Slow cookers are a lifesaver, right? Especially when you’re juggling work, family, and everything else life throws your way. The convenience and simplicity can’t be beat.
And this Crock Pot Italian Chicken recipe? It’s the definition of “dump-and-go.” Just toss a few things in the slow cooker and you’ve got a delicious meal waiting for you.
The best part is, the ingredients are super easy to find. We’re talking chicken and a packet of Italian dressing mix. Seriously, that’s it! So, if you’re looking for a simple and flavorful meal, look no further. Let’s get cooking with this easy chicken in crockpot with italian dressing recipe!
Gathering your ingredients: the building blocks of flavor
This recipe is super simple, and it only takes a few ingredients.
The chicken: choosing the right cut
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are ideal for this recipe. You can use fresh or frozen chicken. Plan on about 1.5 to 2 pounds of chicken, depending on how many people you’re feeding.
The Italian dressing mix: a flavor booster
The Italian dressing mix is what gives this dish its signature flavor. A 1-ounce packet of zesty Italian dressing mix is all you need.
The creamy base: soup and cream cheese
Cream of chicken soup and cream cheese create the creamy, comforting sauce that coats the chicken. You’ll need two (10.75 ounce) cans of cream of chicken soup and 8 ounces of softened cream cheese.
Optional additions: garlic and Parmesan
For extra flavor, consider adding a little garlic powder (about ¼ teaspoon) or 3-4 cloves of minced garlic. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese (about ½ cup) also adds a nice touch.
How to make Italian dressing chicken in a crockpot
Here’s how to make delicious Italian dressing chicken in your slow cooker:
- Prep the slow cooker. You might want to consider using a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup.
- Combine the ingredients. Put the chicken in the slow cooker, then add the Italian dressing mix, cream of chicken soup, and cream cheese. Add garlic powder or minced garlic, and pepper.
- Cook. Cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Be sure to check the chicken’s internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer. It should be 165°F.
- Shred the chicken. Once it’s cooked, shred the chicken using two forks or a stand mixer. Stir the shredded chicken and sauce together.
Customization and variations: Making it your own
One of the best things about slow cooker recipes is how easily you can tweak them to suit your own tastes. Here are some ideas for making this dish your own.
Ingredient substitutions: Adapting to your preferences
Don’t have cream of chicken soup on hand? Cream of mushroom or cream of celery will work just as well. If you want to cut back on the richness, you can use less cream cheese, or you can swap it out for sour cream.
Adding vegetables: A nutritious boost
Want to add some healthy veggies to the mix? Broccoli florets would be great, but add them during the last hour of cooking to keep them from getting too mushy. Keep in mind that the cooking time will vary based on the type of vegetable you use and how you prepare it.
Flavor enhancements: Spicing things up
Feel free to experiment with adding extra spices like garlic powder or black pepper to give the dish a little more kick. For a smoky, salty flavor, you can sprinkle in some bacon bits just before serving.
Serving Suggestions: Completing the Meal
This chicken is delicious on its own, but it’s even better when part of a complete meal.
For a classic pairing, try serving it over pasta – rigatoni and bow tie pasta work especially well. Rice or mashed potatoes are also a great choice.
If you want to get creative, shred the chicken and serve it in buns as a sandwich. You could also put it over a bed of fresh greens for a quick and easy salad.
Finally, for a finishing touch, garnish with freshly grated parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped parsley.
Closing Thoughts
Crock Pot Italian Chicken is the kind of recipe you can throw together quickly on a busy weeknight and still feel good about feeding your family a delicious, home-cooked meal.
It’s also easy to change up the ingredients based on what you have on hand or what your family likes. Whether you’re looking for comfort food or a simple, satisfying meal, this recipe is sure to please.
So go ahead and give it a try! You might find yourself experimenting with your own favorite variations.