Sometimes, all you need is a hearty, comforting meal that comes together with minimal effort. If you’re short on time but still crave something delicious, this three-hour slow cooker recipe ticks all the boxes. Packed with tender chicken thighs, sun-dried tomatoes, and plenty of garlic-infused creaminess, your kitchen will smell incredible before you know it.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (in oil, drained)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Optional: Chopped fresh spinach added at the end
Instructions
Begin by setting your slow cooker to its “High” setting. Warm the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then sear them briefly on each side—about a minute or two—until they have a lightly golden exterior. This step helps them lock in flavor and maintain a nice texture.
Transfer the seared chicken into the slow cooker. Add in the minced garlic, chicken broth, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes. Sprinkle in the dried basil and oregano. Give everything a quick stir to ensure the chicken is nicely coated and the flavors are well combined.
Cover and cook on High for three hours. If you’d like to add some greens, toss in a handful of chopped fresh spinach during the last 20 minutes of cooking. The spinach will wilt beautifully in the creamy sauce. For a little extra body, serve this over cooked pasta, quinoa, or rice.
Once finished, remove the cover and season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with extra Parmesan, fresh basil, or a drizzle of olive oil if you’re feeling fancy.
Your Three-Hour Creamy Tuscan Chicken is now ready to brighten your evening. This recipe is great for busy families or anyone craving a weekend-style feast without an all-day commitment. It fits easily into a three-hour afternoon window, giving you time to run errands or simply relax.
The combination of chicken, Parmesan cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes adds a wholesome balance, and you can customize it by swapping in cooked turkey or adding extra veggies like mushrooms or artichoke hearts. With its creamy, savory goodness, this dish guarantees a satisfying meal for just about everyone around your table.
Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.
