High-Protein Low Carb Crockpot Tuscan Chicken
Tender slow-cooked chicken in a creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes — high-protein, low-carb, and ready in 6 hours
This high-protein low carb crockpot Tuscan chicken is set-it-and-forget-it comfort food. Chicken breasts simmer in a rich, creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes until they are fall-apart tender. Every serving delivers 48 g of protein and only 3 g net carbs.
Completely sugar-free, low-carb, and perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or meal prep.
Why you’ll love this chicken
- 48g protein per serving — a complete high-protein meal
- Only 3g net carbs and fully sugar-free
- Creamy Tuscan-style sauce with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes
- Hands-off crockpot cooking
- Ready with only 10 minutes of prep
- Excellent for leftovers and meal prep
Health notes
- High protein: Chicken breasts deliver a very protein-dense serving.
- Ultra low carb: Cream, Parmesan, and spinach keep net carbs extremely low.
- Sugar-free: No added sugar of any kind.
- Set-and-forget: Slow cooker does the work while you stay busy.
Key element — add dairy near the end
Stir in the cream, cream cheese, and Parmesan during the last 20–30 minutes so the sauce stays smooth and doesn’t separate during the long cook.
Ingredients
Chicken & aromatics
- 2 lb (900g) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
- ⅓–½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- ½ cup chicken broth
Creamy Tuscan sauce
- ¾–1 cup heavy cream
- 3–4 oz cream cheese, cubed
- ½–¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2–3 cups fresh spinach
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
- Fresh basil for garnish
Swaps
- Thighs: Boneless skinless thighs stay extra juicy in the slow cooker.
- Dairy-free: Use coconut cream and a dairy-free cream cheese (flavor will differ).
- Extra veggies: Add mushrooms or extra spinach in the last 15 minutes.
- Faster version: Cook on high for 3–4 hours instead of low for 6.
Instructions
| 1 | Season the chicken. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Place them in the crockpot. |
| 2 | Add the base. Sprinkle the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes over the chicken. Pour in the chicken broth. Cover and cook on LOW for about 5½ hours (or HIGH for 3–3½ hours) until the chicken is cooked through and tender. |
| 3 | Make the sauce. About 20–30 minutes before serving, stir in the heavy cream, cubed cream cheese, and Parmesan. Cover and continue cooking until the cream cheese melts and the sauce is creamy. Stir well. |
| 4 | Add the spinach. Stir in the fresh spinach and cook 5–10 minutes more until wilted. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. |
| 5 | Serve. Spoon the creamy Tuscan sauce over the chicken. Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve hot. |
Pro tips
- Add the cream and cheese near the end so the sauce stays smooth.
- If the sauce is too thin, uncover for the last 15 minutes or stir in extra Parmesan.
- Pound thicker breasts slightly so they cook evenly.
- This reheats well — add a splash of cream or broth if the sauce thickens.
- Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a complete low-carb plate.
Nutrition
| Nutrient | Per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 |
| Protein | 48g |
| Net carbohydrates | 3g |
| Total carbohydrates | 4g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Total fat | 22g |
| Sodium | 580mg |
Estimates based on chicken breast, heavy cream, cream cheese, Parmesan, and spinach. Exact numbers vary with chicken size and cream amount.
Variations
Extra creamy
Add an extra ounce of cream cheese or a splash more heavy cream at the end.
Mushroom Tuscan
Add sliced mushrooms with the sun-dried tomatoes at the beginning.
Spicy version
Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne with the seasonings.
Shredded version
Shred the chicken in the sauce after cooking for a scoopable, meal-prep friendly texture.
Storage
| Method | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Up to 4 days | Store in an airtight container; reheat gently on the stove |
| Freezer | Up to 2 months | Freeze in portions; thaw overnight in the fridge |
| Meal prep | Up to 4 days | Excellent for high-protein lunches and dinners |
FAQ
Test your knowledge
5 quick questions about this crockpot Tuscan chicken
1. Protein per serving?
2. Net carbs per serving?
3. When should you add the cream and cheese?
4. About how long on LOW?
5. Best way to reheat leftovers?
