Name: Crockpot Creamy Italian Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 6 h 20 min
Total time: 6 h 50 min
Yield: 5
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 5 chicken breasts; 1 packet Good Seasons Italian dressing mix; ⅛ tsp black pepper; ½ cup water; 6 cloves garlic; 1 white onion; 10½ oz cream of chicken soup; 8 oz cream cheese; noodle; parsley flake

This crockpot creamy Italian chicken recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight meal. With minimal prep work and a few hours in the crockpot, you’ll have a delicious, comforting dish that pairs perfectly with noodles. The creamy, tangy flavors melt in your mouth, making this a family favorite.

Photos of Crockpot Creamy Italian Chicken Recipe

When gathering ingredients, note that good seasons italian dressing mix might not be a pantry staple and can be found in the salad dressing aisle. Additionally, cream cheese and cream of chicken soup are essential for this recipe's creamy texture and might require a trip to the dairy and soup sections respectively.

Ingredients For Crockpot Creamy Italian Chicken Recipe

chicken breasts: The protein base of the dish, chicken breasts become tender and flavorful in the crockpot.

good seasons italian dressing mix: Adds a tangy, herby flavor to the chicken.

black pepper: Provides a hint of spice to balance the flavors.

water: Helps to keep the chicken moist during cooking.

garlic: Adds a rich, aromatic flavor to the dish.

white onion: Enhances the overall taste with a slightly sweet, savory note.

cream of chicken soup: Adds creaminess and depth of flavor to the sauce.

cream cheese: Contributes to the rich, creamy texture of the dish.

noodles: The perfect base for serving the creamy chicken.

parsley flakes: A garnish that adds a touch of color and freshness.

One reader, Darwin Sapp says:

This crockpot creamy Italian chicken recipe is a game-changer! The chicken is incredibly tender, and the creamy sauce is bursting with flavor. It's so easy to make and perfect for a cozy dinner. My family loved it, and it's now a regular in our meal rotation. Highly recommend!

Darwin Sapp

Techniques for Making Crockpot Creamy Italian Chicken

Yes.

How to clean and rinse chicken breasts: Rinse the chicken breasts under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Trim any excess fat or skin if necessary.

How to mix ingredients: Combine the Italian dressing mix, black pepper, water, and minced garlic in a bowl and stir until well blended.

How to slice onions: Peel the onion and cut it into thin slices.

How to shred chicken: Use two forks to pull apart the cooked chicken breasts into shreds.

How to combine cream of chicken soup and cream cheese: In a separate bowl, mix the cream of chicken soup and softened cream cheese until smooth and well combined.

How to cook noodles: Follow the package instructions to cook the noodles until al dente, then drain and set aside.

How To Make Crockpot Creamy Italian Chicken

You know it’s a simple meal when you use a crockpot. This Italian chicken recipe makes a creamy sauce atop juicy chicken meat.

Preparation: 30 minutes

Cooking: 6 hours 20 minutes

Total: 6 hours 50 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

5chicken breastsboneless
1packetGood Seasons Italian dressing mix
⅛tspblack pepper
½cupwater
6clovesgarlicminced
1white onionsliced
10½ozcream of chicken soupcondensed
8ozcream cheesesoftened
noodlecooked
parsley flakedry

Instructions

Place cleaned and rinsed chicken breast in a crockpot
In a separate bowl, mix together Italian dressing mix, black pepper, water and garlic. Pour this mixture over the chicken breasts, top with sliced onions, cover and cook for low heat for 6 hours in the crockpot..
Once cooked, shred chicken with two forks and leave inside the crockpot.
In a separate bowl, combine cream of chicken soup and cream cheese. Add this mixture to the crockpot and stir well.
Keep on warm heat and continue to stir until chicken is thoroughly coated with cream cheese/ cream of chicken mixture.
Serve over cooked noodles with a sprinkle of parsley flakes and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 502.43kcal
Fat: 33.56g
Saturated Fat: 13.93g
Trans Fat: 0.18g
Monounsaturated Fat: 11.38g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 4.46g
Carbohydrates: 8.47g
Fiber: 0.79g
Sugar: 2.60g
Protein: 40.50g
Cholesterol: 163.64mg
Sodium: 486.44mg
Calcium: 98.57mg
Potassium: 543.15mg
Iron: 2.25mg
Vitamin A: 262.83µg
Vitamin C: 7.56mg

Pro Tip for Making Crockpot Creamy Italian Chicken

To ensure the chicken breasts remain juicy and tender, avoid lifting the lid of the crockpot during the cooking process. Each time the lid is opened, heat escapes, which can extend the cooking time and potentially dry out the chicken.

