If you’re craving a cozy, full-flavored weeknight dinner with minimal prep, Slow Cooker Italian Chicken needs to be on your menu. This dish is a glorious blend of tender chicken, zesty Italian seasoning, and a saucy finish that’s downright irresistible atop pasta, rice, or piled high on a crusty roll. It’s a family favorite because it’s ridiculously easy and yields impressive results—the kind of meal that gets everyone excited for seconds and sneaking leftovers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part about Slow Cooker Italian Chicken? The ingredient list is short and sweet, but each one plays a mouthwatering role in the final flavor. Don’t skip the little touches—they make every bite special.
- Chicken breasts: Go for boneless, skinless breasts so they cook up fork-tender and shred easily for that perfect saucy texture.
- Italian dressing seasoning mix: A magic packet that quickly infuses the chicken with a blend of herbs, spices, and a bright, savory punch.
- Italian dressing: Adds tang, moisture, and layers of herbaceous Italian flavor in every bite.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Lends depth and keeps things juicy while balancing the saltiness of the seasoning.
- Garlic powder: For a mellow, aromatic garlic warmth throughout the dish.
- Black pepper: Brings just enough kick to wake up the other flavors—don’t skip it!
- Diced tomatoes (optional): Stir in for extra juiciness, acidity, and lovely pops of color (skip if you prefer a thicker sauce).
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): Creates richness and a salty-nutty layer—stir in before serving for best flavor.
- Fresh parsley (for garnish): Adds color and a fresh, herbal note to finish the dish beautifully.
How to Make Slow Cooker Italian Chicken
Step 1: Layer the Chicken
Start by arranging the chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of your slow cooker. This sets the stage for even cooking and makes sure every piece gets coated in that delicious Italian goodness.
Step 2: Mix the Zesty Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the Italian dressing seasoning mix, Italian dressing, chicken broth, garlic powder, and black pepper. Give it a good whisk—you’re making a flavor-packed elixir that’s about to transform plain chicken into Slow Cooker Italian Chicken magic.
Step 3: Pour, Top, and Customize
Pour your vibrant sauce evenly over the chicken breasts. If you want a juicier dish with a slightly tangy edge, scatter the diced tomatoes over top. For richer flavor, sprinkle Parmesan cheese as well—the cheese will melt for an extra savory kick.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection
Cover and set your slow cooker to low for 6 to 7 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. The chicken will soak up all those delicious flavors and turn wonderfully tender—perfect for shredding.
Step 5: Shred and Serve
Once cooked, grab two forks and gently shred the chicken right in the cooking liquid. Give it a good stir to coat every morsel. Now you’re ready to create the most comforting bowls or sandwiches of Slow Cooker Italian Chicken imaginable.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Italian Chicken
Garnishes
A flourish of fresh parsley just before serving perks up the appearance and adds a pop of herbal freshness. If you’re feeling extra, try a small shower of extra Parmesan or even a drizzle of good olive oil for a restaurant-worthy finish.
Side Dishes
You can’t go wrong by spooning your Slow Cooker Italian Chicken over a pile of buttery pasta or fluffy rice—both soak up the saucy goodness like a dream. Want more veggies? Serve with sautéed greens or roasted broccoli for balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn this into a showstopping hoagie by piling the saucy chicken onto toasted rolls with melty mozzarella, or use it as a filling for baked potatoes. For a party twist, serve as sliders or let guests scoop their own over crostini at a buffet.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Slow Cooker Italian Chicken will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. That’s perfect for meal prepping lunches or a quick dinner the next night.
Freezing
Want to stash some away for another time? Portion the chicken (with plenty of sauce) into freezer-safe bags or containers. It’ll keep for up to two months—just thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready for round two.
Reheating
For best results, reheat Slow Cooker Italian Chicken gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth if needed to loosen things up and keep it ultra moist.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are deliciously juicy and hold up well to slow cooking, bringing even more flavor and tenderness to your Slow Cooker Italian Chicken.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, simply skip the Parmesan cheese and double-check your Italian dressing and seasoning packet for any hidden dairy ingredients.
Can I add vegetables directly in the slow cooker?
Definitely! Toss in sliced bell peppers, onions, or even mushrooms at the start—they’ll soak up all that savory flavor and become wonderfully tender.
What’s the best way to shred the chicken?
Use two forks to gently pull the chicken apart right in the slow cooker. For an even faster hack, you can use a hand mixer on low speed, but be careful not to over-shred.
How do I make Slow Cooker Italian Chicken creamy?
For velvety, rich sauce, stir in four ounces of cream cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking. It melts into the sauce, giving Slow Cooker Italian Chicken a luxurious, comforting finish.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason Slow Cooker Italian Chicken is on constant rotation in my kitchen—it’s comforting, simple, and feels like a treat every single time. If you haven’t given this flavorful, fuss-free dinner a try yet, grab your slow cooker and get going; your future self will thank you!
Print
Slow Cooker Italian Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Slow Cooker Italian Chicken recipe is a simple and flavorful dish that is perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken breasts are cooked in a savory Italian dressing-based sauce until juicy and delicious. With the option to add diced tomatoes and Parmesan cheese for extra flavor, this versatile dish can be served over pasta, rice, or in sandwiches.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Seasoning Mix:
- 1 (0.7 oz) packet Italian dressing seasoning mix
Sauce:
- 1 cup Italian dressing
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Additions:
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Place Chicken in Slow Cooker: Arrange the chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Prepare Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the Italian dressing mix, Italian dressing, chicken broth, garlic powder, and black pepper. Pour the mixture over the chicken.
- Add Optional Ingredients: If desired, add diced tomatoes and Parmesan cheese on top.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken is tender.
- Shred Chicken: Shred the cooked chicken with forks and mix with the sauce.
- Serve: Serve the chicken over pasta, rice, or in sandwiches. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
- For a creamier version, stir in 4 oz of cream cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
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