Why You’ll Love this Slow Cooker Italian Chicken Recipe
If you’re looking for a comforting and flavorful meal, you’ll love this Slow Cooker Italian Chicken recipe. It’s a perfect blend of tender chicken and vibrant vegetables, all simmered together in a rich, savory sauce.
The best part? You can throw it all into the slow cooker and let it do the work for you! I appreciate how the flavors meld together as everything cooks slowly, creating a delicious aroma that fills my kitchen.
Plus, it’s versatile; you can easily adjust the vegetables based on what you have on hand. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend, this dish brings warmth and satisfaction to the table, making every bite a delightful experience.
You won’t be disappointed!
Ingredients of Slow Cooker Italian Chicken
Let’s plunge into the delightful ingredients you’ll need for the Slow Cooker Italian Chicken recipe. This dish isn’t only delicious, but it’s also packed with wholesome veggies and tender chicken. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like a culinary genius, even if you just threw everything in a pot and walked away.
Plus, the best part? Most of these ingredients are staples you may already have in your kitchen. So, let’s gather what we need to create this comforting dish!
- Non-stick cooking spray
- 1 small eggplant, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes (about 1 1/2 cups)
- 1 medium onion, cut into thin half moons
- 1 celery rib, thinly sliced (about 1/2 cup)
- 1/2 large carrot, cut into thin half moons (about 1/2 cup)
- 1/2 cup baby portabella mushrooms, coarsely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 chicken breast halves, boneless and skinless (still frozen)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 (14-16 ounce) can of chopped tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can of tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 sprig of fresh rosemary
Now, before you start cooking, let’s chat about these ingredients for a moment. The frozen chicken breasts are a game changer. Seriously, who’s time to defrost chicken? Not me. And it’s totally fine to toss them in frozen; the slow cooker will work its magic.
If you don’t have fresh rosemary or any other herbs, dried ones will do just fine. Just remember, dried herbs are more potent, so you might want to reduce the amount a little.
And don’t get too stressed about the veggies; if you have zucchini or bell peppers lying around, feel free to swap them in. This recipe is pretty forgiving, and that’s what makes it a winner for busy cooks like us.
How to Make Slow Cooker Italian Chicken
Alright, let’s plunge into how to make this Slow Cooker Italian Chicken, shall we? First things first, grab your non-stick cooking spray and give your slow cooker a good spritz. You don’t want anything sticking to the sides, trust me.
Then, take your 1 medium onion and slice it into thin half moons. Toss those into the bottom of the slow cooker. Next up, grab that 1/2 large carrot and your celery rib, slicing them into thin half moons and adding them to the mix.
Now, don’t forget about the 1 small eggplant—peel it and cut it into 1/2-inch cubes, tossing those in as well. And let’s not skip the 1/2 cup of baby portabella mushrooms; coarsely chop them and add them to your veggie medley. It’s starting to look colorful and delicious, right?
Now for the star of the show—our protein! You’ll need 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, and here’s the kicker—they can go in frozen. No need to thaw them out; just place them right on top of those lovely vegetables.
In a separate bowl, mix together 1 tablespoon of tomato paste, a 14-16 ounce can of chopped tomatoes (juice and all), and a 15-ounce can of tomato sauce. Add in those 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon of red wine vinegar, and season it up with 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/8 teaspoon of ground black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
Stir this all together until it’s well combined, and then pour that fragrant mixture over the chicken and veggies. Finally, place a sprig of fresh rosemary on top for that aromatic touch.
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on high for 4-6 hours. Here’s a little tip: if your slow cooker tends to run hot, check it after 3 hours to see how it’s doing. If it’s looking good, prop the lid open with a toothpick during the last hour to thicken that sauce.
You really want to keep an eye on the chicken because overcooking can turn it into a dry mess. Just think of it as a little cooking adventure—you’ll find the perfect timing that works for your slow cooker.
And there you have it, a savory dish that practically cooks itself while you sit back and maybe even watch a few episodes of your favorite show. Enjoy the aromas wafting through your kitchen; now that’s the real magic.
Slow Cooker Italian Chicken Substitutions & Variations
After enjoying the delicious Slow Cooker Italian Chicken, you might find yourself wanting to switch things up a bit.
I love experimenting with different ingredients! Instead of chicken breasts, try using thighs for a juicier result. If you’re not a fan of eggplant, zucchini or bell peppers work great as substitutes.
For a heartier meal, add some chickpeas or lentils. You can also switch up the seasoning; adding fresh basil or oregano can give it a vibrant twist. For a kick, toss in some red pepper flakes.
If you’re looking for a lighter version, use cauliflower rice instead of pasta.
With these simple substitutions, you’ll keep your Italian Chicken exciting and fresh!
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Italian Chicken
What can elevate your Slow Cooker Italian Chicken to a complete meal? I love serving it with a side of creamy polenta or fluffy risotto. They soak up the flavorful sauce beautifully.
A fresh arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette adds a nice peppery contrast and brightens the dish. If I’m in the mood for something heartier, garlic bread is always a hit; it’s perfect for sopping up every final bit of sauce.
For a comforting touch, roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers work wonders. Finally, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan can take your meal over the top, adding that rich, savory finish.
These sides truly complement the deliciousness of the chicken!
Additional Tips & Notes
While preparing your Slow Cooker Italian Chicken, don’t overlook the importance of seasoning and adjusting flavors to suit your taste. I often add a pinch more salt or a dash of red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
If you love herbs, toss in some fresh basil or parsley before serving for a burst of freshness. For a creamier texture, consider stirring in a dollop of ricotta cheese just before serving.
Remember, slow cookers can vary, so keep an eye on the chicken to prevent overcooking. If you want a thicker sauce, let it simmer with the lid propped open for the last hour.
Enjoy the comforting aroma that fills your kitchen—it’s truly irresistible!