Crockpot Italian Chicken - A Simple Weeknight Dinner

This easy crockpot Italian chicken recipe comes together with just 5 minutes of prep time. By combining chicken breasts, Italian dressing and seasonings, a delicious meal practically makes itself. The crockpot does the work of slowly braising the chicken until fork-tender. The result is juicy chicken infused with savory Italian flavors - perfect over pasta or rice. Follow this simple recipe for effortless Italian chicken any night of the week.

Prep the Chicken

Pat dry 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts and season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Place chicken in the crockpot. No need to pre-cook the chicken.

Add Flavorings

Pour 1 cup of Italian dressing over the chicken. The creamy, tangy dressing doubles as both a marinade and braising liquid.

Add other flavorings: 4 cloves garlic, minced, 1 onion, diced, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 2 tsp oregano, 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes, salt and pepper.

Cook on Low Heat

Cook on low heat for 5-6 hours. The longer cooking time allows the chicken to become very tender and soak up the flavors.

Shred the Chicken

Once done, remove the chicken breasts from the crockpot to a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken, discarding any bones or fat.

Finish the Sauce

Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir to coat in the sauce. If needed, simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes to thicken and reduce the sauce.

Serve

Serve the fork-tender Italian chicken over hot cooked pasta or rice. Garnish with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan.

This easy crockpot dinner delivers flavorful shredded chicken with barely any hands-on time. The possibilities for using versatile Italian chicken are endless!

Serving Ideas

- Sandwiches

- Pizza Topping

- Tacos

- Salads

- Casseroles

Frequently Asked Questions

What dressing flavor works best?

Italian dressing gives great flavor, but zesty ranch would work too.

How long is too long to cook it?

Up to 8 hours on low is fine. The chicken will become shreddingly tender.

Can I use chicken thighs instead?

Yes, boneless thighs can be used and will be more moist.

Can I make this recipe stovetop?

Yes, simmer in a dutch oven for 30-40 minutes until chicken is cooked through.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, freeze shredded chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

With just 5 minutes of prep, this easy Italian chicken cooks to tender perfection in the crockpot for a simple weeknight win.