Tuscan Crockpot Chicken

$- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with herbs - 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth - 1 cup baby spinach, roughly chopped - 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced - 1 yellow onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a touch of heat) - Salt and black pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil - Fresh basil leaves for garnish You can add more veggies like zucchini or carrots for extra nutrients. If you like cheese, sprinkle some Parmesan on top before serving. You can also swap chicken for turkey or use tofu for a vegetarian option. For a zesty kick, try adding lemon juice or lemon zest. Each serving has about 290 calories. You get 40 grams of protein and 8 grams of carbs. This dish is low in fat, making it a healthy choice. It's also packed with vitamins from the veggies, especially the spinach and bell pepper. Start by gathering all your ingredients. You will need: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with herbs - 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth - 1 cup baby spinach, roughly chopped - 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced - 1 yellow onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and black pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil - Fresh basil leaves for garnish Chop the onion and garlic finely. This helps release their flavors. Slice the red bell pepper thinly. Rinse the baby spinach and roughly chop it. Having everything ready makes cooking easier. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until the onion is soft, about 3-4 minutes. This step adds depth to your dish. Lay the chicken breasts flat in the crockpot. Season them with salt, black pepper, oregano, and basil. Next, pour the sautéed onion and garlic over the chicken. Layer the red bell pepper on top. Now, pour the diced tomatoes and chicken broth over everything. If you like heat, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes. Gently stir to mix without disturbing the chicken too much. Cover your crockpot and set it to cook. You can choose low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours. The chicken is done when it is tender and fully cooked. In the last 30 minutes, add the chopped baby spinach. Stir it in until it wilts. This adds a nice color and nutrients. When cooking time is up, shred the chicken in the crockpot using two forks. Mix it well with the veggies and sauce. For serving, place the Tuscan chicken over creamy polenta or fresh pasta. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a bright finish. Enjoy your meal! To make your chicken tender, start with quality meat. Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Season them well with salt and pepper. Cooking on low heat helps keep the chicken moist. Avoid lifting the lid on the crockpot often. Each time you open it, heat escapes. Let the chicken cook for 6-8 hours on low. Shredding the chicken in the sauce adds flavor and moisture. For extra flavor, try adding fresh herbs. Thyme and rosemary work well in this dish. A splash of balsamic vinegar can add a nice tang. If you like heat, increase the red pepper flakes. You can also mix in some olives for a briny taste. A tablespoon of capers can brighten the dish too. Mixing in some grated Parmesan cheese at the end makes it rich. Serve your Tuscan chicken over creamy polenta or pasta. This adds a nice texture and flavor. A fresh salad on the side balances the meal. Try a simple arugula salad with lemon dressing. For a drink, a white wine pairs nicely. You can also use crusty bread to soak up the sauce. Top with fresh basil leaves for a vibrant touch. {{image_4}} You can switch up the protein in this dish. Instead of chicken, use boneless turkey breasts. Turkey cooks well and absorbs flavors nicely. If you want a vegetarian option, try using chickpeas or lentils. They are packed with protein and create a hearty meal. Just remember to adjust the cooking time. Feel free to play with flavors! Add olives or sun-dried tomatoes for a briny kick. You might also want to try Italian sausage for a bolder taste. For a fresh twist, add lemon zest or capers. Watching your spice level? Skip the red pepper flakes or use mild peppers instead. Each of these changes can create a unique version of Tuscan crockpot chicken. If you decide to cook this on the stovetop, reduce the cooking time. Cook on medium heat for about 30-40 minutes. This way, the chicken stays moist and tender. If you use an Instant Pot, set it to high pressure for about 10-12 minutes. Always check the chicken to ensure it’s fully cooked. Remember to adjust your cooking time based on the method you choose! After enjoying your Tuscan Crockpot Chicken, let any leftovers cool. Place the chicken in an airtight container. You can store it in the fridge for up to four days. Make sure to keep it covered to avoid any strong smells from other foods. When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them gently. You can use the microwave or stovetop. If using a microwave, cover the dish to keep moisture in. Heat in short bursts, stirring between each one. If using the stovetop, warm it on low heat, stirring often. If you want to save it for later, freezing is a great option. Place cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat it, thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat thoroughly before serving. This way, your Tuscan chicken stays tasty and safe to eat! Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just add an extra hour to the cooking time. Using frozen chicken may also result in a bit more moisture. Make sure the chicken is fully cooked before serving. If you don’t have chicken broth, you can use vegetable broth. Water is another option, but it may lack flavor. If you use water, add more herbs or spices to boost taste. To spice things up, add more red pepper flakes. You can also use spicy sausage or hot sauce. Adjust the level of heat to match your taste. Yes, you can cook it on the stovetop. Use a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the onion and garlic first, then add the chicken and other ingredients. Simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. This blog covered all you need to know about cooking chicken in a crockpot. You learned about the needed ingredients, preparation steps, and tips for best results. We explored variations and ways to enhance flavor. Plus, I shared storage tips for leftovers. Cooking can be fun and easy with these methods. Remember, experimentation leads to great meals. Enjoy your next dish and feel free to make it your own!$

Discover the mouthwatering flavors of Tuscan Crockpot Chicken Delight, a simple and delicious recipe perfect for busy days. This dish features tender chicken breasts simmered with diced tomatoes, fresh spinach, and colorful bell peppers, creating a wholesome meal everyone will love. Ready to elevate your dinner game? Click through to explore this easy crockpot recipe and transform your mealtime magic!

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Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with herbs

1 cup low-sodium chicken broth

1 cup baby spinach, roughly chopped

1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced

1 yellow onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a touch of heat)

Salt and black pepper to taste

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

Begin by heating the extra virgin olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion turns translucent and releases a fragrant aroma, approximately 3-4 minutes.

In the base of your crockpot, lay the chicken breasts flat in a single layer. Generously season them with salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and dried basil for flavor.

Pour the sautéed onion and garlic mixture over the seasoned chicken. Next, layer the sliced red bell pepper on top for added color and flavor.

Pour the entire can of diced tomatoes—along with its juices—and the low-sodium chicken broth over the chicken and vegetables, ensuring they're well covered.

If opting for a hint of spice, sprinkle the red pepper flakes over the mixture, then gently stir to combine all ingredients without disturbing the chicken too much.

Cover your crockpot and allow it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.

During the final 30 minutes of cooking, introduce the roughly chopped baby spinach to the crockpot, stirring it in until it wilts beautifully.

Once the cooking time has elapsed, shred the chicken directly in the crockpot using two forks, combining it with the saucy vegetables for a cohesive dish.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Cooking Time: 6-8 hours | Servings: 4

- Presentation Tips: Serve the Tuscan chicken over a lush bed of creamy polenta or freshly cooked pasta. Garnish with vibrant fresh basil leaves to add a pop of color and an aromatic finish. Enjoy!