The convenience of a crockpot can turn even the busiest weekday into an opportunity for a home-cooked meal. Crockpot Italian Chicken is a testament to this, offering a dish that's both delicious and incredibly easy to prepare. With minimal prep and the magic of slow cooking, you can create a flavorful meal that feels like it took hours to make. This recipe features tender chicken breasts cooked in a savory Italian-inspired sauce, perfect for pairing with pasta, rice, or a fresh salad.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet of Italian dressing mix (about 1 ounce)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
- ½ cup chopped fresh basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Preparation Steps:
- Prepare the Chicken:
Begin by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Place them in the crockpot. This will form the base for your flavorful dish. - Mix the Sauce:
In a bowl, combine the Italian dressing mix and chicken broth. Stir well until the mix is completely dissolved. Pour this mixture over the chicken in the crockpot, ensuring that the chicken is well-coated. - Add Cream Cheese and Tomatoes:
Dot the cream cheese over the chicken and then scatter the drained diced tomatoes on top. The cream cheese will melt and mingle with the broth and dressing mix, creating a rich, creamy sauce as it cooks. - Cook:
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The low and slow process ensures that the chicken is tender and the flavors are well blended. - Final Touches:
Once the cooking time is up, open the crockpot and stir the sauce to blend in the cream cheese completely. Add the chopped fresh basil for a burst of freshness and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. - Serve:
Serve the Italian chicken hot. Spoon the creamy tomato sauce over the chicken when plating. Garnish each serving with grated Parmesan cheese and a few leaves of fresh basil for an extra touch of flavor and elegance.
Tips for Serving:
- Pasta: Serve over cooked spaghetti, fettuccine, or your favorite pasta. The creamy sauce clings beautifully to pasta, making it a hearty and satisfying meal.
- Rice: For a gluten-free option, serve over a bed of steamed white or brown rice.
- Vegetables: Pair with steamed broccoli, asparagus, or a green salad for a balanced meal.
Conclusion:
Crockpot Italian Chicken is the epitome of set-it-and-forget-it cooking, making it a perfect recipe for busy cooks looking to prepare nutritious, delicious meals without the fuss. The rich, creamy sauce combined with the tender chicken makes for a comforting meal that's versatile and satisfying. Embrace the simplicity of your crockpot and let it do the work for you, delivering flavors that promise to delight your taste buds every time. Enjoy the ease and the taste of this delightful dish!
Crockpot Italian Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Crockpot Italian Chicken recipe is incredibly easy and packed with delicious Italian flavors. Featuring tender chicken breasts cooked slowly with herbs, tomatoes, and vegetables, it's a perfect set-and-forget meal for any busy weeknight.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts
- Italian dressing
- Diced tomatoes
- Onion
- Bell peppers
- Garlic
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh basil (for garnish)
Instructions
- Place chicken in the crockpot.
- Combine Italian dressing, tomatoes, onion, bell peppers, and garlic.
- Pour over chicken, sprinkle with Italian seasoning.
- Cook on low for 4 hours.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
- Serve over pasta or with a side of bread.
- Can be thickened with cornstarch if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (⅙ of total)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
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