Crockpot Tuscan Chicken Delight

$- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice - 1 can (15 oz) garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained - 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped - 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped - 1/2 cup ricotta cheese - 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil Each ingredient plays a key role in making this dish shine. The chicken provides protein and a tender base. Diced tomatoes add moisture and a fresh flavor. Garbanzo beans bring a nice texture and extra protein. Fresh spinach gives a pop of green and nutrients. Sun-dried tomatoes deepen the flavor with their sweetness. Ricotta cheese adds creaminess, while Parmesan gives a salty kick. Garlic, oregano, and basil make everything taste amazing. Olive oil helps everything cook well and adds richness. - Fresh basil leaves - Additional Parmesan cheese Adding fresh basil leaves on top gives a nice burst of color and flavor. Extra Parmesan cheese adds even more taste. These garnishes make your dish look fancy and inviting. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Season the chicken: Start by seasoning the chicken breasts. Use salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. This adds great taste. - Searing the chicken (optional): If you want more flavor, sear the chicken. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook each side for 3-4 minutes until golden. This step is optional but tasty. - Transferring chicken to the crockpot: Once seasoned or seared, place the chicken in the crockpot. This is where all the magic happens. - Layering ingredients: Add the diced tomatoes and garbanzo beans on top of the chicken. Next, sprinkle the minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes over everything. These layers build a wonderful flavor. - Adding spinach and ricotta: At the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the fresh spinach and dollops of ricotta cheese. This makes the dish creamy and bright. - Serving suggestions: Before serving, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a nice touch. Serve it over creamy polenta or with garlic bread to enjoy every bit of the sauce. Choosing the right chicken I prefer using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe. They cook evenly and stay juicy. You can also use thighs if you want more flavor. Just remember to adjust cooking times as needed. Perfecting the seasoning Start by seasoning the chicken with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. This gives it a great base flavor. I recommend tasting your dish as it cooks. Adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. Use fresh herbs when possible; they add brighter flavors. Ideal sides and accompaniments This dish pairs well with creamy polenta or garlic bread. Both soak up the tasty sauce. You can also serve it with a simple salad for freshness. Try adding a drizzle of olive oil on the salad for extra flavor. Presentation tips for serving For a beautiful plate, spoon the chicken and sauce over polenta. Top it with grated Parmesan and fresh basil leaves. This adds color and makes it look gourmet. A nice presentation impresses guests and makes the meal more enjoyable. Pro Tips Perfectly Seasoned Chicken: Ensure to season your chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and herbs to enhance flavor before cooking. Layering Ingredients: Layer your ingredients in the crockpot correctly, placing the chicken at the bottom to absorb the juices from the tomatoes and beans as they cook. Fresh Spinach Addition: Add fresh spinach in the last 30 minutes of cooking to retain its vibrant color and nutritional value. Serving Suggestions: Serve the dish over creamy polenta or with garlic bread to soak up the flavorful sauce for a complete meal experience. {{image_2}} If you want to change things up, you can swap the garbanzo beans for other beans. White beans or black beans work great too. They add a nice texture and flavor to the dish. You can also skip beans altogether if you prefer. Cheese is another fun area to play with. While ricotta cheese adds creaminess, you can try goat cheese or cream cheese instead. Both will give a different taste and texture. Parmesan is a classic choice, but you can also use Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor. For those who love a kick, consider adding spices like red pepper flakes or cayenne. Just a pinch can make a big difference. You can also use fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for added depth. If you want to add more veggies, try bell peppers or zucchini. They pair well with the chicken and add color to your dish. You can even throw in some mushrooms for an earthy flavor. Just remember to chop them up so they cook evenly. To keep your Crockpot Tuscan Chicken fresh, let it cool first. Store leftovers in the fridge within two hours. Use an airtight container to lock in flavors. This way, your meal stays tasty for up to four days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing. Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container. You can reheat your Tuscan Chicken in two ways: microwave or stovetop. For the microwave, place it in a bowl and cover it with a lid. Heat on medium for about two to three minutes. Stir halfway through to warm it evenly. If using the stovetop, place the chicken in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water to keep it moist. Stir gently for five to seven minutes until heated through. This method helps keep the flavors intact. Enjoy your meal as if it just came out of the crockpot! Can I use frozen chicken breasts? Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just add an extra hour to the cooking time. This will help ensure they cook through. Always check for an internal temperature of 165°F to be safe. How do I know when the chicken is done? The chicken is done when it is tender and reaches 165°F inside. You can check this with a meat thermometer. If you don’t have one, look for the chicken to shred easily with a fork. What to do if the chicken is dry? If your chicken turns out dry, it may have cooked too long. You can add a bit more liquid, like broth or sauce. This will help moisten the chicken. Using chicken thighs instead of breasts can also help keep it juicy. How to adjust for busy schedules? If you have a busy schedule, prep the chicken and veggies the night before. Store them in the fridge. In the morning, just toss everything into the crockpot. You can set it on low for 6 hours, and dinner will be ready when you get home. This blog shared easy steps for a tasty chicken dish using basic ingredients. We covered required items like chicken, tomatoes, and spices, plus cooking tips for success. I highlighted fun variations, serving ideas, and how to store leftovers well. Cooking should be fun and stress-free. With these tips, you can create delicious meals, even on busy days. Enjoy making this dish your own!$

A delicious and hearty chicken dish cooked in a slow cooker with Tuscan flavors.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
14 oz can diced tomatoes, with juice
15 oz can garbanzo beans (chickpeas), rinsed and drained
1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
0.5 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
0.5 cup ricotta cheese
0.333 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
to taste salt and pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
leaves fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

Begin by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Sear the seasoned chicken breasts for about 3-4 minutes on each side until lightly golden (this step is optional for added flavor).
Transfer the chicken to the crockpot and layer the diced tomatoes and garbanzo beans on top.
Add the minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes over the chicken.
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
In the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the fresh spinach and dollops of ricotta cheese. Let it cook until the spinach wilts and the ricotta is warm.
Before serving, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh basil leaves.

Notes

Serve over a bed of creamy polenta or with a side of garlic bread to soak up the delicious Tuscan sauce.

Keyword chicken, crockpot, Italian, slow cooker, Tuscan