Description
Crockpot Italian Chicken is a simple and flavorful slow cooker recipe featuring tender shredded chicken simmered in a creamy Italian dressing sauce. This comforting dish combines cream of chicken soup, Italian seasoning, garlic, cream cheese, and Parmesan to create a rich, hearty meal perfect served over rice, mashed potatoes, noodles, or in sandwich buns. With minimal prep and hands-off cooking, it's an ideal meal for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 packet Italian dressing mix
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- Pepper, to taste
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 4 medium chicken breasts)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (or more, to taste)
- Chopped fresh parsley, optional, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a medium prep bowl, combine the condensed cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, Italian dressing mix, minced garlic, and pepper. Stir well to incorporate all ingredients into a smooth mixture.
- Layer the chicken and sauce: Place the chicken breasts side-by-side in the slow cooker. Pour the prepared soup and dressing mixture evenly over the chicken breasts. Next, place the softened, cubed cream cheese on top of the chicken and sauce without stirring.
- Cook the chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 3 hours or low for 5 to 6 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Shred the chicken: Using two forks, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker, mixing it with the creamy sauce to coat all the shredded pieces evenly.
- Finish with Parmesan and parsley: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley over the shredded chicken. Toss gently to combine and allow the cheese to melt into the sauce.
- Serve: Serve the Crockpot Italian Chicken hot over rice, mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or in sandwich buns for a delicious and comforting meal.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened for easy melting and mixing into the sauce.
- The dish can be made on low heat for a longer time if more tenderness is desired.
- Parmesan cheese amount can be adjusted to taste for extra cheesiness.
- Fresh parsley adds color and freshness, but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Leftovers store well and can be refrigerated for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
