Crockpot Italian Chicken : This is a simple, flavorful dish that combines tender, slow-cooked chicken with zesty Italian seasonings. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe requires minimal prep and delivers maximum taste. Serve it over pasta, rice, or with a side of veggies for a hearty and comforting meal the whole family will love!
What is Crockpot Italian Chicken?
Crockpot Italian Chicken is a simple yet flavorful meal that combines tender chicken breasts with a medley of Italian-inspired ingredients. With just a few pantry staples and your trusty slow cooker, you’ll have a mouthwatering dish ready to wow your taste buds.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Crockpot Italian Chicken
- Don’t overcook: Slow cookers can vary, so check your chicken around the 6-hour mark if cooking on low. Overcooked chicken can become dry.
- Thicker sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water) in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Extra veggies: Feel free to add vegetables like sliced bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for a complete one-pot meal.
Variations to Try
- Spicy Italian Chicken: Add crushed red pepper flakes for a kick of heat or diced jalapeños for extra spice.
- Healthy Swap: Use low-fat cream cheese and a light Italian dressing to make the dish more calorie-friendly.
- Herb Explosion: If you love fresh herbs, finish the dish with chopped fresh basil or parsley for an added burst of flavor.
How to Serve Crockpot Italian Chicken
Wondering how to turn this into a complete meal? Here are some serving suggestions:
- Over Pasta: Toss with your favorite pasta, like penne or fettuccine, for a creamy Italian pasta dish.
- With Rice: Spoon over fluffy white rice or creamy risotto to soak up the delicious sauce.
- On Sandwiches: Make an Italian-style shredded chicken sandwich using crusty Italian bread and a slice of provolone cheese.
- With Vegetables: Pair with roasted vegetables or a simple side salad to keep things light.
How to Store and Reheat
- Refrigerating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Crockpot Italian Chicken freezes well! Let it cool completely and freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of chicken broth if the sauce thickens too much.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but keep in mind that the cooking time may increase. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety.
Is there a dairy-free option?
Absolutely! Swap the cream cheese for a dairy-free alternative and skip the Parmesan, or use a vegan cheese substitute.
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Cook on high pressure for 10-12 minutes with a quick release, then shred the chicken and mix in the cream cheese and Parmesan.
What kind of Italian dressing should I use?
A zesty Italian dressing works great for a bold flavor, but feel free to use a milder version if you prefer.
Crockpot Italian Chicken
Crockpot Italian Chicken : This is a simple, flavorful dish that combines tender, slow-cooked chicken with zesty Italian seasonings. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe requires minimal prep and delivers maximum taste. Serve it over pasta, rice, or with a side of veggies for a hearty and comforting meal the whole family will love!
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 (0.7-ounce) envelope Italian dressing mix: This is what gives the dish its distinctive Italian flavor.
- 1 (10-ounce) can cream of chicken soup: Adds creamy texture and a touch of savory flavor.
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese: For the rich and velvety sauce.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: To keep everything moist and add a subtle depth of flavor.
- Cooked rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes: Your choice for serving!
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. Then, add the cream of chicken soup, cream cheese, Italian dressing mix, and chicken broth. No need to stir; the slow cooker will work its magic!
- Cover with the lid and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours. The chicken should be tender and easy to shred.
- Once cooked, remove the lid and use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. Stir everything until the cream cheese is melted and well combined with the sauce.
- Spoon the creamy Italian chicken over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes. Enjoy the rich, comforting flavors!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 394Total Fat: 11gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 147mgSodium: 390mgCarbohydrates: 18gFiber: 1gSugar: 2gProtein: 52g
Chickenrecipes.blog, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Crockpot Italian Chicken is the perfect answer to weeknight dinner dilemmas. It’s creamy, tangy, and incredibly easy to prepare. Plus, the versatility of this dish means you can enjoy it in so many different ways. Give this recipe a try and let me know how it turns out in the comments below. I’d love to hear your variations and serving ideas!
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