Crockpot Italian Chicken

Equipment

• 6-quart crockpot or slow cooker
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Forks for shredding chicken

Ingredients

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 packet Italian dressing seasoning mix (0.7 ounces)
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional garnish)

Optional Add-Ins

• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1 cup spinach
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes for heat
• Extra Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crockpot

1. Lightly spray the inside of your crockpot with non-stick cooking spray. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Step 2: Add the Chicken

1. Place the chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of the crockpot. Sprinkle the Italian dressing seasoning mix evenly over the chicken.

Step 3: Mix the Sauce

1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, garlic powder, black pepper, onion powder, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until mostly smooth.
2. The mixture does not need to be perfectly blended because it will melt and combine while cooking.

Step 4: Pour Over Chicken

1. Pour the prepared sauce mixture evenly over the seasoned chicken breasts. Make sure the chicken is mostly covered by the sauce.

Step 5: Slow Cook

1. Cover the crockpot with the lid.
2. Cook on Low: 6–8 hours
3. Cook on High: 3–4 hours
4. Avoid opening the lid frequently during cooking, as this releases heat and extends the cooking time.

Step 6: Shred the Chicken

1. Once the chicken is fully cooked and tender, use two forks to shred it directly in the crockpot.
2. Stir the shredded chicken into the creamy sauce until evenly coated.

Step 7: Final Seasoning

1. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Add extra Parmesan cheese, black pepper, or Italian seasoning according to your preference.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

1. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
2. Serve hot over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables.

Nutrition

Calories: 385 · Protein: 38g · Fat: 23g · Carbohydrates: 6g · Saturated Fat: 11g · Fiber: 0.5g · Sugar: 2g · Sodium: 720mg