Crockpot Tuscan Garlic Chicken Thighs With Spinach And Sun-Dried Tomatoes

This Tuscan crockpot chicken thighs recipe, from food blogger Eatwell 101, is packed with flavors and so easy to prepare. By substituting canned “lite coconut milk” for the heavy cream, and using olive oil instead of butter, I made it a healthier recipe, while still keeping it rich tasting, Keto and low carb friendly.

Ingredients:

• 6 – 8 skinless, bone-in chicken thighs – I have used boneless also
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream or canned “lite” coconut milk 
• 1/3 cup chicken broth
• 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese – grated off a block works best – no anti-caking agent
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon crushed red chili pepper flakes, optional
• Sea salt and fresh cracked black pepper
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
• 2 cups spinach (chopped, packed)

Directions:

1. Heat oil or butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for about a minute, until fragrant.
2. Add the cream and chicken broth. Bring to a gentle simmer, then set heat to low and simmer for about 10 minutes. The sauce should thicken enough to coat the back of a spoon.
3. Meanwhile, place the chicken thighs at the bottom of your crockpot. Season chicken thighs lightly with Italian seasoning, crushed red chili pepper flakes (if using), sea salt, and black pepper. Top chicken thighs with sun-dried tomatoes.
4. When the cream sauce is ready, lower the heat and whisk in the Parmesan cheese, little by little until smooth. Adjust seasoning for the cream sauce if needed.
5. Pour the cream sauce evenly over the chicken thighs in the crockpot. Try to get as much sauce as possible on top of the chicken thighs and less on the bottom.
6. Cook for 3-4 hours on HIGH or 6-8 hours on LOW. When cooking time is over, gently remove the chicken thighs from the crockpot and set it aside.
7. Turn the crockpot on HIGH if it isn’t already. Add the chopped spinach to the crockpot and stir for a few minutes, until the spinach wilts.
8. Return the chicken to the slow cooker, and spoon the liquid, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes on top, or just pour them over the chicken when serving.

Serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice, or rice, couscous, or pasta of your choice for non-Keto.