Welcome, fellow slow cooker enthusiasts! If you’re on the hunt for amazing Low Carb Crock Pot Recipes that don’t skimp on flavor, you’ve landed in the right spot. I get it. Life gets hectic, but our commitment to a healthy, low-carb lifestyle shouldn’t mean boring, repetitive meals. That’s where our trusty Crockpot comes in, transforming simple ingredients into something truly special with minimal effort. Today, we’re diving into one of my all-time favorites: a rich, creamy, and utterly decadent Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken.
This isn’t just another dump dinner; it’s a “set it and forget it” masterpiece that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. For those seeking more inspiration, exploring the world of the best crock pot recipes can open up a universe of delicious possibilities. But for now, let’s get this Tuscan chicken simmering!
Why This Recipe Works Perfectly in a Crockpot
The magic of the slow cooker is its ability to cook low and slow, and that’s precisely what makes this Tuscan chicken shine. The gentle, consistent heat ensures the chicken becomes incredibly tender and juicy—so tender it practically melts in your mouth. Unlike pan-searing, which can sometimes dry out chicken breasts, the Crockpot locks in all the moisture.
Furthermore, the long cooking time allows the flavors of the sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, spinach, and Italian herbs to meld together, creating a complex, deeply savory sauce that infuses every bite of the chicken. It’s the ultimate one-pot meal that does all the hard work for you.
Ingredients and Tools You’ll Need
Getting your ingredients ready beforehand is the key to any successful slow cooker meal. This is what we call mise en place in the cooking world, but I just call it “getting your ducks in a row.”
For the Creamy Tuscan Chicken:
- Chicken: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lbs or 1kg).
- Seasoning: 1 teaspoon each of dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper.
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced. Don’t be shy with the garlic!
- Sun-dried Tomatoes: 1/2 cup, packed in oil, drained and chopped. These are flavor bombs!
- Chicken Broth: 1 cup, low-sodium.
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup. This is what makes the sauce so luxurious.
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup, freshly grated. The pre-shredded stuff has anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.
- Spinach: 5 oz (about 3 large handfuls) of fresh baby spinach.
Essential Tool:
- A 6-quart Crockpot or a similar-sized slow cooker is ideal for this recipe. A smaller one might be too crowded, and a larger one could cause the sauce to evaporate too quickly.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Alright, let’s get cooking! The beauty of this process is its simplicity. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a perfect meal waiting for you.
- Prep the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. In a small bowl, mix together the oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Rub this seasoning mix all over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Layer the Crockpot: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of your slow cooker. Sprinkle the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes over the top.
- Add the Liquid: Pour the chicken broth around the chicken. Try not to pour it directly on top, as this can wash off the seasonings.
- Set It and Forget It: Secure the lid on your Crockpot. This is important: do not open the lid while it’s cooking! Every time you lift the lid, you release heat and moisture, which can add 15-20 minutes to your cooking time. Cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours.
- Finish the Creamy Sauce: About 30 minutes before serving, the chicken should be fully cooked and tender. Use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the Crockpot, or remove it, shred it on a cutting board, and return it to the pot.
- Add the Good Stuff: Slowly stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until well combined.
- Wilt the Spinach: Add the handfuls of fresh spinach and stir them into the hot sauce. They will wilt down in just a few minutes. Place the lid back on for about 5-10 minutes to help the process along.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the spinach is wilted and the sauce is heated through, give it a final stir. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Your delicious low carb Crockpot dinner is ready!
Pro Tips and Variations for Your Crockpot
I’ve made this recipe more times than I can count, and I’ve learned a few things along the way. Here are some tips to take your dish from great to absolutely unforgettable.
- To Sear or Not to Sear? For an extra layer of flavor, you can sear the seasoned chicken breasts in a hot skillet with a little olive oil for 2-3 minutes per side before adding them to the Crockpot. It’s an optional step, but it creates a beautiful golden crust and adds depth. If you’re short on time, skipping it is totally fine—it’s still one of the best low carb crock pot recipes you’ll ever make.
- Avoiding a Curdled Sauce: Always add dairy ingredients like heavy cream and cheese at the end of the cooking time. Adding them at the beginning can cause them to separate or curdle over the long cooking period.
- How to Thicken the Sauce: If your sauce seems a bit thin, you can create a slurry. In a small bowl, mix 1 teaspoon of xanthan gum (a great low-carb thickener) with 1 tablespoon of water. Stir this into the sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking. It will thicken up beautifully without adding carbs.
- Variations: Feel free to get creative! Add some sliced mushrooms with the garlic, a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat, or some chopped artichoke hearts for a briny kick.
