Introduction

Do you ever have those days where the thought of cooking feels like climbing Mount Everest? You know, the ones where you’re juggling a million things and dinner seems like the biggest hurdle? I totally get it! That’s why I’m so excited to share this Slow Cooker Italian Chicken recipe with you. It’s the kind of meal that wraps you in a warm hug, tastes like it took hours of effort, but is secretly ridiculously simple. We’re talking minimal prep, maximum flavor, and a whole lot of happy sighs around the dinner table. Get ready to meet your new best friend for busy evenings!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fast: Most of the work is done by your slow cooker, freeing up your precious time.
Easy: Seriously, just toss everything in and let magic happen.
Giftable: Imagine bringing this to a new parent or a friend who’s feeling under the weather. It’s a culinary care package!
Crowd-pleasing: The comforting, savory Italian flavors are a hit with pretty much everyone, from picky eaters to discerning foodies.

Ingredients

Gathering your ingredients is half the fun, right? Here’s what you’ll need to make this deliciousness:

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts: I usually go for thighs because they stay super juicy and tender in the slow cooker, but breasts work beautifully too!
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained: Don’t drain these, the juice is packed with flavor!
1/4 cup tomato paste: This is where we get that deep, rich tomato goodness.
1/2 cup chicken broth: Just a little liquid to help everything mingle and cook.
1 small onion, diced: It softens up beautifully and adds a lovely sweetness.
3 garlic cloves, minced: Because what’s Italian cooking without plenty of garlic?
1 teaspoon dried basil: The quintessential Italian herb.
1 teaspoon dried oregano: Another classic that brings that authentic Italian aroma.
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: A little earthy depth to round things out.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: For an extra punch of garlic flavor.
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): If you like a little warmth, these are your new best friend.
Salt and pepper to taste: The finishing touch to make everything sing.
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving): A sprinkle of cheesy magic on top.
Fresh basil or parsley (optional garnish): For a pop of color and freshness.

How to Make It

Alright, let’s get this culinary party started! It’s as simple as this:

Prep your slow cooker: Grab your favorite slow cooker. No need to grease it or anything fancy. Just place your chicken pieces right into the bottom.
Add the tomato goodness: Open that can of diced tomatoes (remember, don’t drain them!) and pour them right over the chicken. Then, spoon in the tomato paste and pour in the chicken broth.
Spice it up! Now, let’s add all those lovely aromatics and herbs. Stir in your diced onion, minced garlic, dried basil, dried oregano, dried thyme, garlic powder, and if you’re feeling a little feisty, the red pepper flakes.
Season to perfection: Give everything a good sprinkle of salt and pepper. I like to do this now so the flavors have time to meld as it cooks.
Let the slow cooker do its magic: Put the lid on your slow cooker. You have two options here: cook it on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours. The chicken should be cooked through and so tender it practically falls apart. I usually go for the low setting when I have the time, as it really makes the chicken extra succulent.
Shred or slice: Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker (or do this right in the pot if you’re feeling brave!). You can either shred it using two forks, or slice it into nice, neat pieces.
Serve it up! Dish out that delicious Italian chicken! I love to top mine with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and a scattering of fresh basil or parsley. It just elevates the whole dish!

Substitutions & Additions

This recipe is wonderfully forgiving, so feel free to play around! Here are a few ideas:

Veggies, anyone? Toss in some sliced bell peppers (any color!), mushrooms, or even some baby spinach during the last 30 minutes of cooking for an extra boost of nutrients.
Creamy Dreamy: For a richer sauce, stir in about 2-3 ounces of cream cheese or a dollop of heavy cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Spicy Kick: If you love heat, feel free to add more red pepper flakes or even a chopped jalapeño.
Broth Swap: If you don’t have chicken broth, vegetable broth or even water will work in a pinch.
Lemon Zest: A little squeeze of fresh lemon juice or some lemon zest at the end adds a bright, fresh lift.

