This Easy Tuscan Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs Recipe is one of those magical dinners that wows every single time—juicy chicken thighs slowly braised in a dreamy, garlic-scented cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and plenty of Parmesan. It’s the perfect harmony of rich flavors and comforting textures, and the best part is, your slow cooker does most of the work. Whether you’re serving a family meal or hosting friends, this dish delivers restaurant-level results with minimal fuss.

Easy Tuscan Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s a reason the flavors in this Easy Tuscan Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs Recipe work so beautifully: each ingredient is simple, but brings something important to the table. Think of it as a flavor symphony, where the strong personalities of sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, and fresh basil shine—rounded out by tender chicken and a lush, creamy sauce.

Chicken Thighs (2 pounds, boneless, skinless): These stay irresistibly juicy and soak up all that savory sauce; thighs are best for slow cooking.
Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): Adds a fruity richness and helps develop a golden sear on the chicken before it hits the slow cooker.
Yellow Onion (1 small, diced): Brings mellow sweetness that builds the sauce’s savory base.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Essential for that classic Tuscan aroma and warmth.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes (1/2 cup, drained and chopped): Intensely sweet-tart flavor with chewy texture—these make the dish!
Dried Italian Seasoning (1 teaspoon): An all-in-one blend that ties together the herbs and flavors effortlessly.
Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Adds gentle warmth and a gorgeous color to the sauce.
Salt and Black Pepper: Don’t skip the seasoning—these sharp flavors bring everything else to life.
Chicken Broth (1 cup, low-sodium): Forms the base of the sauce, infusing moisture and depth.
Heavy Cream (1/2 cup): The secret to the luxuriously silky sauce you’ll want to spoon over everything.
Grated Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup): For nutty, melty savoriness—freshly grated is best if you can swing it.
Baby Spinach (2 cups, roughly chopped): Pops of green, a little extra nutrition, and wilts beautifully into the sauce.
Fresh Basil (for garnish): Bright, peppery notes that wake up every bite right before serving.

How to Make Easy Tuscan Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs Recipe

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken thighs dry and lining them up for maximum flavor absorption. Season each piece with a sprinkle of salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Searing isn’t just for pretty color—it locks in juices and creates a deeper, meatier taste. Add a swirl of olive oil to a hot skillet, then brown the chicken for 2 to 3 minutes per side. You’re looking for that appetizing golden crust. Transfer the seared chicken straight into your slow cooker.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet (don’t waste those golden bits of flavor!), toss in your diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté over medium heat until the onion turns soft and fragrant, about 2 to 3 minutes. This builds a foundation for your sauce, letting those sweet and savory notes mingle. Once ready, scrape the mixture into the slow cooker over the chicken.

Step 3: Layer and Start Slow Cooking

Scatter in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and pour over the chicken broth—give everything a gentle stir so the flavors begin to blend. Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours (or on high for 3 to 4 hours) until the chicken is incredibly tender and almost falling apart. The aroma will fill your kitchen before you know it!

Step 4: Finish with Cream, Cheese, and Spinach

About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan, letting the dairy-rich magic thicken the sauce. Add the chopped baby spinach; the heat is just enough to wilt and brighten it. Leave the slow cooker uncovered for this last part—the sauce will reduce slightly, becoming irresistibly silky.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Just before serving, scatter chopped fresh basil over the top for a shower of color and summery aroma. The Easy Tuscan Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs Recipe is now ready for your table—ladle generously, making sure everyone gets plenty of sauce!

How to Serve Easy Tuscan Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs Recipe

Garnishes

Nothing perks up this rich dish quite like a handful of fresh basil leaves scattered over the top. For extra flair, shave a few curls of Parmesan and maybe a sprinkle of cracked black pepper. If you love a tangy edge, a squeeze of lemon or a drizzle of olive oil right before serving gives it a restaurant finish—simple touches that make all the difference!

Side Dishes

This creamy Tuscan chicken just begs for something to soak up all that luscious sauce—think fluffy mashed potatoes, buttered pasta, or slices of warm, crusty bread. For a lighter plate, serve with a crisp green salad drizzled in balsamic vinaigrette or delicate roasted vegetables. Honestly, anything that’s sauce-friendly will shine alongside this dish.

Creative Ways to Present

Take your Easy Tuscan Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs Recipe to the next level by plating each thigh on a bed of creamy polenta or creamy risotto for cozy dinner-party vibes. If you’re feeling playful, spoon the chicken and sauce onto toasted baguette slices for an open-faced Italian-style sandwich, or add to a grain bowl with roasted veggies and a pop of balsamic glaze. There’s no wrong way to make it special!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftovers cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. If the sauce thickens in the fridge, that’s perfectly normal—it will loosen up beautifully when you reheat. Refrigerated, your Tuscan chicken will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days.

Freezing

This Easy Tuscan Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs Recipe freezes like a dream! Just portion out the chicken and sauce into freezer-safe containers, making sure everything is well sealed. It’ll keep its flavor and texture for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if needed to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave individual servings in short bursts, stirring once or twice for even heating. Garnish with a bit more fresh basil right before serving so it tastes just as lively as the day you made it!

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts will work, though they may not be quite as juicy as thighs. Just be sure not to overcook them—check for doneness a little early, as white meat cooks faster and can get dry.

What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?

No problem. While sun-dried tomatoes really add that signature sweet-tangy depth, you can substitute with cherry tomatoes or even roasted red peppers for a similar burst of color and flavor.

Is there a lighter alternative to heavy cream?

Yes! You can swap in half-and-half or even full-fat coconut milk if you want something dairy-free. The sauce won’t be quite as rich, but it’ll still taste luscious and creamy.

Can I prepare this Easy Tuscan Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs Recipe ahead of time?

Definitely—this dish is ideal for meal prep! Make it a day ahead and let the flavors meld overnight in the fridge. Just reheat and serve with your favorite sides.

How do I make the sauce extra thick?

If you want an ultra-thick sauce, stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese about 30 minutes before serving (along with the Parmesan and cream). Also, let the sauce simmer uncovered at the end to allow excess liquid to evaporate and intensify the flavors.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a soul-satisfying meal that’s as easy as it is spectacular, you absolutely must try this Easy Tuscan Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that earns you rave reviews, melts away dinner stress, and helps create cozy memories around the table. Don’t be surprised if this becomes your new weeknight classic!

Easy Tuscan Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 7 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A simple and delicious recipe for Tuscan-inspired slow cooker chicken thighs, cooked in a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce. This dish is full of flavor and perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Thighs:

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs

Seasoning:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Sauce:

1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped
Fresh basil, for garnish

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Instructions

Season the Chicken: Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
Sear the Chicken: In a skillet over medium heat, sear the chicken for 2–3 minutes on each side until lightly browned. Transfer chicken to the slow cooker.
Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant, then add to the slow cooker along with sun-dried tomatoes and chicken broth.
Cook: Cover and cook on low for 5–6 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender.
Finish: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan, and chopped spinach. Let it cook uncovered to thicken slightly. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.