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Our Picks for the Best Crockpot in 2026
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| Num | Product | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sunvivi Dual Pot Slow Cooker, 2 Pot Small Mini Crock Buffet Server and Warmer, Upgraded Oval Ceramic Double Pot Buffet Food Warmer Adjustable Temp Glass Lid, Total 2.5 Quarts |
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| 2 | bella 6.0 Qt Programmable Slow Cooker, Ceramic Nonstick Coating, Adjustable Temperature & Cooking Times, Dishwasher Safe Stoneware Pot & Tempered Glass Lid, Tangle Free Cord Wrap, Plum |
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| 3 | Hamilton Beach 6-Quart Slow Cooker with 3 Cooking Settings, Dishwasher-Safe Stoneware Crock & Glass Lid, Silver (33665G) |
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| 4 | Crock-Pot 7-Quart Slow Cooker, Portable Programmable with Timer, Locking Lid, Stainless Steel; an Essential Kitchen Appliance, Perfect for Families and Gatherings |
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| 5 | Crock-Pot 6 Quart Cook & Carry Programmable Slow Cooker with Digital Timer Stainless Steel (CPSCVC60LL-S) pack of 1 |
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| 6 | Crock-Pot Large 8-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker with Auto Warm Setting Black Stainless Steel |
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| 7 | Double Slow Cooker, 2 x 1.25 QT Portable Small Dual Crock Cooker, Buffet Servers and Warmers Dishwasher Safe, Removable Ceramic Pot Glass Lid, Stainless Steel Black |
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| 8 | Ninja Foodi PossibleCooker PRO- Sous Vide & Proof 6-in-1 Multi-Cooker, with 8.5 Quarts, Slow Cooker, Dutch Oven & More, Glass Lid & Integrated Spoon, Oven Safe Pot to 500°F, Black, MC1010 |
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| 9 | Crockpot 2-Quart Classic Slow Cooker Small Slow Cooker Black |
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| 10 | Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker, Stainless Steel (SCV700-S-BR), Versatile Cookware for Large Families or Entertaining |
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As culinary blogger Sarah Carter often says, “The key to a perfect Crockpot meal is layering your ingredients correctly. Always place root vegetables and tougher cuts of meat at the bottom where the heat is most consistent, allowing everything to cook to perfection simultaneously.”
Nutritional Value and Health Benefits
This Creamy Tuscan Chicken is more than just delicious; it’s a powerhouse of nutrition that fits perfectly into a low-carb or ketogenic lifestyle. It’s packed with protein from the chicken to keep you full and satisfied, healthy fats from the cream and Parmesan, and essential vitamins and minerals from the spinach. Since it’s naturally grain-free and sugar-free, it helps maintain stable blood sugar levels, making it a fantastic choice for a healthy family dinner.
Serving, Storing, and Reheating
How to Serve Your Tuscan Chicken
This dish is incredibly versatile. Here are my favorite low-carb ways to serve it:
- Over a bed of cauliflower rice.
- With a side of steamed green beans or roasted asparagus.
- Piled on top of zucchini noodles (“zoodles”).
- Alongside a simple, fresh green salad with a vinaigrette dressing.
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors actually get even better the next day!
How to Reheat
Gently reheat the chicken on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also microwave it in short bursts, but the stovetop method helps preserve the creamy texture of the sauce. I do not recommend freezing this dish, as cream-based sauces can separate upon thawing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use frozen chicken in this Crockpot recipe?
It is not recommended to use frozen chicken in a slow cooker. The Crockpot heats up too slowly, which can allow the chicken to linger in the “danger zone” (40°F – 140°F) where bacteria can multiply. Always thaw your chicken completely before cooking.
How long do I cook low carb chicken in the Crockpot?
For boneless, skinless chicken breasts, the ideal cooking time is 4-5 hours on LOW or 2-3 hours on HIGH. Cooking it for too long can result in dry, tough chicken, even in the slow cooker.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and are even more forgiving than breasts. They contain more fat, which keeps them incredibly moist. The cooking time remains about the same.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
For a slightly lighter version, you can use half-and-half, but the sauce won’t be as thick or rich. For a dairy-free option, full-fat canned coconut milk is the best substitute, though it will impart a subtle coconut flavor to the dish.
My sauce is too thin. What did I do wrong?
You didn’t do anything wrong! Sometimes, chicken releases more water than expected. Refer to the “Pro Tips” section above and use a xanthan gum slurry to thicken it up easily.
Your New Favorite Weeknight Meal
There you have it—a simple, elegant, and incredibly satisfying meal that proves low carb crock pot recipes can be the star of your dinner table. This Creamy Tuscan Chicken is a testament to how a few quality ingredients and the magic of a slow cooker can create a truly memorable meal.
I encourage you to give this recipe a try. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight, a cozy Sunday dinner, or even for meal prepping. Let me know how it turns out in the comments below! What are your favorite things to make in the Crockpot?