This Easy Slow Cooker Italian Chicken is full of flavor and so simple to make! Just toss chicken, tomatoes, and spices into the slow cooker, and let it do the work!
You’ll love coming home to the delicious smell of this dish. I often serve it over pasta or rice, and it never fails to impress! Plus, your kitchen will smell amazing! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this dish as they cook up tender and juicy. You can swap them for chicken thighs for more flavor, and they won’t dry out as easily.
Italian Dressing Mix: If you like making things from scratch, a homemade Italian dressing mix can be made with herbs like oregano, basil, and garlic powder. It’s fresher and allows you to control the salt level. If you prefer to keep it simple, store-bought works perfectly.
Diced Tomatoes: Keep those canned tomatoes on hand, but if you have fresh tomatoes, feel free to use about 2 cups of chopped fresh tomatoes instead. It’ll add a great freshness to your dish!
Cannellini Beans: These white beans add creaminess and protein. You can substitute with navy beans or chickpeas if that’s what you have in your pantry. Both will work nicely!
How Do I Ensure the Chicken Stays Moist?
The key to moist chicken in the slow cooker is the liquid! Here are some tips to keep your chicken juicy:
- Be sure to add enough chicken broth; this helps steam the chicken during cooking. Always include the liquid from diced tomatoes too.
- Keep the slow cooker covered while cooking. This keeps moisture in and prevents the chicken from drying out.
- If you’re cooking on high heat, don’t skip the cook time; just 4-5 hours is usually enough.
Another tip is to shred the chicken in the slow cooker. This helps it soak up all the delicious flavors from the broth and seasonings!
Easy Slow Cooker Italian Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet Italian dressing mix (or homemade)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup rice (white or brown)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: grated Parmesan cheese for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time, plus 6-8 hours of cooking on low (or 4-5 hours on high) for the chicken. You’ll also need about 30 minutes to cook the rice before serving. Easy and tasty, with minimal effort!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Slow Cooker:
Start by lightly greasing the inside of your slow cooker with olive oil. This will help prevent the chicken from sticking to the bottom. It’s a small step that makes a big difference!
2. Add the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. Make sure they’re laid out flat for even cooking. This is the base of your delicious meal!
3. Season the Chicken:
Sprinkle the Italian dressing mix generously over the chicken breasts. This will give your chicken amazing flavor as it cooks and infuses into the other ingredients.
4. Add Tomatoes and Beans:
Pour the can of diced tomatoes (with the juices) over the chicken. Then, add the drained and rinsed cannellini beans. These will add heartiness to your dish!
5. Pour in the Broth:
Add the chicken broth to the slow cooker. This will keep the chicken moist and delicious while it cooks, so be sure to cover it well.
6. Let It Cook:
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is cooked through and shreds easily with a fork. No need to watch it closely—just let it do its thing!
7. Cook the Rice:
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, cook your rice according to the package instructions in a separate pot. This will give you a nice base for the chicken.
8. Add Fresh Spinach:
Once the chicken is done, stir in the fresh spinach into the slow cooker. Let it wilt for about 5 minutes. It adds a lovely color and boosts the nutrition!
9. Serve It Up:
Using two forks, shred the chicken right in the slow cooker. Mix everything together well. Then, scoop your delicious Italian chicken mixture over the cooked rice on your plates.
10. Optional Topping:
If you’d like, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving. It adds a nice touch of flavor!
Enjoy your delicious and easy slow cooker Italian chicken! Perfect for busy days.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use frozen chicken breasts, but be sure to adjust the cooking time. If you start with frozen chicken, cook on high for about 5-6 hours, or on low for 8-10 hours. Always ensure that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety.
What If I Don’t Have Cannellini Beans?
No problem! You can swap cannellini beans for any white bean, like great northern or navy beans. If you prefer a different legume, black beans or chickpeas could work well, too, but they will change the flavor profile a bit.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes, this dish is great for meal prep! You can assemble all the ingredients (except for the spinach) in the slow cooker the night before and refrigerate it. In the morning, just plug it in to cook and enjoy a delicious meal when you get home!
How to Store Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you’d like to keep it longer, consider freezing it! Just ensure it’s in a freezer-safe container, and you’ll enjoy it for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm on the stove or in the microwave.
