Slow-Cooked Italian Chicken

Introduction: Can a slow cooker make Italian chicken even more flavorful?

Yes, it absolutely can! With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, Slow-Cooked Italian Chicken delivers tender, juicy chicken simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce loaded with herbs, spices, and vegetables. It’s a cozy, hearty dish perfect for weeknight dinners, yet elegant enough to serve guests. And the best part? Your slow cooker does all the hard work.

Overview: Why This Recipe Works

This slow-cooked meal is full of flavor and low on effort. The chicken simmers for hours in a seasoned tomato sauce until it’s fork-tender, then gets served over pasta for a complete comfort meal.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4–5 hours on LOW
• Skill Level: Easy
• Perfect For: Weeknight dinners, meal prepping, family meals

Essential Ingredients and Why They Matter

• Chicken Breasts (4 boneless, skinless): Lean protein that stays tender when slow-cooked.
• Reduced-Sodium Chicken Broth (14.5 oz can): Forms the base of the sauce and adds depth.
• Stewed Tomatoes (14.5 oz can, cut up): Adds texture and rich tomato flavor.
• Tomato Sauce (8 oz can): Creates a smooth, cohesive sauce.
• Green Pepper (1, chopped): Adds sweetness and crunch.
• Green Onion (1, chopped): Mild onion flavor with a pop of freshness.
• Garlic (1 clove, minced): Adds classic Italian flavor.
• Chili Powder (3 tsp): Brings gentle heat and smoky undertones.
• Ground Mustard (1 tsp): Adds tang and brightness.
• Black Pepper (½ tsp): Basic seasoning.
• Garlic Powder & Onion Powder (¼ tsp each): Enhance the overall flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour (⅓ cup) + Cold Water (½ cup): Thickens the sauce at the end.
• Hot Cooked Pasta: Soaks up all the delicious sauce.
• Optional Garnish: Grated Parmesan and fresh basil for a flavorful finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Add Chicken to Slow Cooker:
   • Place chicken breasts in a 3-quart slow cooker.
2. Make the Sauce:
   • In a bowl, combine chicken broth, stewed tomatoes, tomato sauce, chopped green pepper, green onion, minced garlic, chili powder, mustard, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
3. Pour Sauce Over Chicken:
   • Stir the mixture and pour it over the chicken in the slow cooker.
4. Cook:
   • Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours until the chicken is tender.
5. Remove Chicken:
   • Once cooked, remove chicken and keep warm.
6. Thicken the Sauce:
   • Transfer cooking juices to a large saucepan and skim off any fat.
   • In a small bowl, whisk flour and cold water until smooth.
   • Stir into the saucepan and bring to a boil.
   • Cook and stir for 2 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
7. Serve:
   • Serve chicken over hot pasta.
   • Spoon thickened sauce over the top.
   • Garnish with Parmesan and fresh basil if desired.

Assembly and Presentation Tips

• Serve in wide bowls or deep plates to hold sauce.
• Top with a sprig of basil and a generous sprinkle of cheese.
• Offer extra sauce on the side for dipping crusty bread.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

• Store: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Microwave or reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth.
• Freeze: Freeze chicken and sauce separately for up to 2 months.
• Make-Ahead: Prepare sauce mixture the night before, then dump and cook the next day.

Recipe Variations

• Add More Veggies: Toss in mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
• Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
• Cheesy Finish: Add mozzarella on top and let it melt before serving.
• Creamy Version: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese after thickening.

Conclusion: Comforting, Italian-Inspired, and Effortless

Slow-Cooked Italian Chicken is the kind of dish that feels like it took hours to make—because it did—but with almost no effort from you. It’s full of Italian flavor, easy to customize, and guaranteed to please the whole family.

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FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes! Thighs are juicy and flavorful—just trim excess fat.

2. What kind of pasta works best? Spaghetti, penne, or rigatoni all work well.

3. Can I cook this on HIGH? Yes, cook for 2–3 hours on HIGH, but LOW yields the best texture.

4. Is this dish freezer-friendly? Yes, freeze in portions and thaw overnight before reheating.

5. What can I serve on the side? Garlic bread, Caesar salad, or steamed green beans.

6. Can I make this dairy-free? Yes, just skip the optional cheese garnish.

7. Can I skip thickening the sauce? Yes, but the thicker sauce clings better to pasta.

8. Is this good for meal prep? Absolutely! Store chicken and sauce in containers for easy lunches.

9. How do I make it low-carb? Serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.

10. What’s the best way to reheat it? On the stovetop over medium heat with a splash of broth or water.