This Easy Slow Cooker Italian Chicken is a tasty, fuss-free meal that cooks while you go about your day. Just toss chicken, tomatoes, and herbs into the slow cooker!
The best part? It makes your house smell amazing! I love serving it over pasta or rice for a hearty dinner, and cleanup is a breeze. Who doesn’t love that?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken breasts: I recommend boneless, skinless chicken breasts for tenderness and ease. If you’re looking for a change, turkey breasts or even thighs can be used for a different flavor and texture.
Chicken broth: This adds great flavor to the dish. If you’re looking for a lower-sodium option, consider using homemade broth or a no-salt-added variety. Vegetable broth can work too, especially for a lighter dish.
Diced tomatoes: These are key for moisture and flavor. If you’re out of canned tomatoes, you can use fresh tomatoes or even tomato sauce mixed with some herbs for a different twist.
Italian seasoning mix: This blend is convenient, but you can recreate it with a mix of dried basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme. Fresh herbs are also great if you have them on hand—just use more since they’re less concentrated.
Fresh spinach: Spinach wilts down nicely, but you can substitute it with kale or swiss chard. Just make sure to add them at the right time since they may take slightly longer to wilt.
How Do I Make Sure My Chicken Stays Tender in the Slow Cooker?
To keep the chicken juicy and tender, it’s essential to monitor cooking times. Overcooking will make the chicken dry. Stick to these tips:
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours—check at the lower ends to see if it’s done.
- Always make sure the chicken is submerged in liquid to prevent drying out.
- Shred the chicken right in the cooker to soak up all the delicious sauce.
Easy Slow Cooker Italian Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
- 1 packet Italian seasoning mix (about 1 oz)
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then you’ll let it cook for 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high in the slow cooker. So, you can set it and forget it, making it perfect for a busy day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Chicken:
Start by placing the chicken breasts right in the bottom of your slow cooker. No need for any fancy tricks here; just lay them in there nice and flat.
2. Mix the Sauce:
In a mixing bowl, grab your chicken broth, diced tomatoes (make sure to include all the juices), and the Italian seasoning mix. Stir everything together until well combined, then pour this tasty mixture over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
3. Cook to Perfection:
Now, cover your slow cooker with the lid and let it do its magic! Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender—just perfect for shredding!
4. Add Some Color:
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, add the fresh spinach to the slow cooker. Give it a gentle stir to mix everything up so the spinach can wilt beautifully into the chicken and sauce.
5. Shred the Chicken:
Once your cooking time is up, take two forks and shred the chicken right in the slow cooker. Mix it well with the sauce for a delicious, flavor-packed dish.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Now it’s time to serve! Scoop the Italian chicken over your cooked rice, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper to taste. If you want to add a bit more flavor, top it with some grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes! You can use frozen chicken breasts, but adjust the cooking time. If you put them in the slow cooker frozen, cook on high for about 4-5 hours, or on low for 7-8 hours. Ensure they are cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety.
What Can I Substitute for Italian Seasoning?
If you don’t have Italian seasoning, you can mix your own! Combine equal parts dried basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary. Alternatively, use Italian herbs like herbes de Provence, or even fresh herbs if you have them on hand—just increase the quantity to about three times the amount since fresh herbs are less potent.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water to keep it moist. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 3 months—just make sure to let them cool completely before freezing!
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. Just add them in the last hour of cooking to ensure they don’t get overcooked. Adjust the seasonings if you add more veggies to keep the flavors balanced!
