Indulging in a comforting meal after a long day can elevate your mood, and there’s nothing quite like the authentic flavors of Italian cuisine to fill that need. This Slow-Cooker Italian Chicken is ideal for those busy days when you don’t have time to spare in the kitchen but still want to enjoy a homemade dish the whole family will love. With minimal prep work and the simplicity of a slow cooker, you can set the ingredients to simmer and relax while the delightful aromas waft through your home.

This recipe highlights tender chicken simmered in a rich tomato sauce, infused with classic Italian herbs. The benefit of slow cooking is that the longer cooking time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a dish that feels indulgent without requiring your constant attention. Serve this Italian Chicken over pasta, rice, or beside crusty bread for an experience that will bring the taste of Italy right to your dinner table.

Why You’ll Love This Slow-Cooker Italian Chicken

Easy Preparation: With just a handful of ingredients, this recipe is incredibly straightforward.
Flavorful and Healthy: Packed with lean protein and fresh herbs, it’s both delicious and nutritious.
Hands-Off Cooking: Set the slow cooker and forget it – come back to a ready meal!
Versatile Serving Options: Perfect over pasta, rice, or with a side of bread, making it a great choice for any meal.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Leftovers are fantastic and make for easy lunches throughout the week.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you start cooking this delightful Slow-Cooker Italian Chicken, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen and gather your tools. First, ensure your slow cooker is clean and ready to use. A 6-quart slow cooker works best for this recipe, as it will accommodate all the ingredients without overflowing.

If you decide to sear the chicken beforehand, grab a non-stick skillet, which will make browning the chicken thighs much easier and help develop an additional layer of flavor. A set of measuring spoons and cups will also be handy for accurate ingredient measurements. Finally, having two forks ready for shredding the chicken at the end of the cooking time will make the process seamless.

Ingredients

4-6 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for searing)
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 medium red onion, sliced
1 bell pepper, diced (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, for topping (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by placing a skillet over medium heat and adding the olive oil if you choose to sear the chicken. Searing isn’t mandatory, but it enhances the flavor profile significantly. Carefully add the chicken thighs to the hot skillet and sear them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a lovely browned surface. Once done, set the chicken aside while prepping the slow cooker.

Step 2: Layer in the Slow Cooker

Now comes the easy part! Place the chicken in the slow cooker, ensuring it’s evenly distributed. Then, add the minced garlic, sliced red onion, and diced bell pepper (if you’re using it). Spread the Italian seasoning over the top for a burst of flavor. Next, pour in the crushed tomatoes along with the tomato paste to create a thick, flavorful sauce. Lastly, don’t forget to season with salt and pepper as desired.

Step 3: Slow Cook

Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook. For best results, cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You want the chicken to reach a tender state where it can be easily shredded with a fork. Make sure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches at least 165°F to ensure it’s safely cooked through.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

Once the cooking time is complete, remove the chicken from the slow cooker using tongs and transfer it to a cutting board. With two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This step allows the chicken to soak up even more of the delicious sauce when it’s returned to the slow cooker. After shredding, place the chicken back into the sauce and stir until well combined.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Finally, stir in the freshly chopped basil, which adds a delightful brightness to the dish. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed. Serve the Slow-Cooker Italian Chicken over your favorite pasta, rice, or with crusty bread on the side for a heartwarming meal. Top with grated Parmesan cheese if desired, making each plate a bit more indulgent.

Variations

Protein: Feel free to use chicken thighs or breasts, or even swap in turkey if you prefer a leaner option.
Vegetables: Add in zucchini or mushrooms for added nutrition and layers of flavor.
Spices: Consider adding red pepper flakes for a hint of heat, or a bay leaf for additional depth.

Cooking Notes

For an even richer flavor, prepare the chicken the night before and let it marinate with the seasonings and herbs overnight.
If you don’t own a slow cooker, this dish can also be cooked on the stovetop; just adjust cooking times accordingly.

Serving Suggestions

Serve over spaghetti or fettuccine for a classic Italian meal.
Accompany with a side salad to lighten up the meal and add freshness.

Tips

Experiment with fresh herbs like oregano or thyme for a fragrant twist.
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days for easy reheating.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
Total Time: 6-7 hours 15 minutes (or 3-4 hours 15 minutes)

Nutritional Information

Calories: Approximately 350 per serving (without pasta)
Protein: 30 grams
Sodium: 600 milligrams

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken in this slow cooker recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but be aware that it may take longer to cook through. Ensure that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before consumption.

What kind of pasta goes well with this Italian chicken?

Spaghetti or fettuccine are traditional options, but feel free to choose any pasta that you enjoy!

Can I add more vegetables to the dish?

Absolutely! This dish is versatile, and adding vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini can enhance flavor and nutrition.

How should I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Conclusion

This Slow-Cooker Italian Chicken is a fantastic addition to your easy weeknight dinner repertoire. With its rich flavors, tender chicken, and effortless preparation, it’s bound to become a family favorite. The best part? You can customize it to your liking with various vegetables, spices, or even alternative proteins. Don’t hesitate to invite your friends and family over to share this delightful dish, and watch as they enjoy every bite. We hope you give this recipe a try, and we’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!