Name: Crockpot Italian Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 15 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper; 1 can diced tomatoes (14 ounces); ½ cup balsamic vinegar; 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1 bay leaf; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1 small red onion (diced); Shredded mozzarella cheese for serving; Thinly sliced fresh basil for serving

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Table of Contents: Crockpot Italian Chicken

Crockpot Italian Chicken

Remember those days when a delicious, home-cooked meal felt…impossible? Between work, family, and everything else life throws at you, finding the time to create something truly satisfying can be a challenge. Well, those days are over! This Crockpot Italian Chicken recipe is a game-changer, delivering incredible flavor with minimal effort.

It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights, casual family gatherings, or even a relaxed holiday meal when you want to spend more time with your loved ones and less time in the kitchen. Get ready to rediscover the joy of effortless cooking!

This isn’t just another slow cooker chicken recipe; it’s a taste of Italy, simplified. The combination of sweet balsamic vinegar, savory diced tomatoes, and fragrant basil creates a sauce that’s absolutely divine. It tenderizes the chicken to fall-apart perfection, making it incredibly versatile. Serve it over pasta, polenta, mashed potatoes, or even with a side of crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce.

We’ve all been there, staring into the fridge wondering what to make. This recipe takes the guesswork out of dinner and consistently delivers a comforting, flavorful meal that everyone will enjoy. It’s a true staple for easy weeknight meals.

This recipe is a family favorite, passed down with a few tweaks over the years. It’s the kind of dish that fills your home with a wonderful aroma and brings people together. And the best part? You can customize it to your liking!

Alternate Names & Variations

You might also find this recipe referred to as Slow Cooker Italian Chicken, Italian Chicken in the Crockpot, or Balsamic Italian Chicken. A popular variation involves adding a packet of Italian dressing mix for an extra boost of flavor, though we find the simple combination of ingredients in this recipe provides the most authentic and delicious taste.

For those who enjoy a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be added. If you’re looking for more Italian recipes to expand your repertoire, consider adding some Italian sausage to the slow cooker alongside the chicken for a heartier meal.

Ingredients: Crockpot Italian Chicken

Here’s what you’ll need to create this incredibly flavorful Crockpot Italian Chicken:

* 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
* 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs (thighs stay more moist!)

* ½ teaspoon kosher salt
* ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
* 1 can diced tomatoes (14 ounces), undrained
* ½ cup balsamic vinegar
* 3 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 bay leaf
* 1 teaspoon dried basil
* 1 small red onion, diced
* Shredded mozzarella cheese, for serving
* Thinly sliced fresh basil, for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sear the Chicken (Optional but Recommended): Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side, until lightly browned. This step adds a depth of flavor, but you can skip it if you’re short on time.
2. Layer the Crockpot: Place the diced red onion in the bottom of your slow cooker. This creates a flavorful base for the chicken.
3. Add the Chicken: Arrange the seared (or unseared) chicken breasts or thighs on top of the onions.

4. Pour in the Sauce: In a bowl, combine the diced tomatoes (with their juice), balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, bay leaf, and dried basil. Pour this mixture evenly over the chicken.
5. Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken is done when it’s easily shredded with a fork. How long does chicken take in a slow cooker? It depends on the setting, but generally, low and slow is best for tenderness.
6. Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Discard the bay leaf.

7. Return to Sauce: Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to coat it in the sauce.
8. Serve & Enjoy: Serve hot, topped with shredded mozzarella cheese and a generous sprinkle of fresh basil.

Recipe Card Block (Quick Reference)

This Crockpot Italian Chicken is ready in a snap!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6-8 hours (Low) or 3-4 hours (High)
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes – 8 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Approximate Calories: 350 per serving (without pasta/sides)

Why This Recipe Works & Expert Tips

This Crockpot Italian Chicken recipe works because of the magic of slow cooking. The low and slow heat breaks down the tough fibers in the chicken, resulting in incredibly tender and juicy meat. The balsamic vinegar adds a beautiful sweetness and tang that complements the savory tomatoes and garlic perfectly.

Expert Tip: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cuts of chicken. While boneless, skinless breasts are convenient, chicken thighs offer more flavor and stay even more moist during the long cooking process. This is truly easy comfort food for family dinners.

Another key to success is not stirring the chicken too much during cooking. Allowing it to sit in the sauce undisturbed helps it absorb all the flavors.

Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips

Leftover Crockpot Italian Chicken is a gift that keeps on giving! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing: This recipe freezes beautifully. Allow the chicken to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating: Thaw frozen chicken overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth if needed to prevent it from drying out. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook it. This makes it a great option for slow cooker chicken meal prep!

People Also Ask: Crockpot Italian Chicken

How do you make Italian chicken in a Crockpot?

This Crockpot Italian Chicken is incredibly simple! You start by optionally searing the chicken for added flavor. Then, you layer diced red onion in the bottom of the slow cooker, add the chicken, and pour over a sauce made from diced tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, bay leaf, and dried basil.

Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is easily shredded. Finally, shred the chicken and return it to the sauce to coat. It’s a hands-off process that delivers a delicious, satisfying meal.

What ingredients are needed for Italian chicken?

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity! You’ll need just a handful of ingredients: chicken (breasts or thighs), extra virgin olive oil, kosher salt, black pepper, diced tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, garlic, a bay leaf, and dried basil. Mozzarella cheese and fresh basil are for serving and add a lovely finishing touch.

You likely have many of these staples in your pantry already, making it a convenient choice for easy weeknight meals.

How long does chicken take in a slow cooker?

Generally, chicken takes between 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high in a slow cooker. However, the exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of the chicken and your specific slow cooker.

The chicken is done when it’s easily shredded with a fork and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). For this Crockpot Italian Chicken recipe, we recommend checking for tenderness around the 6-hour mark on low.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely! This recipe is a fantastic base for adding your favorite vegetables. Consider adding sliced bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, or even spinach during the last hour of cooking. You can also add carrots and potatoes at the beginning of the cooking process, as they take longer to become tender.

Adding vegetables makes this Crockpot Italian Chicken a complete and nutritious meal.

Conclusion: Crockpot Italian Chicken

So there you have it – a foolproof recipe for incredibly flavorful Crockpot Italian Chicken that will quickly become a family favorite. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights, and it’s sure to impress your guests. Don’t be afraid to give it a try and customize it to your liking.

We’d love to hear how it turns out for you! Share your photos and comments below, and let us know what variations you’ve tried. Happy cooking!