Easy Slow Cooker Italian Chicken

I’m typically game for taking a more hands-on approach when it comes to my chicken recipes like my Orange Cranberry Chicken Skillet and Prosciutto-Wrapped Chicken and Mushrooms –but now and then, I like to sit back and relax while my Crock Pot does the heavy lifting. That’s where this easy Slow Cooker Italian Chicken recipe comes in.

Imagine tender, juicy chicken breasts simmered low and slow in a rich balsamic and herb-infused tomato sauce, topped with gooey melted mozzarella and freshly grated Parmesan. Garnished with fresh basil, it’s perfect for caprese lovers!

Serve it over your favorite pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or even low-carb zoodles, and you’ve got yourself an Italian-inspired feast the whole family will love. Just dump all the ingredients into your slow cooker, set it, and forget it until dinner. It’s as simple as that! 

If you love this kind of no-fuss cooking, check out my Sweet and Spicy Crockpot Chicken for another fantastic dump-and-go dinner.

Recipe features

• Dump-and-go convenience. This Crockpot Italian chicken recipe is straightforward to prepare. Just dump all the ingredients in the slow cooker, set it, and forget it!
• Wholesome and satisfying. Made with juicy chicken, rich tomatoes, balsamic, aromatic garlic, and Italian herbs, this dish is both nutritious and flavorful. 
• It stores and reheats well. Making it perfect for meal prep and enjoying home-cooked Italian meals throughout the week without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients you’ll need

• Chicken breasts. Chicken breasts are lean and cook up tender and juicy in the slow cooker. If you substitute boneless skinless thighs, remember that the cooking time may vary slightly. 
• Chicken broth. Adds flavor and keeps the chicken moist as it cooks. Chicken stock also works great here.
• Extra virgin olive oil. Helps prevent sticking and adds rich flavor. 
• Balsamic vinegar. The tangy sweetness of good-quality aged balsamic vinegar balances the savory elements of the dish. 
• Garlic cloves. Fresh garlic is the best choice, but if you’re in a pinch, you can use garlic powder (1/8 teaspoon per clove). 
• Seasonings. Simple yet essential, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Red pepper flakes can be a great addition if you want some heat!
• Petite diced tomatoes. Add a sweet and tangy element. You can use regular diced tomatoes or petite diced tomatoes –just drain them well.
• Parmesan cheese. Freshly shredded is best, but pre-shredded will work in a pinch. Avoid powdered versions, as they won’t melt the same way. For the best melting, shred the cheese with a microplane grater.
• Sliced buffalo mozzarella. Melts beautifully over the chicken. If you can’t find buffalo mozzarella, regular mozzarella or burrata cheese can be great substitutes.
• Chopped fresh basil. For garnishing to taste. 

How to make slow cooker Italian Chicken

Step 1: Prep the slow cooker. Start by spraying the bottom of your Crockpot with olive oil spray (or brush it with extra virgin olive oil). 

Step 2: Add the chicken. Lay the chicken breasts flat at the bottom of the Crockpot. Pour the chicken broth around them, season with salt and pepper, then drizzle olive oil on top.

Step 3: Add the sauce. Combine the balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and drained diced tomatoes in a medium bowl. Pour this mixture over the chicken breast.

Step 4: Slow cook. Cover and cook on low until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. I checked my small 4-ounce chicken breasts with a meat thermometer at 2.5 hours, and they were perfect! 

Step 5: Add the cheese. About 15 minutes before you’re ready to serve, layer freshly grated Parmesan cheese and sliced mozzarella on top of each piece of chicken. Close the lid and let the cheese melt while the chicken rests.

Step 6: Garnish and serve. When it’s time to eat, garnish with fresh basil and a little extra Parmesan if you’re feeling fancy, and serve over your favorite regular or low-carb pasta!

Recipe tips and FAQs

• Consider searing the chicken breasts in a skillet with olive oil before placing them in the slow cooker. This step adds a nice depth of flavor but isn’t necessary if you’re short on time.
• Cooking times can vary based on the size and thickness of the chicken breasts. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Start checking around the 2.5-hour mark to prevent overcooking.
• Reserve the liquid in the pot! It’s delicious poured over the pasta! Honestly, I could drink the sauce, it’s so good!
• Pairing suggestions. This dish is excellent over any pasta, including veggie options like zoodles, spaghetti squash, or cauliflower rice. It’s also great with rice, polenta, or mashed potatoes. Add a side of roasted vegetables or a simple salad –and don’t forget garlic bread to soak up the sauce! 

Variations

• Creamy Italian Chicken – Stir in a few tablespoons of heavy cream into the sauce at the end of cooking for a rich and creamy version that’s perfect over pasta.
• Add vegetables – Such as chopped onions, bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant, or mushrooms. The veggies will cook down and soak up the delicious flavors. Stir in Mediterranean-inspired ingredients like olives, artichoke hearts, and capers at the end for more flavor.
• Tomato variations – Feel free to experiment with canned fire-roasted diced tomatoes for a smoky flavor or Italian-seasoned diced tomatoes for a more robust, savory flavor profile.

Storing & Freezing

Storing: Store any leftover Italian chicken with the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will develop further after a day, making it even more delicious! 

Freezing: This Italian chicken dish freezes well! Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container and storing it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating it in the microwave or stovetop.

More slow cooker chicken recipes

• Crockpot BBQ Pineapple Chicken
• Crockpot Spinach Artichoke Chicken
• Slow Cooker Chicken and Bean Soup
• Slow Cooker Green Chili Chicken

If you love this easy Italian chicken slow cooker recipe, I would be so grateful if you could leave a 5-star 🌟 rating in the recipe card below. I love reading your comments and feedback!

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