Envision this: tender chicken breasts, slowly simmering in your crockpot, soaking up the zesty flavors of Italian dressing, mingling with juicy diced tomatoes, and crowned with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan.
The aroma wafts through your kitchen, teasing your senses with promises of a savory, melt-in-your-mouth masterpiece.
Wondering how this dish transforms into a versatile meal that fits any occasion?
There’s more to reveal in this culinary adventure.
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 Crockpot or slow cooker
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Chef’s knife
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 Measuring cup
- 1 Wooden spoon or spatula
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup Italian dressing
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Italian Crockpot Chicken, here is a timeline based on the provided cook and prep times:
- Reading the Recipe (5 minutes)
- Begin by reading through the entire recipe to familiarize yourself with the ingredients and steps.
- Preparation (30 minutes)
- Gather all the ingredients and equipment needed: a crockpot, cutting board, chef’s knife, mixing bowl, measuring cup, and wooden spoon or spatula.
- Prepare the chicken breasts by trimming any excess fat.
- Chop the parsley and set it aside for garnish.
- Measure out the Italian dressing, Parmesan cheese, and spices.
- Mixing Ingredients (10 minutes)
- Combine the Italian dressing, diced tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, dried basil, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl.
- Loading the Crockpot (5 minutes)
- Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot.
- Pour the prepared mixture over the chicken.
- Cooking (6 hours)
- Set the crockpot on low and let it cook for 6 hours.
- Avoid lifting the lid during this time to maintain consistent heat.
- Final Steps (10 minutes)
- In the last 10 minutes of cooking, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken.
- Once the cheese has melted, turn off the crockpot and let it rest for 10 minutes.
- Serving (5 minutes)
- Garnish the dish with fresh parsley before serving.
Recipe Instructions
Place chicken breasts in the crockpot.
In a mixing bowl, combine Italian dressing, diced tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, basil, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
Pour the mixture over the chicken in the crockpot.
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken in the last 10 minutes of cooking.
Once the cheese has melted, turn off the crockpot and let it rest for 10 minutes.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Serving Tips
- Pasta: Serve the Italian Crockpot Chicken over cooked pasta for a classic Italian meal.
- Garlic Bread: Pair with garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Steamed Vegetables: Add a side of steamed broccoli or green beans for a healthy balance.
- Rice: Serve over a bed of rice to make it a more filling dish.
- Salad: Accompany with a fresh green salad to add a revitalizing contrast.
Storage
To store Italian Crockpot Chicken, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months for ideal freshness.
Freezing
To freeze Italian Crockpot Chicken, allow it to cool completely.
Transfer to airtight containers or freezer bags, removing excess air.
Label with the date.
Store for up to three months.
Reheating
To reheat Italian Crockpot Chicken, gently warm it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally.
Alternatively, microwave on medium power in short intervals to avoid overcooking.
Final Thoughts
Italian Crockpot Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for a busy day.
With minimal prep and the convenience of a slow cooker, you can enjoy a delicious meal without much effort.
The combination of Italian dressing, herbs, and cheeses creates a rich and satisfying dish that your family will love.
For best results, make sure to use a high-quality Italian dressing for rich flavor, and try not to lift the lid during cooking to maintain consistent heat.
If you prefer more veggies, consider adding sliced bell peppers or mushrooms when you add the chicken.
After cooking, the dish pairs well with pasta or a side salad for a complete meal.
Enjoy the ease and taste of this Italian-inspired recipe!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Bone-In Chicken Instead of Boneless?
You can absolutely use bone-in chicken, but adjust the cooking time to guarantee tenderness. The bones add depth, enriching the savory aroma and flavor. Just be mindful of checking for doneness, confirming the meat effortlessly falls off the bone.
Is It Possible to Substitute Italian Dressing With Another Sauce?
Absolutely, you can substitute Italian dressing with your favorite marinade or sauce, like balsamic glaze for a tangy twist or creamy pesto for a rich flavor. Just guarantee it complements the chicken for a mouthwatering experience.
What Side Dishes Pair Well With Italian Crockpot Chicken?
You’ll love pairing this dish with creamy risotto or buttery garlic bread to soak up the flavors. Consider a crisp Caesar salad or roasted asparagus for a rejuvenating contrast. Each bite will transport you to Italy.
Can I Cook This Recipe on a High Setting?
Yes, you can cook on high. However, you’ll need to reduce the cooking time to about 3 hours. This guarantees the chicken remains juicy and tender while the aromatic Italian flavors meld beautifully, creating a delectable dish.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level to My Preference?
To adjust spice levels, modify the red pepper flakes. For a fiery kick, increase them slightly; for a milder dish, reduce or omit. Experiment with spices to create a flavorful, aromatic masterpiece that excites your palate.
Italian Crockpot Chicken
Equipment
- 1 CrockPot or slow cooker
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Chef's knife
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 Wooden spoon or spatula
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup Italian dressing
- 1 can diced tomatoes 14.5 oz, drained
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts in the crockpot.
- In a mixing bowl, combine Italian dressing, diced tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, basil, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken in the crockpot.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken in the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Once the cheese has melted, turn off the crockpot and let it rest for 10 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