Time-Saving Tips for This Crockpot Recipe

Prep ingredients in advance: Chop the onion and mince the garlic the night before to save time in the morning.

Use pre-cooked chicken: Substitute with rotisserie chicken to cut down on cooking time. Just shred and add to the crockpot.

Instant pot option: If you have an Instant Pot, use it to cook the chicken faster. It can reduce cooking time significantly.

Pre-mix sauces: Combine the cream of chicken soup and cream cheese ahead of time and store in the fridge until needed.

Use garlic paste: Swap fresh garlic with pre-minced garlic paste to save chopping time.

Substitute Ingredients For Crockpot Creamy Italian Chicken Recipe

Chicken breasts - Substitute with turkey breasts: Turkey breasts have a similar texture and flavor profile, making them a good alternative in this dish.
Good Seasons Italian dressing mix - Substitute with homemade Italian seasoning mix: Combine dried oregano, basil, parsley, onion powder, garlic powder, and a bit of salt and sugar to mimic the flavors of the packet.
Black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat and flavor but with a slightly different color, which won't affect the dish significantly.
Water - Substitute with chicken broth: Chicken broth adds more depth and flavor to the dish compared to plain water.
Garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: If fresh garlic is unavailable, garlic powder can provide a similar flavor, though it will be less pungent.
White onion - Substitute with yellow onion: Yellow onions have a similar texture and flavor, making them a suitable replacement.
Cream of chicken soup - Substitute with cream of mushroom soup: Cream of mushroom soup offers a similar creamy texture and savory flavor, though it will add a slight mushroom taste.
Cream cheese - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt provides a creamy texture and tangy flavor, while also being a healthier option.
Noodle - Substitute with rice: Rice can serve as a hearty base for the dish, offering a different texture but still complementing the creamy sauce.
Parsley flake - Substitute with fresh parsley: Fresh parsley can be used in place of dried parsley flakes for a more vibrant flavor and color.

Presenting Your Creamy Italian Chicken

Serve smaller portion sizes: Plate a modest portion of the shredded chicken mixture over a delicate nest of cooked noodles. This ensures the dish looks elegant and refined.
Use decoration: Garnish the dish with a light sprinkle of parsley flakes for a touch of color and freshness. Add a few microgreens or edible flowers for an extra layer of sophistication.
Layer flavors: Place a thin layer of cream cheese and cream of chicken soup mixture on the plate first, then add the shredded chicken. This creates a visually appealing contrast and enhances the depth of flavor.
Highlight ingredients: Arrange a few slices of white onion and whole garlic cloves artistically around the plate. This not only adds visual interest but also emphasizes the key ingredients of the dish.
Use high-quality garnishes: Drizzle a small amount of high-quality extra virgin olive oil around the plate. This adds a luxurious touch and enhances the overall flavor profile.
Create height: Stack the shredded chicken mixture slightly higher in the center of the plate. This adds dimension and makes the dish look more dynamic and appealing.
Balance colors: Ensure a balance of colors on the plate by incorporating elements like a small side of steamed vegetables or a bright, tangy tomato relish. This adds vibrancy and makes the dish more visually appealing.
Use elegant plating: Serve the dish on a large, white plate with a wide rim. This provides a clean canvas that allows the colors and textures of the dish to stand out.
Add a touch of luxury: Finish the dish with a light dusting of finely grated Parmesan cheese or a few shavings of truffle. This adds an element of indulgence and elevates the overall dining experience.

