Tender, juicy chicken slow-cooked in a rich, creamy Italian-seasoned sauce with garlic and Parmesan. This easy crockpot dinner is comforting, flavorful, and perfect over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or vegetables.
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4–6 hours on LOW or 2½–3½ hours on HIGH
Total Time: About 4–6 hours
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
2 lb (900 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Creamy Italian Sauce:
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened and cut into cubes
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon paprika
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped, optional
1 cup fresh baby spinach, optional
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Brown the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken for about 2–3 minutes per side. This step is optional, but it gives the chicken extra flavor and a better color.
Transfer to the Crockpot
Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.
Prepare the Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, heavy cream, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, oregano, basil, paprika, black pepper, and salt.
Add the Cream Cheese
Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken. Scatter the softened cream cheese cubes over the top.
Slow Cook
Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for 4–6 hours or HIGH for 2½–3½ hours. The chicken should be tender and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Add Parmesan
During the final 15–20 minutes of cooking, add the Parmesan cheese. Stir gently until the cheese melts into the sauce and creates a creamy consistency.
Add Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
If using spinach and sun-dried tomatoes, stir them into the sauce during the final 10–15 minutes. Allow the spinach to wilt.
Check the Sauce
If the sauce is too thick, add 2–4 tablespoons of warm chicken broth or heavy cream. If it is too thin, allow it to cook uncovered for a few minutes.
Finish the Chicken
Serve the chicken breasts whole, or shred them with two forks and stir the shredded chicken into the creamy Italian sauce.
Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
Fettuccine
Penne pasta
Egg noodles
Mashed potatoes
Garlic bread
Steamed broccoli
Roasted zucchini
Green beans
Cauliflower rice
A fresh garden salad
Nutrition Information
Approximate per serving, based on 6 servings and including the creamy sauce:
Calories: 510 kcal
Protein: 48 g
Total Fat: 31 g
Saturated Fat: 16 g
Carbohydrates: 7 g
Fiber: 1 g
Net Carbs: 6 g
Sugar: 2 g
Cholesterol: 180 mg
Sodium: 850 mg
Calcium: 210 mg
Iron: 2 mg
Potassium: 700 mg
Nutrition values are estimates and will vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.
Nut Information / Allergens
Peanuts: None
Tree nuts: None
Almonds: None
Cashews: None
Walnuts: None
Pecans: None
Pistachios: None
Hazelnuts: None
Macadamia nuts: None
Brazil nuts: None
Dairy: Yes — heavy cream, cream cheese, and Parmesan
Eggs: None
Gluten: No naturally gluten-containing ingredients, but check chicken broth and seasoning labels
Soy: Usually none, but check packaged ingredients
Sesame: None expected
Coconut: None
Corn: None expected
For a strict nut-free preparation, check all packaged ingredients for nut ingredients and cross-contact warnings.
Q/S
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A: Yes. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work very well and usually become especially tender in the crockpot.
Q: Can I add mushrooms?
A: Yes. Add about 8 oz sliced mushrooms at the beginning with the chicken.
Q: Can I add broccoli?
A: Yes. Add broccoli during the final 30–45 minutes so it stays tender instead of becoming mushy.
Q: Can I make this recipe spicy?
A: Yes. Add ¼–½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or a small pinch of cayenne pepper.
Q: Can I leave out the cream cheese?
A: Yes. The sauce will be lighter and thinner. You can add a little extra Parmesan and heavy cream for richness.
Q: Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
A: Yes. The sauce will be slightly less rich but still creamy.
Q: Can I use milk?
A: You can, but milk produces a thinner sauce. Whole milk works better than low-fat milk.
Q: Can I make this low-carb?
A: Yes. Skip pasta, potatoes, and bread and serve the chicken with cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, broccoli, or green beans.
Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: For food-safety reasons, thaw the chicken completely in the refrigerator before slow cooking.
Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken?
A: Yes. Use about 4 cups shredded cooked chicken and add it during the final 30–45 minutes, mainly to warm it and allow it to absorb the sauce.
Q: How do I make the sauce thicker?
A: Let the sauce cook uncovered for several minutes, or stir in additional Parmesan. You can also mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water and stir it in during the final 15–20 minutes.
Q: How do I make the sauce thinner?
A: Add a little warm chicken broth or heavy cream until you reach the desired consistency.
Q: Can I freeze Crockpot Italian Chicken?
A: Yes, although creamy sauces may separate slightly after freezing. Cool completely, store in an airtight freezer-safe container, and use within about 2–3 months for best quality.
Q: How long does it last in the refrigerator?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
Q: How should I reheat it?
A: Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce has become too thick.
Q: What cheese works best?
A: Freshly grated Parmesan gives the sauce the best flavor and smoothest texture. You can also add a little mozzarella for an extra-cheesy version.
With years of experience in restaurant research and local SEO, Sara creates accurate, user-friendly guides that work for both people and search engines. Her goal is to help users go from search results to their nearest restaurant or menu choice with as few clicks as possible.
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