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Tuscan Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

Tuscan Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs
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Tuscan Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs offer a tender, juicy, and flavorful Italian-inspired dish made effortlessly in your slow cooker. Combining savory garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and a creamy sauce, this comforting recipe brings the rich essence of Tuscany to your dinner table with minimal prep and maximum taste.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 2 cups fresh spinach leaves

Liquids and Dairy

  • 1 cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Oils

  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken Thighs: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to infuse initial flavor into the meat.
  2. Brown the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy. This enhances the flavor through caramelization.
  3. Add Aromatics and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Transfer browned chicken thighs to the slow cooker. Add minced garlic, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and any optional vegetables you want to include. Stir gently to combine the fragrant base.
  4. Pour in the Creamy Sauce Base: Pour the heavy cream or coconut milk over the chicken and vegetables. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and a little extra Italian seasoning on top for richness and a velvety texture.
  5. Slow Cook Until Tender: Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours until the chicken is tender and falls off the bone, depending on your slow cooker’s heat levels.
  6. Stir in Fresh Spinach: About 15 minutes before serving, stir in fresh spinach leaves. Allow the spinach to wilt and add a pop of color and freshness to the creamy dish.

Notes

  • Pat the chicken dry to help the skin crisp better when browning.
  • Don’t skip browning the chicken; it creates complex caramelized flavors.
  • Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs yield the juiciest results.
  • Add cream or coconut milk near the end to avoid curdling and keep the sauce smooth.
  • Taste before serving and adjust salt or herbs as slow cooking can mellow flavors.

Nutrition

Keywords: Tuscan chicken, slow cooker chicken, Italian chicken thighs, creamy chicken recipe, easy slow cooker dinner, gluten-free Italian dish

Find it online: https://homemademealz.com/tuscan-slow-cooker-chicken-thighs/