Essential Tools for Making Crockpot Creamy Italian Chicken

Crockpot: A slow cooker that will cook the chicken breasts and blend the flavors over a long period.
Mixing bowl: Used to mix the Italian dressing mix, black pepper, water, and garlic together.
Measuring cups: Essential for measuring out the water and other ingredients accurately.
Garlic press: Handy for mincing the garlic cloves quickly and efficiently.
Knife: Used to slice the white onion and to clean and trim the chicken breasts if needed.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for slicing the onion and preparing the chicken.
Forks: Needed for shredding the cooked chicken breasts.
Spatula: Useful for stirring the cream of chicken soup and cream cheese mixture into the crockpot.
Saucepan: Used to cook the noodles before serving.
Colander: For draining the cooked noodles.
Serving spoon: To serve the creamy Italian chicken over the noodles.
Measuring spoons: For measuring out the black pepper and other small quantities of ingredients.

Storing and Freezing Your Creamy Italian Chicken

Allow the crockpot creamy italian chicken to cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent the formation of condensation, which can lead to soggy or watery leftovers.
For short-term storage, transfer the cooled chicken and sauce to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
When reheating refrigerated leftovers, ensure that the chicken is heated through and the sauce is steaming hot. You can reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
For longer storage, freeze the crockpot creamy italian chicken in airtight, freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Remove as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
Consider portioning the chicken and sauce into individual servings before freezing for easy reheating and portion control.
Label the containers or bags with the date and contents to keep track of your frozen meals.
Frozen crockpot creamy italian chicken can be stored for up to 3 months in the freezer.
To reheat frozen leftovers, thaw the chicken and sauce in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until the chicken is heated through and the sauce is steaming hot.
If you plan to freeze the crockpot creamy italian chicken, consider undercooking the noodles slightly. This will help prevent them from becoming mushy when reheated.
Alternatively, you can store the chicken and sauce separately from the noodles. Cook fresh noodles when ready to serve the reheated chicken and sauce.

How To Reheat Leftover Creamy Italian Chicken

The best way to reheat leftover crockpot creamy italian chicken is to use the microwave. Place the desired amount of chicken and sauce in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Another great option is to reheat the chicken on the stovetop. Transfer the chicken and sauce to a saucepan and heat over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until warmed through. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water to thin it out.
For a crispy texture, you can also reheat the chicken in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), place the chicken and sauce in an oven-safe dish, and cover with foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking to allow the top to brown slightly.
If you have leftover noodles, it's best to reheat them separately from the chicken. Boil a pot of water, add the noodles, and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Drain the noodles and serve them with the reheated chicken and sauce.
To maintain the best flavor and texture, consume leftover crockpot creamy italian chicken within 3-4 days of initial cooking. Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Interesting Trivia About Creamy Italian Chicken

A random fact about this recipe: The combination of cream cheese and cream of chicken soup creates a rich and creamy sauce that perfectly complements the chicken, making it a comforting and flavorful dish ideal for family dinners.

Budget-Friendly Crockpot Cooking: Is This Recipe Economical?

Analyzing the cost-effectiveness of this crockpot creamy Italian chicken recipe, it proves to be quite economical. The main ingredients like chicken breasts, cream of chicken soup, and cream cheese are affordable and widely available. The use of a crockpot ensures energy efficiency. For a household of 4, the approximate cost is around $15-$20 USD. Overall Verdict: 8/10.

Is This Creamy Crockpot Dish Healthy or Not?

The crockpot creamy Italian chicken recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not the healthiest option due to its high fat and sodium content. The recipe heavily relies on processed ingredients like cream of chicken soup and Italian dressing mix, which are known to be high in sodium. Moreover, the addition of cream cheese significantly increases the dish's saturated fat content. The use of white onion and garlic does provide some nutritional value, but it is overshadowed by the other less healthy ingredients.

To make this recipe healthier:

Replace the cream of chicken soup with a homemade version using low-sodium chicken broth, milk, and a small amount of flour to thicken
Use low-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt instead of regular cream cheese to reduce the saturated fat content
Opt for whole grain noodles to increase the fiber content and provide a more balanced meal
Include more vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach to boost the dish's nutritional value
Reduce the amount of Italian dressing mix used, or create a homemade version with herbs, spices, and a small amount of olive oil to control the sodium content better

Our Editor's Take on Crockpot Creamy Italian Chicken

This crockpot creamy Italian chicken recipe is a comforting and flavorful dish that's perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of Italian dressing mix, garlic, and onion infuses the chicken with robust flavors, while the cream of chicken soup and cream cheese create a rich, velvety sauce. Serving it over noodles adds a satisfying texture, and the sprinkle of parsley flakes provides a fresh, aromatic finish. It's a simple yet delicious meal that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum taste.

