Slow Cooker Creamy Italian Chicken
A comforting and easy slow cooker recipe featuring tender chicken in a rich, creamy Italian sauce made with just five simple ingredients.
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 to 5 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 7 minutes to 5 hours 7 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 cup Italian dressing (240 ml)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened (225 grams)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (50 grams)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste (optional)
- Optional: fresh basil or parsley for garnish
- Optional: black pepper
- Optional: splash of chicken broth or milk to adjust sauce consistency
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, grated Parmesan, and garlic powder. Mix until smooth and creamy. If needed, soften cream cheese in microwave for 20 seconds.
- Place chicken evenly in the bottom of the slow cooker. Season lightly with salt and pepper if desired.
- Pour Italian dressing evenly over the chicken.
- Dollop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the chicken and dressing. Spread gently with a spatula but do not mix.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours until chicken is tender and sauce is creamy.
- Once cooked, gently stir to combine sauce with chicken.
- Optional: garnish with fresh chopped parsley or basil before serving.
- If sauce is too thick, stir in a splash of chicken broth or milk. If too thin, cook uncovered on high for 15 minutes to reduce.
Notes
For extra flavor, sear chicken before slow cooking. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to maintain temperature. Soften cream cheese well to avoid lumps. Adjust sauce thickness by adding broth or cooking uncovered. Let dish rest a few minutes after cooking for richer flavor. Dairy-free and vegetarian adaptations available.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1/4 of the rec
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20
- Carbohydrates: 3
- Protein: 35
Keywords: slow cooker, creamy Italian chicken, easy dinner, 5-ingredient recipe, comfort food, crockpot chicken