This creamy and hearty Slow Cooker Creamy Italian Chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that will be a hit with your family. It features tender chicken breasts simmered in a creamy, flavorful Italian sauce made with cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, and zesty Italian seasoning. The slow cooker makes it effortless to prepare, and it’s the perfect meal to serve over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes for a comforting dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Slow Cooker Creamy Italian Chicken is an all-time family favorite that has become a staple at the dinner table. The creamy sauce is rich and flavorful, with a subtle tang from the Italian seasoning and a creamy texture from the cream cheese and cream of chicken soup. The slow cooking process makes the chicken incredibly tender and flavorful, and it’s an easy meal for busy nights. Plus, you can serve it over a variety of sides to make it a complete, customizable meal.
Ingredients
-
2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
-
Mrs. Dash’s Original seasoning blend to taste
-
Pepper to taste
-
2 cans (10 ounces each) cream of chicken soup (or homemade version)
-
1 envelope Good Seasons Zesty Italian dressing mix
-
1/2 block (4 ounces) cream cheese, cubed
-
1/4 to 1/2 cup milk (as needed)
-
Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
-
Spray a large slow cooker insert with cooking spray. Lay the chicken breasts in the bottom of the cooker. Season with Mrs. Dash’s seasoning blend and a sprinkle of black pepper.
-
Pour the cream of chicken soups and Italian dressing mix evenly over the chicken. Place the cubed cream cheese over the top.
-
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 3 hours.
-
Once cooked, carefully shred the chicken with two forks and stir the sauce to combine. If the sauce is too thick, thin it out with a little milk.
-
Serve the creamy chicken mixture over cooked noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Servings and Timing
-
Servings: 8
-
Prep Time: 10 minutes
-
Cook Time: 5 hours on low or 3 hours on high
Variations
-
For a lighter version, you can substitute the cream cheese with a reduced-fat version.
-
Try adding vegetables like peas, green beans, or carrots to the slow cooker for an all-in-one meal.
-
If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
-
You can use frozen chicken breasts, but be sure to cook them on the high setting for the first few hours.
Storage/Reheating
-
To store, place the cooled chicken mixture in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
-
To reheat, warm it in the microwave or on the stove over medium heat, adding a little extra milk to adjust the consistency if needed.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but be sure to cook them on high for the first few hours to ensure they cook through.
Can I make this recipe without cream of chicken soup?
Yes, you can use a homemade condensed cream of chicken soup or substitute it with a different canned cream soup, such as cream of mushroom.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts. Just make sure to cook them until they are fully tender and cooked through.
How can I make the sauce thinner?
If the sauce is too thick, simply add a little milk (about 1/4 to 1/2 cup) to thin it out.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make this dish dairy-free, you can substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative and use a dairy-free cream of chicken soup.
How do I serve this dish?
This creamy Italian chicken is perfect when served over mashed potatoes, rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can easily double the recipe to serve a larger crowd. Just make sure to use a bigger slow cooker to accommodate the increased ingredients.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the leftover creamy chicken for up to 3 months. When reheating, be sure to stir and add a bit of milk if the sauce is too thick.
How spicy is this recipe?
This recipe is not very spicy, but you can add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to adjust the heat to your liking.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes, adding vegetables like green beans, peas, or carrots is a great way to make this dish more hearty and nutritious.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Creamy Italian Chicken is a wonderfully simple, comforting, and flavorful meal that your whole family will love. With minimal effort and just a few ingredients, you can enjoy a delicious dinner that’s perfect for any night of the week. Whether you serve it over pasta, rice, or potatoes, this dish is sure to become a regular part of your meal rotation!
Print
Slow Cooker Creamy Italian Chicken
- Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes (or 3 hours 10 minutes)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Slow Cooker Creamy Italian Chicken is a rich and comforting dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. Tender chicken breasts are slow-cooked in a creamy sauce made with cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, and zesty Italian seasoning, creating a hearty and flavorful meal. Serve this delicious dish over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes for an easy, family-friendly dinner that will quickly become a favorite!
Ingredients
2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
Mrs. Dash’s Original seasoning blend to taste
Pepper to taste
2 cans (10 ounces each) cream of chicken soup (or homemade version)
1 envelope Good Seasons Zesty Italian dressing mix
1/2 block (4 ounces) cream cheese, cubed
1/4 to 1/2 cup milk (as needed)
Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
-
Prepare the Slow Cooker:
Spray a large slow cooker insert with cooking spray. Place the chicken breasts at the bottom and season with Mrs. Dash’s seasoning blend and black pepper. -
Add the Sauce:
Pour the cream of chicken soups and Italian dressing mix evenly over the chicken. Top with cubed cream cheese. -
Cook:
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 3 hours. -
Shred the Chicken:
Once cooked, carefully shred the chicken using two forks. Stir the sauce to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add a little milk to thin it out. -
Serve:
Serve the creamy chicken mixture over cooked noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
For a Lighter Version: Substitute the cream cheese with a reduced-fat version.
Add Vegetables: Try adding peas, green beans, or carrots for a one-pot meal.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or hot sauce for some heat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours on low or 3 hours on high
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
