Description
A foolproof, low-effort weeknight dinner featuring tender chicken breasts in a rich, garlicky sauce made with cream cheese and sun-dried tomatoes. This slow cooker meal is kid-approved, budget-friendly, and requires only 10 minutes of active prep time.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
- 0.5 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (packed in oil, drained)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 0.5 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 2–3 cups fresh spinach, packed
- 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Pat chicken breasts dry and season generously with salt and pepper. Place in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker in a single layer.
- In a medium bowl, combine minced garlic, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, softened cream cheese, chicken broth, and Italian seasoning. Stir until the cream cheese begins to break down.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker, ensuring the chicken is mostly covered.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours. Do not open the lid during the first 3 hours.
- Check for doneness after 4 hours; chicken should be tender. Shred or slice the chicken in the pot.
- Stir in fresh spinach and let it wilt for 2-3 minutes using residual heat.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve immediately over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.
Notes
Softening the cream cheese helps it melt smoothly. Add spinach at the very end to prevent it from turning to mush. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of broth; if too thin, cook uncovered for 15-20 minutes. This recipe does not freeze well due to the dairy content.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 28
- Saturated Fat: 14
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 35
Keywords: slow cooker chicken, tuscan chicken, creamy chicken, easy dinner, weeknight meals, one pot meal, gluten-free dinner