If you’ve been searching for a comforting, rich, and utterly delicious dinner, look no further than this Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Thighs Recipe. It’s everything you want on a cozy night—tender chicken thighs infused with fragrant Italian herbs, creamy sauce brightened by fresh spinach and sun-dried tomatoes, all slow-cooked to perfection. This recipe captures the rustic charm of Tuscan cooking but with the ease of letting your slow cooker do all the work, making it a go-to favorite for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Thighs Recipe uses simple yet essential ingredients that come together to build a dish bursting with flavor and comforting textures. Each item plays a key role, from seasoning and browning the chicken to creating that luscious creamy sauce.
- Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs: The star ingredient, providing rich flavor and juicy, tender meat that stays moist during the slow cooking process.
- Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that instantly brings Tuscan warmth and earthiness to the dish.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors for a savory finish.
- Olive oil: Adds depth and helps to brown the chicken for a gorgeous golden crust.
- Onion: Sliced for sweetness and soft texture when cooked slowly.
- Garlic: Minced to infuse the dish with its unmistakable aromatic punch.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Concentrated bursts of tartness and color that elevate the complexity of the sauce.
- Chicken broth: Creates moisture for slow cooking and a flavorful base for the sauce.
- Heavy cream: Stirred in near the end for richness and a silky texture.
- Fresh spinach: Added last for a vibrant pop of green and a gentle bitterness that balances the creaminess.
- Optional Parmesan cheese: A sprinkle on top enhances the savory depth and adds a nutty finish.
How to Make Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Thighs Recipe
Step 1: Season Your Chicken
Begin by generously seasoning each chicken thigh with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Don’t be timid—massaging those herbs into the skin ensures every bite is packed with flavor that will permeate as it cooks.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Although optional, browning the chicken in a hot skillet with olive oil creates a beautifully golden skin and adds layers of flavor you won’t want to miss. This quick sear locks in juices and sets the stage for a rich final dish.
Step 3: Place Chicken and Add Aromatics
Transfer the browned chicken thighs into your slow cooker. Add the sliced onion, minced garlic, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes right on top. These ingredients will slowly melt into the sauce, adding sweetness and bursts of savory umami.
Step 4: Add Broth for Moisture
Pour the chicken broth into the slow cooker, just enough to cover the bottom. This creates steam during cooking, keeping the chicken tender and infusing the entire dish with that hearty broth flavor.
Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection
Set your slow cooker to low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours. Patience is key here—the slow simmer allows the chicken to become fall-off-the-bone tender while the flavors marry beautifully. The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step 6: Finish with Cream and Spinach
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the heavy cream and fresh spinach. The residual heat gently wilts the spinach, preserving its bright color and freshness while adding a luscious creaminess to the sauce.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Thighs Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your serving, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top just before plating. Fresh basil or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes also complement the creamy, herby flavors perfectly. These simple touches add brightness and a touch of elegance.
Side Dishes
Classic pairings for this Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Thighs Recipe include creamy polenta, buttery mashed potatoes, or a crusty rustic bread to soak up the delicious sauce. Roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad round out the plate with contrasting textures and freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chicken thighs over cooked pasta—fettuccine works wonderfully—tossed lightly in the creamy sauce. You can also spoon it over rice or couscous for a comforting one-bowl meal that looks as beautiful as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Thighs in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the next-day meal just as fantastic.
Freezing
This dish freezes exceptionally well. Cool the chicken and sauce completely, then transfer to a heavy-duty freezer bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve texture and taste.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if needed to loosen the sauce. Avoid overheating to keep the chicken tender and the sauce silky.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken thighs for this recipe?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs can be used, but bone-in offers more flavor and helps keep the meat juicy during slow cooking. If using boneless, reduce cook time slightly to avoid overcooking.
Is it necessary to brown the chicken before slow cooking?
Browning is optional but highly recommended. It adds wonderful color, texture, and depth of flavor that elevates the entire dish.
Can I substitute the heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or coconut cream for a lighter or dairy-free version, but the sauce won’t be quite as rich and creamy. Adjust seasonings accordingly.
What can I do if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?
Roasted red peppers or cherry tomatoes work as substitutes, though sun-dried tomatoes provide a unique tangy sweetness that really shines in this recipe.
Can this recipe be cooked on high heat the entire time?
Yes, cooking on high for 3 to 4 hours will yield delicious results, but the chicken may not be quite as tender as the low-and-slow method.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Thighs Recipe truly embodies the cozy charm of Italian comfort food with minimal effort. It’s a dish that invites you to sit back, relax, and savor every spoonful of creamy, herby goodness. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become one of your kitchen favorites—perfect for sharing with family or enjoying any day you want a little taste of Tuscany at home.
Print
Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Thighs Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Tuscan, Italian
Description
This Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Thighs recipe features tender, juicy chicken cooked with aromatic garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and creamy sauce. Perfect for an effortless meal, the slow cooker method infuses the chicken with comforting Tuscan flavors, making it a delicious and family-friendly dinner option.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2–2.5 lbs)
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 4 cups fresh spinach
Liquids
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
Optional
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Generously season the chicken thighs on all sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, massaging the herbs into the skin to maximize flavor absorption.
- Brown the Chicken (Optional): Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken thighs skin-side down until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. This step enhances flavor and texture, but can be skipped if short on time.
- Transfer to Slow Cooker: Place the browned or raw chicken thighs into the slow cooker. Add minced garlic, sliced onions, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes evenly over the chicken.
- Add Chicken Broth: Pour 1 cup of chicken broth into the slow cooker, enough to cover the bottom and create steam to keep the ingredients moist during cooking.
- Cook Slowly: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is tender.
- Add Cream and Spinach: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the heavy cream and fresh spinach. The heat from the slow cooker will wilt the spinach and create a creamy sauce.
- Serve: Optionally sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese before serving for an authentic Tuscan finish.
Notes
- For extra flavor, browning the chicken skin adds a nice texture but is not mandatory.
- Adjust salt according to preference or dietary needs.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
- Serve the dish over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 1 month.
