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Cozy Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Thighs Recipe with Artichokes Made Easy

slow cooker tuscan chicken thighs - featured image

A comforting slow cooker recipe featuring tender chicken thighs simmered with artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes, and herbs in a creamy, flavorful sauce. Perfect for cozy nights and easy weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 boneless, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 pounds / 900 grams)
  • 1 can (14 ounces / 400 grams) quartered artichoke hearts, drained
  • ½ cup (about 50 grams) chopped sun-dried tomatoes
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
  • ½ cup (120 ml) white wine (optional but recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste (start with 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper)
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) heavy cream (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes until golden and crisp. Flip and cook another 3 minutes. Transfer chicken to a plate.
  3. In the same skillet, add sliced onion and minced garlic. Stir for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  4. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and stir for 1 minute to release oils and flavor.
  5. Pour in ½ cup white wine, scraping up browned bits from the pan. Let simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
  6. Place seared chicken thighs in the slow cooker. Add sautéed mixture on top, pour in 1 cup chicken broth, scatter drained artichoke hearts, and sprinkle thyme and oregano evenly.
  7. Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until chicken is tender and easily pulls apart.
  8. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in ¼ cup heavy cream if using. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. If sauce is too thin, remove chicken and reduce sauce on stove over medium heat until slightly thickened.
  9. Serve chicken and artichokes over creamy polenta, pasta, or roasted vegetables. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Searing the chicken before slow cooking locks in flavor and texture. Use bone-in, skin-on thighs for juicier results. Add cream late to keep sauce luscious. Adjust salt at the end due to salty ingredients like broth and sun-dried tomatoes. If sauce is too thin, reduce on stove after cooking. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream. Can be cooked in a Dutch oven at 325°F for 1.5 to 2 hours if no slow cooker is available.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker chicken, Tuscan chicken, chicken thighs recipe, artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes, comfort food, easy dinner, creamy chicken