Crockpot Italian Chicken is the perfect dish for busy individuals or families looking for a delicious and effortless meal. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, this recipe combines simple ingredients into an incredible dinner option that can be prepped in no time. Simply toss everything into your slow cooker, and let it work its magic while you attend to your day. When you return, you’ll be welcomed by a fragrant meal that’s ready to serve.
Why We Love This Crockpot Italian Chicken Recipe
This Crockpot Italian Chicken recipe is a favorite for many reasons. Firstly, it requires minimal preparation, making it ideal for those hectic days when cooking feels like a chore. The combination of Italian seasoning and cream cheese creates a mouthwatering sauce that elevates the dish’s flavor profile immensely. Furthermore, you can easily adapt it to suit your family’s preferences by serving it over pasta, rice, or even vegetables. The slow cooker ensures that the chicken remains incredibly tender and juicy, and the leftovers, if any, taste just as good the next day. You are sure to fall in love with this hearty and comforting meal.
Ingredients About Crockpot Italian Chicken
List of ingredients with measurements
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or 6 boneless thighs
- 1 packet dry Italian dressing seasoning mix
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil (optional)
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
- Cooked pasta or rice for serving
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
- Extra black pepper to taste
How to Make Crockpot Italian Chicken Directions
Making Crockpot Italian Chicken is an uncomplicated process that you will find enjoyable. First, take a slow cooker and grease the inside with cooking spray or a bit of oil to prevent sticking. Place the chicken breasts or thighs at the bottom in a single layer, ensuring that they are not overlapping.
Next, sprinkle the dry Italian dressing seasoning mix evenly over the chicken. This will infuse the chicken with fantastic flavors as it cooks. In a separate bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth (or water), garlic powder, black pepper, and optional dried basil. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well combined.
Now it’s time to fold in the cubed cream cheese into the mixture. The cream cheese will melt down during cooking, adding a lovely creaminess to your dish. Pour the sauce over the chicken, making sure to cover it well for maximum flavor infusion.
Once everything is assembled, cover the slow cooker with its lid. You can choose to cook on low for about 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3.5 to 4 hours; both options will yield tender chicken that practically falls apart. To serve, simply scoop the flavorful chicken and sauce over your choice of cooked pasta or rice. Garnish with some chopped fresh parsley and a sprinkle of black pepper for an added touch. Enjoy!
How to Serve Crockpot Italian Chicken
When it comes to serving your Crockpot Italian Chicken, the options are plentiful. A popular choice is to serve it over cooked pasta. The creamy sauce clings beautifully to the noodles, making each bite a flavor sensation. Alternatively, you may prefer to serve it over rice, which absorbs the sauce splendidly, complementing the dish’s richness.
For a lighter option, consider pairing the chicken with steamed or roasted vegetables. This not only adds a nutritious element to the meal but also enhances its texture and flavor. To finish off your plate, don’t forget to sprinkle some fresh parsley on top, as it adds a vibrant color and fresh taste. With a side salad or crusty bread, you will have a complete meal that delights all.
Expert Tips: Crockpot Italian Chicken
To ensure that your Crockpot Italian Chicken turns out perfectly every time, keep these expert tips in mind:
- Choose the Right Chicken: Whether you opt for breasts or thighs, make sure they are boneless and skinless. Thighs have more fat, which can add extra flavor, while breasts are leaner.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Arrange the chicken in a single layer at the bottom of the slow cooker for even cooking. If you have a larger batch, consider splitting it across multiple cookers.
- Add Flavor: Feel free to customize the spice mix to suit your taste. If you love a little heat, consider adding red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Garnish Wisely: Finishing your dish with fresh parsley not only adds visual appeal but also enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Adjust Consistency: If you find the sauce too thick after cooking, you can add a splash of chicken broth or water to achieve your desired consistency.
How to Store Crockpot Italian Chicken
If you happen to have leftovers of your delicious Crockpot Italian Chicken, storing them properly is key to maintaining freshness. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Make sure to store it in the refrigerator if you plan to eat it within the next few days.
For longer storage, consider freezing the chicken. Portion it into individual servings so that you can easily reheat just what you need. When properly sealed in freezer-safe containers, it will last for about 2 to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm it up on the stove or microwave.
Variation of Crockpot Italian Chicken
While the original recipe is delightful, there are several variations you may want to explore. One popular option is to add vegetables directly to your slow cooker for a complete one-pot meal. You could include bell peppers, mushrooms, or even spinach.
For a lighter version of the recipe, consider substituting the cream cheese with Greek yogurt or cottage cheese. This will reduce the calorie count while still providing a creamy texture.
Additionally, if you wish to incorporate legumes, you can add a can of cannellini beans for added protein and fiber. For a twist on the flavor, try using different seasoning mixes such as ranch or taco seasoning for a fusion dish that still maintains the slow-cooked essence.
FAQs
What makes this Crockpot Italian Chicken special?
This recipe stands out due to the rich flavors created by the slow cooking process, which allows the chicken to absorb the Italian seasoning and cream sauce deeply.
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken; however, make sure to extend the cooking time to ensure that the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble all the ingredients the night before, store them in the refrigerator, and then cook them in the slow cooker the next day for an easy meal.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, the mild flavors and creamy sauce make it appealing to children. You can adjust the seasoning to tailor it to their taste as needed.
What should I serve with Crockpot Italian Chicken?
This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or vegetables. You can also serve it with a side salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal.
With these insights and tips, you will surely impress your family and friends with the delightful Crockpot Italian Chicken. Happy cooking!
Crockpot Italian Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts or 6 boneless thighs Thighs are more flavorful due to higher fat content.
- 1 packet dry Italian dressing seasoning mix
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil (optional) Adds extra flavor if desired.
- 1 8 oz block cream cheese, softened and cubed Provides creaminess to the dish.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water Use broth for more flavor.
- to taste cooked pasta or rice for serving Serves as a base for the dish.
- to taste chopped fresh parsley for garnish Adds color and fresh flavor.
- to taste extra black pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- Grease the inside of the slow cooker with cooking spray or a bit of oil.
- Place the chicken breasts or thighs in a single layer at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Sprinkle the dry Italian dressing seasoning mix evenly over the chicken.
- In a separate bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth (or water), garlic powder, black pepper, and optional dried basil. Whisk until well combined.
- Fold in the cubed cream cheese into the mixture.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken to cover it well.
Cooking
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid.
- Cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3.5 to 4 hours, until the chicken is tender.
Serving
- Serve the flavorful chicken and sauce over cooked pasta or rice.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and a sprinkle of black pepper.
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