Introduction

Oh, the comfort of a home-cooked meal after a long day! If you’re anything like me, you love those dinners that feel like a warm hug but don’t take hours to prepare. Today, we’re diving into a recipe that’s become an absolute staple in my kitchen: Slow Cooker Italian Chicken. It’s so simple, so flavorful, and perfect for those busy evenings when you just want delicious food without all the fuss. Get ready to impress yourself and your family with this incredibly easy and satisfying dish!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fast Prep: Seriously, most of the work is done by your slow cooker!
Effortlessly Easy: Just toss everything in and let it work its magic.
Perfect for Gifting: Make a big batch and freeze portions for easy meals later – or share the deliciousness with a friend!
Crowd-Pleasing: The savory Italian flavors are a hit with everyone, from picky eaters to seasoned foodies.

Ingredients

Let’s gather our goodies. You probably have most of these in your pantry already!

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of our show! Boneless and skinless makes it super easy to handle.
30 oz diced tomatoes: These bring a lovely juicy base. You can use fire-roasted for an extra layer of flavor!
½ cup finely chopped onion: Adds a sweet, savory depth. Don’t worry if you’re not a fan of big onion chunks; finely chopped blends right in.
1 Tablespoon minced garlic: Because what’s Italian food without garlic? Freshly minced is best!
2 Tablespoons balsamic vinegar: This little gem adds a wonderful tang and sweetness that balances everything out.
2 Tablespoons oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes: Oh my goodness, these are pure flavor bombs! Chop them up for bursts of intense tomato goodness.
1 Tablespoon Italian seasoning: This is your shortcut to classic Italian flavors – basil, oregano, thyme, and more!
½ teaspoon sea salt: To bring out all those delicious flavors.
¼ teaspoon black pepper: A little pinch to add a touch of warmth.
Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil (optional): These are like the cherry on top! A sprinkle of salty Parmesan and fresh, fragrant basil takes this dish to the next level.

How to Make It

Ready to get this deliciousness going? It’s ridiculously simple!

Prep Your Slow Cooker: Start by placing your chicken breasts right into the bottom of your slow cooker. Easy peasy!
Add the Flavor: Now, let’s add all the other delicious ingredients. Pour in the diced tomatoes, sprinkle in the finely chopped onion, add the minced garlic, drizzle in the balsamic vinegar, stir in those chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and finally, add your Italian seasoning, sea salt, and black pepper.
Give It a Gentle Stir: Just a quick stir to make sure everything is nicely combined and the chicken is coated in all that yummy goodness.
Let the Magic Happen: Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook. You can go with low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. The chicken is ready when it’s cooked through and wonderfully tender. I usually check it after about 3 hours on high, just to be sure!
Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, grab two forks and shred it right there in the slow cooker. This is one of my favorite parts – the chicken just falls apart!
Serve and Enjoy: Spoon the tender, flavorful Italian chicken into bowls or onto plates. If you’re feeling fancy (or just because you can!), sprinkle with some grated Parmesan cheese and a generous amount of fresh chopped basil. It’s that simple!

Substitutions & Additions

This recipe is fantastic as is, but it’s also super adaptable. Here are a few ideas to make it your own!

Chicken Thighs: If you prefer chicken thighs, they work beautifully and are even more forgiving if cooked a little longer.
Veggies: Feel free to toss in some sliced bell peppers (any color!), mushrooms, or even some zucchini during the last hour of cooking for extra veggie power.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat!
Creamy Texture: For a richer sauce, stir in a bit of cream cheese or heavy cream in the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Tips for Success

A few little tricks to make sure your Italian Chicken is absolutely perfect every time.

Don’t Overcook: Chicken breasts can dry out if cooked for too long. While the slow cooker is forgiving, keeping an eye on the cooking time is key.
Seasoning is Key: Taste and adjust the salt and pepper before serving. You might find you need a little more depending on your ingredients.
Prep Ahead: Chop your onion and garlic the night before to save even more time on busy days.
Freezing for Later: This Italian Chicken freezes wonderfully! Once cooled, portion it into airtight containers or freezer bags. It’s a lifesaver for future weeknight meals.

How to Store It

Leftovers are a dream! Once cooled completely, store your Slow Cooker Italian Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It reheats beautifully on the stovetop, in the microwave, or even back in the slow cooker on a warm setting.

FAQs

Here are a few common questions I get about this recipe:

Q: Can I use frozen chicken breasts?: A: While it’s best to use thawed chicken for even cooking, you can cook from frozen if absolutely necessary. You’ll just need to add an extra hour or so to the cooking time. Just make sure it’s cooked through!
Q: What can I serve this with?: A: Oh, the possibilities! It’s amazing served over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or even just with some crusty bread for dipping. It’s also delicious in sandwiches or on top of a big salad!
Q: Can I make this recipe spicier?: A: Absolutely! Add a pinch or two of red pepper flakes along with the other seasonings for a bit of heat.

Easy Slow Cooker Italian Chicken

A delicious and incredibly easy slow cooker recipe for tender Italian-flavored chicken, perfect for busy weeknights.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 4

Servings 6

Equipment

Slow Cooker
Forks For shredding chicken

Ingredients

Main ingredients

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
30 oz diced tomatoes Fire-roasted for extra flavor (optional)
0.5 cup onion Finely chopped
1 Tablespoon garlic Minced
2 Tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 Tablespoons oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes Chopped
1 Tablespoon Italian seasoning
0.5 teaspoon sea salt
0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Parmesan cheese Optional, for serving
fresh basil Chopped, optional for serving

Instructions

Place your chicken breasts right into the bottom of your slow cooker.
Now, let’s add all the other delicious ingredients. Pour in the diced tomatoes, sprinkle in the finely chopped onion, add the minced garlic, drizzle in the balsamic vinegar, stir in those chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and finally, add your Italian seasoning, sea salt, and black pepper.
Just a quick stir to make sure everything is nicely combined and the chicken is coated in all that yummy goodness.
Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook. You can go with low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. The chicken is ready when it’s cooked through and wonderfully tender. I usually check it after about 3 hours on high, just to be sure!
Once the chicken is cooked, grab two forks and shred it right there in the slow cooker. This is one of my favorite parts – the chicken just falls apart!
Spoon the tender, flavorful Italian chicken into bowls or onto plates. If you’re feeling fancy (or just because you can!), sprinkle with some grated Parmesan cheese and a generous amount of fresh chopped basil. It’s that simple!

Notes

This recipe is adaptable and can include substitutions like chicken thighs or added vegetables. For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes. For a creamier sauce, stir in cream cheese or heavy cream.