Slow Cooker Italian Chicken (3-Ingredient Classic)

by

Slow Cooker Italian Chicken (3-Ingredient Classic)

Description

This Slow Cooker Italian Chicken is a timeless, ultra-easy recipe made with just store-bought Italian dressing, chicken breasts, and two simple add-ins. The chicken cooks low and slow until it’s tender, juicy, and infused with savory herbs and tangy Italian flavors. It’s perfect for busy nights, meal prep, or feeding a family with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs (900 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts

  • 1 cup store-bought Italian dressing (regular or zesty)

  • 1 packet (1 oz / 28 g) dry Italian seasoning mix

  • ½ cup chicken broth

(Optional add-ins: sliced bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the slow cooker
    Lightly spray the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick spray.

  2. Add chicken
    Place chicken breasts in a single layer in the slow cooker.

  3. Mix sauce
    In a bowl, whisk together Italian dressing, dry Italian seasoning mix, and chicken broth.

  4. Pour & coat
    Pour the mixture evenly over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated.

  5. Cook

    • Low: 6–7 hours

    • High: 3–4 hours
      Chicken should be tender and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

  6. Serve
    Serve whole or shred the chicken and spoon sauce over the top.

Tips & Notes

  • For thicker sauce: Remove chicken and simmer sauce on the stovetop for 5–10 minutes.

  • For creamy version: Stir in 4 oz cream cheese during the last 30 minutes.

  • For extra flavor: Brown chicken briefly in a skillet before slow cooking.

  • Best dressing: Use a full-fat Italian dressing for richer flavor.

Serving Suggestions

  • Over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes

  • Inside sandwiches or wraps

  • With steamed vegetables or salad

  • Shredded for meal prep bowls

Servings

6 servings

Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.)

  • Calories: 320 kcal

  • Protein: 36 g

  • Fat: 14 g

  • Carbohydrates: 6 g

  • Sodium: 720 mg

(Values vary based on dressing brand)

Benefits

  • ✔ Minimal prep & cleanup

  • ✔ High-protein, low-effort meal

  • ✔ Budget-friendly

  • ✔ Great for meal prep

  • ✔ Family-approved flavors

Q & A

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead?
A: Yes! Boneless thighs work beautifully and stay extra juicy.

Q: Can this be frozen?
A: Absolutely. Freeze cooked chicken with sauce for up to 3 months.

Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: It can be—just use a gluten-free Italian dressing and seasoning mix.

Q: Can I cook it in the oven instead?
A: Yes. Bake covered at 375°F (190°C) for 35–40 minutes.

Leave a Comment