Description
A rich and creamy Tuscan garlic chicken dish that combines the low-and-slow patience of a smoker with the indulgent flavors of Italian cuisine, featuring sun-dried tomatoes and a garlic cream sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 6–8 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, chopped
- 8 oz full-fat brick cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3–4 cups fresh spinach, packed
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pat chicken breasts dry and rub with olive oil. Season generously with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Smoke chicken at 225°F (107°C) for 45-60 minutes until internal temperature reaches 155°F (68°C). Remove and let rest for 10 minutes, then slice into strips.
- In a large bowl, whisk together softened cream cheese, heavy cream, minced garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes until smooth.
- Pour the cream sauce mixture into the bottom of a 6-quart crockpot.
- Place the smoked chicken on top of the sauce. Cover and cook on HIGH for 2 hours or LOW for 3-4 hours until chicken is tender and sauce is bubbly.
- About 10 minutes before serving, stir in fresh spinach until wilted.
- Serve hot over egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.
Notes
Do not overcook the chicken in the smoker; pull it at 155°F as it will finish cooking in the crockpot. Ensure cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature to prevent lumps. This recipe does not freeze well due to dairy separation. Serve with egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast wit
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 38
- Saturated Fat: 22
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 45
Keywords: Tuscan chicken, smoked chicken, crockpot recipes, creamy garlic chicken, slow cooker dinner, Italian cuisine, weeknight dinner