Tips for Success

A few little tricks to make sure your Slow Cooker Italian Chicken turns out perfectly every time:

Don’t Overcrowd: Make sure your slow cooker isn’t stuffed to the brim. This allows the heat to circulate evenly.
Check for Doneness: Even though slow cookers are pretty consistent, chicken cooking times can vary. Always check that the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Prep Ahead! Chop your onion and mince your garlic the night before and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. It makes morning prep even quicker!
Thighs vs. Breasts: As I mentioned, chicken thighs are incredibly forgiving in the slow cooker and are less likely to dry out. If you’re using chicken breasts, keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

How to Store It

Leftovers are the best! You can store your delicious Slow Cooker Italian Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It’s fantastic reheated for lunches or even turned into a quick pasta sauce later in the week.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken?

It’s generally not recommended to cook frozen chicken in a slow cooker, as it can take much longer to cook and may not reach a safe temperature quickly enough. It’s best to thaw your chicken completely before adding it to the slow cooker.

What should I serve with this Italian Chicken?

Oh, the possibilities are endless! It’s wonderful served over pasta, rice, or even mashed potatoes. You can also serve it with a side of crusty bread for dipping, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Simply omit the optional Parmesan cheese and make sure to use chicken broth that doesn’t contain any dairy. The rest of the ingredients are naturally dairy-free.

My sauce seems a little thin, what can I do?

If your sauce is thinner than you’d like after cooking, you can easily thicken it. You can remove the chicken and then mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water to make a slurry, then stir this into the sauce and let it simmer for a few minutes on high heat until thickened. Alternatively, you can simply let it simmer uncovered on the “warm” setting for a bit longer.

Effortless Slow Cooker Italian Chicken

This slow cooker Italian chicken recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, offering minimal prep and maximum flavor. It's a comforting and delicious meal that tastes like it took hours to make.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 4

Servings 6 people

Equipment

Slow Cooker Any size will work, ensure it's not overcrowded.
Forks For shredding chicken

Ingredients

Main ingredients

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts Thighs are recommended for juiciness.
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained The juice is important for flavor.
0.25 cup tomato paste For deep, rich tomato flavor.
0.5 cup chicken broth Adds liquid for cooking.
1 small onion, diced Adds sweetness when softened.
3 cloves garlic, minced Essential for Italian flavor.
1 teaspoon dried basil Quintessential Italian herb.
1 teaspoon dried oregano Authentic Italian aroma.
0.5 teaspoon dried thyme Adds earthy depth.
0.5 teaspoon garlic powder For an extra garlic punch.
0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) For a touch of warmth.
to taste salt and pepper To enhance all flavors.
0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving) Adds a cheesy finish.
Fresh basil or parsley (optional garnish) For color and freshness.

Instructions

Prep your slow cooker: Grab your favorite slow cooker. No need to grease it or anything fancy. Just place your chicken pieces right into the bottom.
Add the tomato goodness: Open that can of diced tomatoes (remember, don’t drain them!) and pour them right over the chicken. Then, spoon in the tomato paste and pour in the chicken broth.
Spice it up! Now, let’s add all those lovely aromatics and herbs. Stir in your diced onion, minced garlic, dried basil, dried oregano, dried thyme, garlic powder, and if you’re feeling a little feisty, the red pepper flakes.
Season to perfection: Give everything a good sprinkle of salt and pepper. I like to do this now so the flavors have time to meld as it cooks.
Let the slow cooker do its magic: Put the lid on your slow cooker. You have two options here: cook it on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours. The chicken should be cooked through and so tender it practically falls apart. I usually go for the low setting when I have the time, as it really makes the chicken extra succulent.
Shred or slice: Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker (or do this right in the pot if you’re feeling brave!). You can either shred it using two forks, or slice it into nice, neat pieces.
Serve it up! Dish out that delicious Italian chicken! I love to top mine with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and a scattering of fresh basil or parsley. It just elevates the whole dish!

Notes

For a thicker sauce, you can thicken it with a cornstarch slurry or simmer uncovered. This recipe is also adaptable with different vegetables and seasonings. It's best to thaw frozen chicken before cooking.