If you usually cook your Tuscan chicken in a frying pan, well, it’s time to make use of your slow cooker and cook this incredible Bored of Lunch Tuscan Chicken using chicken breasts, sun-dried tomatoes, white wine, garlic, and fresh basil.

To make Tuscan Chicken in your slow cooker or crockpot, sear the chicken breasts in a pan and then transfer them to the slow cooker. Add sun-dried tomatoes, white wine, garlic, and chicken stock, and cook on high for 2-3 hours. Stir in cream cheese and top with fresh basil before serving.

Using a slow cooker makes the chicken tender and flavorful, making it a perfect option for a stress-free and delicious dinner.

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Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the ingredients the night before and store them in the refrigerator. In the morning, transfer everything to the slow cooker and set it to cook. This approach saves time and ensures a delicious meal with minimal morning effort.

Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Ingredients

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1 tbsp of oil
• 1 tsp of paprika
• 1 tsp of dried basil
• 1 tsp of dried oregano
• 1 tsp of dried thyme
• 250 ml of chicken stock
• A handful of sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 50 ml of white wine
• 1 tbsp of Dijon mustard
• 4 cloves of garlic, crushed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tbsp of low-fat soft cream cheese or crème fraîche
• A handful of fresh basil leaves, roughly torn
• Salt and pepper, to taste

How To Make Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken

1. Prepare the spice mixture: In a small bowl, combine the paprika, dried basil, oregano, and thyme, mixing well to create a uniform seasoning blend.
2. Season and sear the chicken: Drizzle the chicken breasts with oil and coat them evenly with the prepared spice mixture, seasoning generously with salt and pepper. Heat a non-stick frying pan over high heat and sear the chicken for about 2 minutes on each side until golden brown.
3. Assemble in the slow cooker: Transfer the seared chicken to the slow cooker and add the chicken stock, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, white wine, Dijon mustard, crushed garlic, and chopped onion around the chicken.
4. Stir and combine: Gently stir the ingredients in the slow cooker to ensure the flavors are well distributed around the chicken.
5. Cook the chicken: Set your slow cooker to high and cook the contents for 2 to 3 hours, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked through and tender.
6. Add finishing touches: When cooking is complete, stir in the low-fat soft cream cheese or crème fraîche until smoothly incorporated, then sprinkle the roughly torn fresh basil over the mixture, stirring gently to distribute.

Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use bone-in chicken for this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as bone-in chicken may take a bit longer to cook. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety and optimal tenderness.

Recipe Tips

• Searing the chicken: Always sear the chicken breasts before placing them in the slow cooker to lock in flavors and give the chicken a beautiful golden color.
• Using fresh herbs: If possible, use fresh herbs instead of dried ones. Fresh basil, oregano, and thyme will elevate the flavors of your Tuscan Chicken.
• Low and slow cooking: For the best results, cook the Tuscan Chicken on low for 6-8 hours instead of high for 2-3 hours. This slow-cooking method ensures the chicken remains tender and juicy.
• Creaminess adjustment: If you prefer a richer sauce, add an extra tablespoon of low-fat soft cream cheese or crème fraîche at the end of the cooking time.
• Balancing flavors: Taste the sauce before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. Sometimes a pinch of sugar can balance out the acidity from the sun-dried tomatoes and white wine.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetable addition: Add sliced bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to the slow cooker for added nutrients and a more robust vegetable flavor in the dish.
• Spicy twist: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients.
• Different protein: Substitute the chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a more succulent and flavorful variation of this Tuscan Chicken recipe.
• Wine substitute: If you prefer not to use white wine, substitute it with an equal amount of chicken broth or vegetable broth. This will still provide a rich and savory flavor.
• Dairy-free option: For a dairy-free version, replace the low-fat soft cream cheese or crème fraîche with a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream or a cashew-based cream.

What To Serve With Tuscan Chicken

Serve your Tuscan Chicken with flavorful sides like balsamic roasted Brussels sprouts, creamy Butternut Squash Risotto, or Mediterranean couscous salad.

I love to add a simple Caprese salad with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil, and some Rosemary Bread.

How To Store Leftover Tuscan Chicken

In The Fridge:

Store leftover Tuscan Chicken in an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. I always make sure the container is sealed well to keep the chicken fresh. The leftovers should be consumed within 3 to 4 days to ensure the best taste and safety.

In The Freezer:

Tuscan Chicken can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Place the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing.

How To Reheat Leftover Tuscan Chicken

Reheat your leftover Tuscan Chicken in a saucepan over medium heat until it’s heated through, which usually takes about 10-15 minutes. You can also use a microwave on medium power, stirring occasionally, for about 2-3 minutes. For even heating, I prefer the stovetop method for better texture and flavor.

Check out More Slow Cooker Recipes:

• Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Shredded Chicken
• Slow Cooker Chicken Boscaiola
• Slow Cooker Hunter’s Chicken