Description
This Slow-Cooker Italian Chicken recipe offers a delicious and easy way to prepare tender, flavorful chicken breasts simmered in a rich tomato sauce with Italian seasoning, garlic, and fresh vegetables. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal, it can be served over pasta, rice, or crusty bread, making it versatile and family-friendly.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced (any color)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the sliced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic evenly over the chicken.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasoning: Pour the diced tomatoes with their juices and the tomato sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) evenly over the mixture.
- Cook the Chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and shreds easily with a fork.
- Shred and Combine: Once cooked, shred the chicken directly inside the slow cooker using two forks, or leave the breasts whole if preferred. Stir gently to combine the shredded chicken with the tomato sauce and vegetables.
- Serve and Garnish: Before serving, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top and garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley. Serve the chicken and sauce over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread for a hearty meal.
Notes
- This recipe is also delicious when made with chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
- Add olives or mushrooms to the slow cooker for extra flavor and texture variations.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for future meals.
- Serve with gluten-free pasta options to keep the dish gluten-free.
