Are you ready to tantalize your taste buds with a dish that’s both incredibly delicious and effortless to prepare?
Look no further than this Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Thighs recipe!
This Italian-inspired recipe is a game-changer for busy home cooks.
Did you know that slow cooking can increase the tenderness of chicken thighs by up to 30%? It’s true!
Get ready to transform simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal that’ll have your family begging for seconds.
Let’s dive into this flavor-packed adventure!
Why Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Thighs Are a Must-Try
There’s something magical about slow cooking, especially when it comes to chicken thighs.
The low, steady heat breaks down the connective tissues, resulting in meat so tender it practically falls off the bone.
But that’s not all – this dish brings the vibrant flavors of Tuscany right to your dinner table!
Imagine the aroma of garlic, Italian herbs, and sun-dried tomatoes wafting through your home.
It’s like taking a culinary trip to the Italian countryside without leaving your kitchen! And let’s be honest, in our hectic lives, who doesn’t love a meal that practically cooks itself?
With this recipe, you can set it and forget it, coming home to a gourmet dinner that tastes like you’ve been slaving over the stove all day.
Plus, the versatility of this dish is unbeatable.
Serve it over pasta, with crusty bread, or alongside a crisp salad for a complete meal that suits any occasion.
Trust me, this will quickly become your new go-to recipe!
Ingredients You’ll Need for This Tuscan Delight
Let’s talk chicken! For this recipe, I highly recommend using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs.
They pack more flavor and stay incredibly juicy during the slow cooking process. But if you prefer boneless, that works too – just adjust the cooking time slightly.
Now, for the flavors that’ll transport you straight to Tuscany:
- Italian seasoning (a blend of basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme)
- Plenty of garlic (because, let’s face it, there’s no such thing as too much garlic)
- Sun-dried tomatoes for a punch of umami
- Fresh spinach for a pop of color and nutrients
And here’s the secret ingredient that takes this dish from good to great:
a splash of heavy cream added near the end of cooking.
It creates a luscious, velvety sauce that you’ll want to eat by the spoonful!
Customizing Your Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Thighs
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Here are some ideas to switch things up:
- Vegetable variations: Try adding bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Spice it up: If you like heat, throw in some red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño.
- Creamy alternatives: For a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream.
- Dietary needs: This recipe is naturally gluten-free. For a dairy-free version, skip the cream and add a splash of lemon juice for brightness.
Remember, cooking is all about experimenting and finding what works for you. Don’t be afraid to get creative!
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Now, let’s talk about turning this dish into a complete meal.
Here are some great ways to serve Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Thighs:
- Over a bed of creamy polenta or mashed potatoes to soak up all that delicious sauce
- Alongside roasted vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts for a low-carb option
- With a side of crusty Italian bread for mopping up every last bit of flavor
And what’s an Italian-inspired meal without wine? A medium-bodied Chianti or a crisp Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully with the rich flavors of this dish.
For an Instagram-worthy presentation, sprinkle some fresh basil leaves over the top and add a few lemon wedges on the side. Trust me, your followers will be drooling!
Got leftovers? Lucky you!
This dish reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
This dish is proof that gourmet flavors don’t require hours of slaving over a hot stove.
With minimal prep and the help of your trusty slow cooker, you’ll have a dinner that tastes like it came straight from a Tuscan trattoria. Enjoy!
Recipe FAQ’s
Can I use boneless chicken thighs?
Yes, you can. Reduce the cooking time by about 30 minutes to an hour.
Can I add other vegetables?
Certainly! Bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini would be great additions.
What if my sauce is too thin?
If the sauce is too thin, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the sauce.
Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Thighs Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs (about 2-2.5 lbs)
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 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
- Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Start by seasoning your chicken thighs generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Don’t be shy – really massage those herbs into the skin!
- Heat a tablespoon of oil in a skillet and quickly brown the chicken thighs. This step is optional but adds a ton of flavor and gives the skin a beautiful golden color.
- Transfer the chicken to your slow cooker and add minced garlic, sliced onions, and sun-dried tomatoes.
- Pour in some chicken broth – just enough to cover the bottom of the slow cooker. This will create steam and keep everything moist.
- Set your slow cooker to low and cook 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).
- About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the heavy cream and fresh spinach. The residual heat will wilt the spinach perfectly.
This is such an easy dish to prepare, and is really delicious too. It’s a firm favourite now.