crockpot dinners and crock pot ideas .
Alright, let's dive into making some proper scran, shall we? today, we're tackling the creamy tuscan chicken crock pot ! seriously, this is one of those easy crockpot dinners that tastes way fancier than it actually is.
Think italian holiday, but you don't even need to pack a suitcase.
Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row
First, let's get our mise en place sorted. chop your ingredients and get everything measured out. trust me; it'll save you a load of faff later on.
We're talking 1.5 lbs of chicken cubed, garlic minced, sun-dried tomatoes chopped the whole shebang. a key thing to remember, avoid rushing! we don't want any kitchen mishaps, alright?
For organization, use little bowls to hold your prepped ingredients. it makes the whole process smoother than a politician's promise.
Honestly, doing this makes you feel like a proper chef, even if you're just throwing stuff in a crockpot slow cooker .
step-by-step: Slow Cooker Magic
- Sear the chicken for about 2- 3 minutes per side in a pan on medium high heat, you see browning the meat is wonderful. Optional, but gives it a banging flavour. Season it first.
- Chuck the chicken into your slow cooker. Add the minced garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and 1 cup of chicken broth.
- Cook on low for 4- 6 hours or high for 2- 3 hours , the visual cue for doneness is the meat being pull apart tender.
- Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream and 5 oz of spinach. Cook for another 15- 20 minutes , until the spinach wilts.
- Stir in 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese.
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Crockpot Dishes
One great way to get an amazing flavour is to make sure to not overcrowd the skillet!
Here's a cheeky shortcut: use pre-minced garlic. you know? no shame in it. a common mistake is overcooking the chicken.
It goes stringy and rank. it’s done when it shreds easily. you can absolutely make this ahead! prep everything the night before and bung it in the crock pot in the morning.
Coming home to that aroma? absolute bliss. some may call it mississippi chicken
Honestly, crock pot dinners are a godsend. so, give this easy crockpot dinners recipe a whirl! looking for other crockpot ideas and crockpot slow cooker meals? this creamy tuscan chicken is way better than the usual mississippi pot roast .
Have fun with those pot dinners !
Okay, here's a section on Recipe Notes, channelling my inner food blogger (with a few hypothetical stories thrown in for good measure!).
Recipe Notes for Your Tuscan Chicken Masterpiece
Alright, you've got the recipe, but let's chat a bit, yeah? here's where i share some extra bits and bobs that'll make your creamy tuscan chicken crock pot experience even better.
Think of it as me whispering secrets over a cuppa while you're prepping. this recipe can be adapted to many crock pot ideas for your next family dinner.
Fancy Pants Plating: Serving It Up Right
Honestly, presentation matters! Don't just chuck it in a bowl. Think about that Italian sunshine.
- Pasta Perfection: My go-to? Twirl some perfectly cooked linguine onto a plate, then spoon that gorgeous chicken and sauce over the top. A sprinkle of Parmesan and a basil leaf? Chef's kiss!
- Bread & Butter Magic: Got some crusty bread? Toast it, rub it with garlic, and serve it alongside for dipping. Proper delicious. Imagine having something like this ready with other Pot Dinners .
- Sides that Shine: A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully. Or, roast some asparagus with olive oil and garlic. Simple, elegant, and balanced.
Storage Shenanigans: Keeping It Fresh
Right, so you've got leftovers. Happens to the best of us! How do you keep this Crockpot Dishes tasting fab?
- Fridge Rules: Pop the cooled chicken and sauce into an airtight container. It'll happily sit in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing Frenzy: This freezes surprisingly well. Portion it out into freezer safe containers. It'll keep for up to 2 months. Just make sure it's fully cooled before freezing!
- Reheating Rituals: Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. A splash of chicken broth can help loosen it up. Microwaving works too, but be careful not to overheat it. I once reheated it too long and ended up with rubber chicken! Never again.
Remix Time: Variations to Suit Your Taste
Fancy a change? This recipe is super adaptable.
- dairy-free Dream: Swapping the heavy cream for coconut cream is a game changer. Still creamy, but without the dairy. Use a dairy-free Parmesan, too. Boom! Another Easy Crockpot Dinners option.
- Veggie Venture: Throw in some extra veggies! Mushrooms, bell peppers, courgettes anything goes, really. Just add them to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients.
Nutrition Nitty Gritty: Goodness Inside
So, what's the lowdown on the healthy stuff? (Disclaimer: I'm not a nutritionist, but here's the gist!)
- Protein Powerhouse: Chicken is packed with protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues.
- Vitamin Boost: Spinach is a great source of vitamins and minerals, including iron and vitamin K.
- Healthy Fats: Olive oil and sun-dried tomatoes provide healthy fats that are good for your heart.
- Mississippi Chicken is a great variation, for those looking for a different take. The best Crockpot Slow Cooker is the one you own!
Final Thoughts
There you have it! a few extra tips to make your chicken crock pot recipes adventure a success. don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own.
Get in the kitchen, have some fun, and whip up something delicious. this isn't just about mississippi pot roast this is about making memories, one delicious bite at a time!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken in these chicken crock pot recipes?
While you can technically use frozen chicken in a crock pot, it's generally not recommended for food safety reasons. The chicken may spend too long in the "danger zone" temperature range, increasing the risk of bacteria. It's best to thaw your chicken completely in the fridge before adding it to the slow cooker.
Think of it like this: you wouldn't want to risk a dodgy tummy, would you? Especially not after putting in all that effort!
My sauce is too thin! How do I thicken my chicken crock pot sauce?
No worries, this happens to the best of us! If your sauce is looking a bit watery, there are a few tricks you can try. First, remove the chicken and set it aside. Then, whisk together a tablespoon of cornstarch (cornflour to us Brits) with a tablespoon of cold water to form a slurry.
Stir the slurry into the sauce in the slow cooker and cook on high for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce thickens. You could also simmer the sauce on the stovetop to reduce it a bit, concentrating the flavours. Just keep an eye on it so it doesn't burn - nobody wants a burnt offering for dinner!
How long can I store leftover Creamy Tuscan Chicken?
Leftover Creamy Tuscan Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it cools down completely before refrigerating it usually less than 2 hours at room temperature. Reheat thoroughly until piping hot before serving.
It's brilliant reheated for lunch the next day, especially served over some leftover pasta!
What are some variations I can make to this chicken crock pot recipe?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. If you're watching your waistline, you could use chicken thighs instead of breasts (but remember that the nutritional values will change!) or use half and-half instead of heavy cream.
Some people also like to add artichoke hearts or mushrooms for extra flavour and texture. Really, it's all about putting your own spin on things - be creative!
Is this chicken crock pot recipe healthy? What about the creamy sauce?
While this recipe is delicious and comforting, it's worth considering the nutritional aspects. The chicken itself is a great source of protein, but the heavy cream does add a significant amount of fat. You can lighten it up by using half and-half or even Greek yogurt for a tangier, lower fat option.
Also, load up on the spinach for added vitamins and fibre. Everything in moderation, as they say, but you can definitely make healthy swaps to suit your needs.
I don't have sun-dried tomatoes. What can I substitute in these chicken crock pot recipes?
No worries if your pantry is missing sun-dried tomatoes! You can easily substitute with roasted red peppers for a similar sweet and tangy flavour profile. Simply chop the roasted red peppers and add them to the slow cooker as you would the sun-dried tomatoes.
You could also use a tablespoon of tomato paste to deepen the flavour, or if you're feeling adventurous, a splash of balsamic vinegar can add a delightful tang.
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Crock Pot
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 400 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 7g |
