Description
Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Thighs is a hearty and flavorful dish featuring tender bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs slow-cooked with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, onions, and fresh spinach in a creamy sauce. Perfectly seasoned with Italian herbs and lightly browned before slow cooking, this comforting recipe delivers rich, succulent chicken with a creamy, savory Tuscan-inspired sauce that melts in your mouth. Ideal for an easy hands-off dinner that serves the whole family.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasonings
- 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 and Aromatics
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 4 cups fresh spinach
Liquids and Finishing
- 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, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Rub the seasoning into the skin to ensure the flavors penetrate well.
- Brown the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Quickly brown the chicken thighs skin-side down until golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. This step is optional but adds wonderful flavor and texture.
- Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker: Transfer the browned chicken thighs to the slow cooker. Add minced garlic, sliced onions, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes evenly over the chicken.
- Pour in Chicken Broth: Pour 1 cup of chicken broth into the slow cooker, just enough to cover the bottom. This will create steam during cooking and help keep the chicken moist.
- Slow Cook the Chicken: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is tender.
- Finish with Cream and Spinach: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the heavy cream and fresh spinach. The residual heat will gently wilt the spinach and enrich the sauce with creaminess.
- Serve: Optionally, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over each serving for extra flavor. Serve the chicken hot with the creamy Tuscan sauce spooned over.
Notes
- Browning the chicken is optional but highly recommended to enhance flavor and texture.
- You can substitute fresh spinach with frozen spinach, but adjust cooking time slightly to ensure it wilts properly.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Serve with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stovetop.
