Description
Succulent slow cooker Tuscan chicken thighs blend Mediterranean flavors with creamy textures, creating a comforting meal that transports diners to Italian countryside kitchens. Hearty ingredients and simple preparation make this dish perfect for weeknight dinners you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 6 bone-in (skin-on) chicken thighs (about 2–2.5 lbs/1.1 kg)
Seasonings and Herbs:
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 large onion (sliced)
- 6 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Generously coat chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, thoroughly massaging the herbs into the skin for maximum flavor infusion.
- Sear chicken thighs in hot oil until golden brown, creating a rich caramelized exterior that enhances the overall taste profile.
- Carefully arrange browned chicken thighs in the slow cooker, creating a single layer for even cooking.
- Distribute minced garlic, sliced onions, and sun-dried tomatoes evenly around and between the chicken pieces.
- Gently pour chicken broth into the slow cooker, ensuring just enough liquid covers the bottom to maintain moisture without submerging the meat.
- Configure slow cooker to low temperature for 6-8 hours or high temperature for 3-4 hours, monitoring until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internal temperature.
- During the final 30 minutes of cooking, fold in heavy cream and fresh spinach, allowing the residual heat to gently wilt the greens and create a luxurious sauce.
- Once completed, let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute and flavors to meld together.
Notes
- Enhance flavor by using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for richer, more succulent meat that stays incredibly juicy during slow cooking.
- Customize the dish by swapping spinach with kale or Swiss chard for different nutritional profiles and slightly varied textures.
- Make it low-carb friendly by reducing onions and using full-fat coconut milk instead of heavy cream to maintain creamy consistency while cutting carbohydrates.
- Prep ahead by browning chicken and chopping vegetables the night before, storing in the refrigerator to streamline morning cooking and save valuable time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours (low) or 4 hours (high)
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 40 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg