Why You’ll Love Crockpot Italian ChickenRecipe
It requires only a handful of everyday ingredients.
The slow cooker does all the work — minimal prep, maximum flavor.
Versatile serving options: over rice, pasta, salads, or in sandwiches.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 (16‑ounce) bottle Italian dressing
1/2 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
Optional garnish: fresh parsley
Directions
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Stir the Italian dressing and Parmesan cheese together in a medium bowl.
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Place the chicken breasts in a slow cooker and pour the dressing mixture over the top.
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Cover and cook on Low for about 8 hours or on High for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
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Serve whole or shred the chicken with forks and stir back into the sauce.
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Enjoy over rice or pasta, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 4 hours on high or 8 hours on low
Total time: About 4 hours 5 minutes (high) or 8 hours 5 minutes (low)
Variations
Swap chicken breasts for boneless chicken thighs; you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
Add Italian herbs like oregano or basil for extra flavor.
Serve in crusty rolls for pulled chicken sandwiches.
Storage/Reheating
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop; add a splash of Italian dressing if the chicken seems dry.
Freeze: Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Cook until the chicken reaches 165°F internally and avoid overcooking. Adding a little extra dressing or broth when reheating can help retain moisture.
Can I use frozen chicken?
No, it’s best to use thawed chicken for safe, even cooking.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients; just ensure your slow cooker is large enough.
What should I serve with this Italian chicken?
Great sides include rice, pasta, steamed vegetables, or a crisp green salad.
Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?
Yes — bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms can be added for extra flavor and texture.
Do I need to shred the chicken?
No — serving whole chicken breasts works fine, but shredding helps distribute the sauce.
Can I use homemade Italian dressing?
Yes, homemade Italian dressing works perfectly in this recipe.
Is this recipe gluten‑free?
It depends on the Italian dressing you use. Check the label to confirm gluten‑free status.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a good alternative and stay very tender.
How do I make this recipe more creamy?
Stir in a couple of tablespoons of cream cheese near the end of cooking for a richer sauce.
Conclusion
This Crockpot Italian Chicken is a simple, flavorful meal you’ll turn to again and again. With minimal prep and only a few ingredients, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal planning — and it tastes great over rice, pasta, or on sandwiches.
Crockpot Italian Chicken
- Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This Crockpot Italian Chicken is an easy and flavorful slow cooker recipe made with just four ingredients. It’s creamy, comforting, and perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet dry Italian dressing mix
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
- 1 (10.75 oz) can cream of chicken soup
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your Crockpot.
- Sprinkle the dry Italian dressing mix evenly over the chicken.
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and cream of chicken soup. Mix until smooth.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the chicken in the Crockpot.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Shred the chicken in the Crockpot and mix it with the sauce before serving.
Notes
- Great served over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
- You can substitute the cream of chicken soup with a homemade version if desired.
- Add vegetables like spinach or peas during the last hour of cooking for added nutrition.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
