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Slow Cooker One-Pot

Slow Cooker Low-Carb Tuscan Chicken with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

By PanPotPlates Test KitchenReviewed by PanPotPlates Editorial TeamPublished May 11, 2026
Tuscan-Inspired 375 mins slowcookerlowcarbfamily-friendlyglutenfreedairyfreehealthyeasycomfortfood

This flavorful low-carb Tuscan chicken recipe cooked in a slow cooker features sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and Italian herbs. It’s gluten-free, dairy-free optional, and family-friendly.

Slow Cooker Low-Carb Tuscan Chicken with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Prep 15 min
Cook 360 min
Total 375 min
Servings 6
Difficulty easy
Cuisine Tuscan-Inspired

Recipe Details

Prep15 min
Cook360 min
Total375 min
Servings6
Difficultyeasy
CuisineTuscan-Inspired
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Ingredients

Servings 6
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil), drained and chopped
  • 4 cups fresh baby spinach
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth (gluten-free if needed)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream (for dairy-free option)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, omit for dairy-free)
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp dried basil
  • 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken thighs and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set aside.
  2. In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Transfer the onion and garlic mixture to the slow cooker. Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, oregano, basil, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
  4. Place the seared chicken thighs on top of the mixture in the slow cooker. Pour the chicken broth evenly over the ingredients.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
  6. About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the fresh spinach and heavy cream or coconut cream. If using Parmesan cheese, add it now and stir until melted and combined.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve the chicken with the creamy spinach and sun-dried tomato sauce spooned over the top.
  8. Optional: Serve alongside cauliflower rice or steamed low-carb vegetables to keep the meal low-carb and balanced.

Frequently Asked Questions

Reader questions and answers for this recipe will appear here.

Customize this slow cooker Tuscan chicken to your preferences or dietary needs with these ingredient swaps:

  • Chicken Thighs: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a leaner option or turkey thighs for a different taste and moisture level.
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Substitute with roasted red peppers or fresh chopped tomatoes for a milder, juicier flavor.
  • Heavy Cream: Replace with full-fat coconut cream for a dairy-free creamy alternative.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Omit for dairy-free or use a dairy-free cheese that melts well to keep creaminess.
  • Chicken Broth: Switch to vegetable broth to create a vegetarian-friendly version, adjusting cook times accordingly.
  • Spinach: Swap for kale or Swiss chard for a heartier green that holds up well to slow cooking.
  • Olive Oil: Use avocado oil or grapeseed oil for a different flavor profile or higher smoke point.

These substitutions maintain the recipe’s low-carb, healthy, family-friendly, gluten-free, and dairy-free qualities while adding flexibility.

Pan Or Pot Required

This low-carb Tuscan chicken recipe is crafted as a Slow Cooker One-Pot meal, ideal for effortless, hands-off cooking. The slow cooker gently simmers the chicken with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach, melding flavors for a tender and savory dish.

Before slow cooking, use a large skillet to sear the chicken and sauté aromatics like onion and garlic. This step enhances the depth of flavor and gives the chicken a rich golden crust.

Limiting cookware to a skillet and slow cooker simplifies prep and cleanup. This approach perfectly supports tags like slowcooker, easy, and family-friendly, making it a go-to healthy comfort food recipe for busy weeknights.

Cookware Size Guidance

For optimal results, use a slow cooker with a 5 to 6-quart capacity when preparing this Tuscan chicken recipe. This size provides ample room for 2 lbs of chicken thighs along with vegetables, broth, and creamy sauce components to cook evenly.

A smaller slow cooker may lead to overcrowding and uneven cooking, while a significantly larger one might prolong cooking times due to excess space. If your slow cooker is on the smaller side, consider halving the recipe or switching to a stovetop method using a Dutch oven.

Ensure the lid fits securely to maintain moisture and heat, which keeps the chicken juicy and the sauce rich and creamy. Proper cookware size plays a key role in delivering this easy, healthy, and family-friendly low-carb meal.

Cookware Swap Guidance

This slow cooker low-carb Tuscan chicken is designed for convenience but can be adapted if you don’t have a slow cooker:

  • Instant Pot or Pressure Cooker: Use the 'Sauté' function to brown chicken and onions, then cook on high pressure for 15 minutes with natural release. Stir in spinach and cream at the end.
  • Large Heavy Skillet or Dutch Oven: Sear chicken and sauté aromatics on the stovetop, then cover and simmer on low heat for 45 to 60 minutes with broth until chicken is fully cooked. Add spinach and cream before serving.
  • Oven-Safe Casserole or Braiser: After searing on stovetop, transfer contents and bake covered at 325°F (160°C) for 1 to 1.5 hours. Add spinach and cream in the final 10 minutes.

These alternatives preserve the comforting flavors and convenience of the dish while meeting your kitchen setup.

Leftovers Quality

Leftover Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken makes excellent meal prep for low-carb dinners. Store leftovers in airtight containers and refrigerate within two hours; they remain fresh for 3 to 4 days.

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave on medium power to prevent drying out the chicken and creamy sauce. Adding a splash of chicken broth or cream during reheating helps restore moisture and richness.

This dish also freezes well thanks to its hearty sauce and tender chicken. Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

These qualities make it a versatile, healthy, gluten-free, and dairy-free (with coconut cream) choice for busy families and low-carb lifestyles.

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