italian crock pot chicken recipe

The Best italian crock pot chicken recipe

I’m so excited to share with you one of my family’s favorite recipes – Italian Crock Pot Chicken. This dish is a staple in our household, and for good reason. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

The recipe originated from my Italian grandmother, who would often cook this for us when we’d visit her in the States. She’d slow cook the chicken in a rich tomato sauce with some onions, garlic, and herbs, and it would simmer all day until it was fall-apart tender. The aroma would fill the entire house, and we’d all gather around the table eagerly waiting for our first bite.

I’ve adapted her recipe over the years to make it even easier to prepare, but the result is still the same – a deliciously comforting meal that never fails to please. My kids love helping me prepare the ingredients, and they always ask for seconds (and sometimes even thirds!) It’s also a great way to get some extra veggies in their diet, as you can easily add some steamed broccoli or green beans on the side.

I like to serve it with some crusty bread or over pasta for a hearty meal. The best part? It’s ready in just a few hours, making it perfect for busy families like mine.

So go ahead and give it a try – I promise you won’t be disappointed! As I always say, ‘the key to a good home-cooked meal is in the slow cooking’ – and this recipe proves it time and time again.

Crock Pot Italian Chicken

Crock Pot Italian Chicken

4.6 from 1410 votes

A comforting and flavorful Italian-inspired chicken dish cooked slowly in the crock pot. This recipe is a must-try for any occasion.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Chicken

1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder

For the Sauce

1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes
1 can 8 oz tomato sauce
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 onion diced
2 cloves garlic minced
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
1 tbsp olive oil

For Garnish

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

👨‍🍳Directions

1Season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder on both sides, until evenly coated.
2Place the seasoned chicken in the crock pot, add the diced onions and minced garlic to the crock pot.
3Set the crock pot to low heat.
4In a mixing bowl, combine diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes.
5Stir well to combine.
6Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the crock pot, ensuring the chicken is mostly submerged in the sauce.
7Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
8The sauce should be bubbling and the chicken should be falling apart.
9Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the crock pot and shred it using two forks.
10Return the shredded chicken to the crock pot and mix well with the sauce.
11Turn the crock pot to high heat and cook for an additional 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
12This will allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
13Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley over the top of the dish.
14Serve the Italian Crock Pot Chicken hot, over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.
15Enjoy your meal.

🔧Equipment

Crock Pot
Mixing bowl
Wooden spoon

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: You can add vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to the crock pot for a heartier dish. You can also use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a more robust flavor.

Watch Video Of How Crock Pot Italian Chicken Works

This Italian Crock Pot Chicken recipe is a staple in my home. It’s perfect for family gatherings. I can make it ahead of time and let it cook all day.

It’s a great way to feed a crowd without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s always a hit with my family. The leftovers also reheat well, so it’s a great meal for busy weeknights.

You can serve it over pasta, rice, or even polenta. It’s a versatile, delicious, and nutritious meal that everyone will love. I highly recommend trying this recipe for any occasion.

It’s a great way to enjoy Italian flavors at home, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. Plus all the different ways you can serve it.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Crock Pot Italian Chicken

Q: What type of chicken should I use for this recipe?

A: You can use either boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe. If you prefer leaner meat, breasts are a great option; however, if you want something more juicy and tender, thighs are the way to go. Either way, make sure to remove any excess fat before cooking.

Q: Can I make this recipe in a traditional oven instead of a crock pot?

A: Yes, you can make this recipe in an oven instead of a crock pot. Simply preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and cook the chicken for about 2-3 hours or until it’s tender and falls apart easily. Keep an eye on it after 2 hours as ovens can vary in temperature.

Q: How do I store leftovers from this recipe?

A: You can store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months. When reheating, make sure to reheat it to an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety.

Q: Can I add other vegetables besides onions and garlic?

A: Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to the pot along with the onions and garlic. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly based on their tenderness.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for low-carb diets?

A: Yes, this recipe is suitable for low-carb diets as long as you serve it without pasta or bread. You can also serve it with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles as alternatives.

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