This Easy Slow Cooker Italian Chicken is a dream come true! It’s packed with juicy chicken, tomatoes, and Italian spices, all cooked together till tender and tasty.
Throw everything in the slow cooker, and you’re good to go! I love serving it over pasta or rice—it’s such a simple way to make dinner feel special! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breast is ideal for this recipe because it cooks evenly and shreds well. If you’re looking for alternatives, chicken thighs are a great choice for more flavor and juiciness.
Italian Dressing Mix: This packet adds lots of flavor. If you don’t have it, you can make your own with seasonings like dried oregano, thyme, basil, garlic powder, and onion powder mixed with a little salt and pepper.
Chicken Broth: Store-bought chicken broth is convenient. However, homemade broth adds a richer taste. You can also use vegetable broth for a lighter version or if you’re looking to make it vegetarian.
Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach wilts nicely and adds nutrition. If you want a different green, try kale or Swiss chard, both of which will hold up well in the slow cooker.
Rice: Flavored rice like garlic or lemon rice adds extra taste. If you don’t have it, regular white rice or brown rice works too, just keep an eye on the cooking time.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken is Moist and Tender?
The key to moist chicken is the amount of liquid and cooking time. Make sure the chicken breasts are submerged in the broth, which helps them cook evenly and prevents drying out. Here’s how to do it right:
- Place dry chicken in the slow cooker, ensuring it’s not crowded.
- Add the Italian dressing mix, and pour in the chicken broth until the chicken is covered.
- Set your slow cooker on low for slow cooking or high if you’re short on time, but aim for 3-4 hours at high or 6-7 hours at low for best results.
Remember, the chicken should shred easily when done! After cooking, let it rest for a few minutes before shredding for the best texture.
Easy Slow Cooker Italian Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet Italian dressing mix (about 1 ounce)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 cups fresh spinach, loosely packed
- 2 cups cooked rice (preferably a flavorful variety like garlic or lemon rice)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnish:
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus cooking time in the slow cooker: 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Adding the spinach will take just a few more minutes before serving. Perfect for a busy day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Set Up Your Slow Cooker:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into the slow cooker. Sprinkle the Italian dressing mix evenly over the chicken to add that delicious flavor. No need to mix; just let the slow cooker do its magic!
2. Add the Chicken Broth:
Pour the chicken broth over the chicken breasts. Make sure the chicken is fully submerged in the broth so it stays moist while cooking. It’s like a cozy bath for the chicken!
3. Time to Cook:
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook. If you’re short on time, use the high setting for 3-4 hours. If you have the day free, cook on low for 6-7 hours. The chicken is ready when it’s fully cooked and can be shredded easily with a fork.
4. Add Spinach Before Serving:
About 15 minutes before you’re ready to serve, stir in the fresh spinach. Cover the slow cooker again to help the spinach wilt down. It’ll add a lovely color and nutrition to your dish!
5. Prepare the Rice:
If your rice isn’t already cooked, now’s the time! Follow the package instructions to cook your rice. It’s great to use a flavorful variety like garlic or lemon rice for an extra kick!
6. Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked and the spinach is wilted, remove the chicken from the slow cooker. Use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces, and then return the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker, mixing it well with the spinach and broth.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Dish out the Italian chicken over a bed of cooked rice. If you like, drizzle some extra broth from the slow cooker on top for added moisture and flavor.
8. Garnish:
Top your dish with grated Parmesan cheese or some fresh basil for that beautiful finishing touch. Enjoy your delicious, home-cooked meal!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just make sure to increase the cooking time by about an hour if cooking on low, or 30 minutes on high. It’s important to check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
What Can I Substitute for Italian Dressing Mix?
If you don’t have Italian dressing mix, you can make a homemade version! Mix 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried basil, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This gives a similar flavor profile to the dish!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the shredded chicken and spinach mixture in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating!
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces and add them to the slow cooker at the same time as the chicken, ensuring they cook through along with it.