Enhance Your Crockpot Creamy Italian Chicken Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Asparagus: Imagine the delightful crunch of asparagus spears, roasted to perfection with a generous sprinkle of parmesan cheese and a hint of garlic. This side dish adds a touch of elegance and a burst of flavor to your creamy Italian chicken.

Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad infused with the zesty notes of lemon and a medley of fresh herbs. This vibrant dish brings a light and tangy contrast to the rich, creamy chicken, making every bite a delightful experience.

Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts: Picture brussels sprouts caramelized with a luscious balsamic glaze, creating a perfect balance of sweet and savory. This side dish adds a sophisticated touch and a depth of flavor that complements the creamy chicken beautifully.

Caprese Salad: A classic caprese salad featuring ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil, drizzled with a balsamic reduction. This colorful and refreshing salad provides a burst of freshness that pairs wonderfully with the rich chicken dish.

Garlic Butter Breadsticks: Soft, warm breadsticks brushed with a generous coating of garlic butter and sprinkled with parsley. These breadsticks are perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce from the chicken, making every bite a comforting delight.

Similar Recipes to Crockpot Creamy Italian Chicken

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Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for Crockpot Creamy Italian Chicken

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Stuffed Mushrooms are a delightful way to start your meal. Imagine tender mushroom caps filled with a savory mixture of breadcrumbs, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. The filling is enhanced with finely chopped herbs and a touch of lemon zest for brightness. Bake them until the mushrooms are tender and the tops are golden brown. These bite-sized delights are perfect for setting the stage for your creamy Italian chicken main course.

Bruschetta: Bruschetta is a classic Italian appetizer that pairs beautifully with a creamy main course. Start with slices of toasted baguette brushed with olive oil. Top each slice with a mixture of diced tomatoes, fresh basil, and minced garlic. A drizzle of balsamic glaze and a sprinkle of sea salt elevate the flavors. The crisp bread and fresh toppings provide a wonderful contrast to the rich and creamy chicken dish.

Desserts:

Tiramisu: Indulge in a classic Italian treat that layers espresso-soaked ladyfingers with a rich mascarpone cheese mixture. The cocoa powder dusting on top adds a touch of bitterness that perfectly balances the sweetness. This dessert is best served chilled, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. It's a delightful way to end any meal, especially after enjoying a creamy Italian chicken dish.

Panna Cotta: Experience the silky smooth texture of this Italian custard dessert. Infused with vanilla beans and topped with a fresh berry compote, this dessert offers a perfect balance of creamy and fruity flavors. The gelatin gives it a delicate wobble, making it a visually appealing and deliciously light option to follow a hearty main course.

Why trust this Crockpot Creamy Italian Chicken Recipe:

This crockpot creamy Italian chicken recipe is a must-try for busy cooks. The chicken breasts become incredibly tender after slow-cooking for six hours, absorbing the rich flavors of Italian dressing mix, garlic, and onion. The addition of cream of chicken soup and cream cheese creates a luscious, creamy sauce that perfectly coats the shredded chicken. Served over noodles and garnished with parsley flakes, this dish is both comforting and delicious. Trust this recipe for its simplicity, ease of preparation, and guaranteed flavorful results.

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FAQ:

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

To make this dish gluten-free, use a gluten-free Italian dressing mix and a gluten-free cream of chicken soup. Double-check all labels to ensure there are no hidden gluten ingredients.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work just as well and might even add a bit more flavor and tenderness. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time if needed.

What type of noodles should I use?

You can use any type of noodles you like. Egg noodles, fettuccine, or even spaghetti work great. Just cook them according to the package instructions and serve the creamy chicken over them.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Yes, you can definitely add vegetables. Some good options are sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach. Just add them in during the last hour of cooking so they don't get too mushy.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop. If the sauce thickens too much, just add a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen it up.