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Creamy Tuscan Chicken Dump Crockpot Meal - Easy, Cozy, and Full of Flavor

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter)
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed, drained)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for warmth)
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
  • Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
  • Cooked pasta, rice, or potatoes for serving

Method
 

  1. Add the chicken: Place chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of your slow cooker in a single layer.
  2. Build the sauce base: Pour in chicken broth. Add cream cheese, heavy cream, parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, Italian seasoning, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  3. Don’t overthink the mixing: It’s fine if the cream cheese sits in small cubes. It will melt as it cooks.
  4. Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on Low for 3.5–4.5 hours or on High for 2–3 hours, until the chicken is tender and reaches 165°F internally. Avoid lifting the lid too often.
  5. Shred or slice: Remove the chicken to a cutting board. Shred with two forks or slice into thick pieces.
  6. Thicken if needed: Whisk 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water. Stir the slurry into the sauce and cook on High for 10–15 minutes until slightly thicker. This step is optional.
  7. Add the greens: Stir in the spinach and cook for 2–3 minutes until wilted.
  8. Combine and finish: Return the chicken to the slow cooker and coat in the sauce. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
  9. Serve: Spoon over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or cauliflower mash. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.