Crockpot Italian Chicken

Imagine coming home after a long day and being greeted by the warm, comforting aroma of tender chicken simmering in a rich, Italian-inspired sauce. That’s exactly what this Crockpot Italian Chicken promises—a simple, hands-off recipe that delivers big on flavor without keeping you tied to the stove. It’s the kind of dish that makes weeknight dinners feel effortless yet special, perfect for busy schedules or casual gatherings.

This recipe combines juicy chicken breasts with a medley of classic Italian flavors: garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and a touch of Parmesan cheese. As it cooks slowly in the Crockpot, the sauce thickens slightly, coating each piece of chicken in a luscious, savory glaze. You don’t need to be a culinary expert to pull this off; the slow cooker does most of the work, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while you take care of other things—or just relax.

What’s also wonderful about this dish is its versatility. Serve it over a bed of fluffy pasta, creamy risotto, or even alongside roasted vegetables for a lighter option. Leftovers are just as tasty, making it a fantastic choice for meal prep or a no-fuss lunch the next day. And the best part? Minimal cleanup, minimal effort, maximum taste.

Whether you’re feeding your family, impressing friends, or simply treating yourself to a cozy night in, Crockpot Italian Chicken is a recipe you’ll come back to again and again. The rich, comforting flavors paired with the ease of a slow-cooker meal make it a true staple for any weeknight dinner rotation.

Why You’ll Love It

1. Effortless Cooking – Just toss the ingredients in the Crockpot and let it do all the work. No standing over the stove or constant stirring required.
2. Rich, Italian Flavors – Garlic, herbs, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan create a savory, comforting taste that feels restaurant-quality but is completely homemade.
3. Tender, Juicy Chicken – Slow cooking ensures the chicken stays perfectly moist and flavorful, making every bite satisfying.
4. Versatile Meal Options – Serve it over pasta, rice, or roasted veggies—or shred it for sandwiches, salads, or wraps. It works for any meal.
5. Great for Leftovers – The flavors deepen overnight, so you can enjoy it the next day just as much—or even more—than the first serving.

Ingredient List

For the Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

For the Sauce

• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Optional for Serving

• Cooked pasta, rice, or quinoa
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped for garnish

Ingredient Notes

• I always use fresh garlic when I can—it gives the sauce a much more vibrant flavor.
• Sun-dried tomatoes are a game-changer; don’t skip them—they add sweetness and depth.
• Parmesan cheese should be freshly grated if possible; it melts beautifully and enhances the sauce.
• You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts if you prefer extra juiciness.
• For a creamier sauce, stir in a little heavy cream at the end—totally optional but delicious.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Crockpot / Slow Cooker – For hands-off, slow cooking; I love using my 6-quart Crockpot for even cooking.
• Cutting Board & Sharp Knife – For chopping garlic and sun-dried tomatoes quickly and safely.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons – To keep the seasonings and liquids precise.
• Mixing Bowl – For tossing chicken with seasonings before adding to the Crockpot.
• Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula – For stirring the sauce gently without scratching your Crockpot.
• Grater – To freshly grate Parmesan cheese for maximum flavor.

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

• Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps the seasonings stick better.
• Season both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
• Pro Tip: Don’t rush this step—well-seasoned chicken makes a huge difference in flavor.

---

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

• In a mixing bowl, combine chicken broth, diced tomatoes, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
• Stir gently to mix all the ingredients evenly.
• Pro Tip: If you like a slightly thicker sauce, you can add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch dissolved in a little cold water to the mixture.

---

Step 3: Assemble in the Crockpot

• Drizzle the olive oil on the bottom of the Crockpot. This prevents sticking and adds richness.
• Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the Crockpot in a single layer.
• Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the chicken, making sure each piece is coated.
• Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top.

---

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

• Cover the Crockpot with the lid and set it to low for 4–6 hours or high for 2–3 hours.
• Avoid opening the lid frequently, as this slows down the cooking process.
• Pro Tip: For extra tenderness, cook on low—this allows the chicken to soak up all the flavors gradually.

---

Step 5: Finish and Serve

• Once cooked, use tongs to carefully transfer the chicken to a serving dish.
• Stir the sauce in the Crockpot to mix in any melted cheese and juices.
• Pour the sauce over the chicken or serve on the side.
• Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a bright, fresh flavor.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Use fresh ingredients whenever possible – Fresh garlic and herbs make the flavors pop.
• Don’t overcrowd the Crockpot – Give the chicken some space so it cooks evenly.
• Check for doneness – Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Layer flavors – Add a little cheese or fresh herbs at the end for extra richness.
• Let it rest – Allow the chicken to sit for a few minutes after cooking to lock in juices.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

• Chicken Thighs – Swap for breasts if you prefer juicier, more flavorful meat.
• Creamy Version – Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream or cream cheese at the end for a richer sauce.
• Vegetarian Option – Replace chicken with firm tofu or large portobello mushrooms.
• Different Herbs – Try fresh thyme, rosemary, or oregano instead of Italian seasoning.
• Spice It Up – Add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat.

Serving Suggestions

• Over Pasta – I love serving this chicken over fettuccine or spaghetti with a sprinkle of Parmesan—it soaks up the sauce beautifully.
• With Rice or Quinoa – Spoon the saucy chicken over fluffy white rice or quinoa for a hearty, comforting meal.
• Alongside Roasted Vegetables – Serve with roasted broccoli, zucchini, or bell peppers for a lighter, balanced dinner.
• In Sandwiches or Wraps – Shred the chicken and toss with a little sauce for sandwiches or wraps—it’s perfect for lunch leftovers.
• With Garlic Bread – I like pairing it with warm garlic bread and a crisp green salad—it balances the richness perfectly!

Storage and Reheating Instructions

• Refrigerate – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
• Freeze – Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
• Reheat on the Stove – Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.
• Reheat in the Microwave – Cover with a microwave-safe lid and heat in 1–2 minute intervals until warmed through.
• Add a Splash of Liquid – When reheating, add a little chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs stay extra juicy and flavorful, making them a great alternative to breasts. Just adjust cooking time slightly if they’re bone-in.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep the chicken and sauce the night before and store it in the fridge. Cook it the next day in the Crockpot for a convenient, stress-free dinner.

How do I thicken the sauce?

Stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water) during the last 15–20 minutes of cooking, or simmer the sauce on the stove for a few minutes after removing the chicken.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Definitely! Store cooked chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Can I make it spicy?

Yes! Add crushed red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or even a finely chopped chili to the sauce for a little heat. Adjust to taste.

What can I serve it with?

This chicken is versatile—you can serve it over pasta, rice, quinoa, roasted vegetables, or even as a sandwich filling. Garlic bread is always a favorite!

---

Did you try this recipe? Let me know in the comments how it turned out!

Don’t forget to share your photos on Instagram and tag me @tasiahub_ or use the hashtag #tasiahub. I’d love to see your creations!