Introduction: Craving a Flavorful, Italian-Inspired Chicken Dish?
Want a hearty, comforting meal that’s packed with Italian flavors and easy to make? Slow-Cooked Italian Chicken is the perfect recipe! This slow-cooker dish combines tender chicken breasts with a zesty tomato-based sauce, vibrant green peppers, and bold seasonings, all served over pasta. Ideal for family dinners, meal prep, or cozy evenings, this dish is simple to prepare and delivers big, savory taste. Ready to create a delicious, Italian-inspired meal with minimal effort? Let’s dive into this tasty recipe!
Overview: Why Slow-Cooked Italian Chicken is Special
Slow-Cooked Italian Chicken is a wholesome, flavorful dish that brings Italian flair to your table with the convenience of a slow cooker. The tomato and spice blend makes it stand out. Here’s why it’s so special:
- Time Requirement: About 15 minutes prep, 4-5 hours cooking on Low, plus 5-10 minutes finishing, for a total of about 4.5-5.5 hours (mostly hands-off).
- Difficulty Level: Easy! Perfect for beginners or anyone wanting a low-effort, high-flavor meal.
- Why It’s Unique: The slow cooker ensures juicy, tender chicken infused with a rich sauce of tomatoes, broth, and spices like chili powder and mustard. The green pepper and onion add texture, while a flour-thickened sauce creates a velvety finish. Served over pasta with optional Parmesan and basil, this dish is a perfect balance of comforting and vibrant, ideal for any occasion.
This recipe is savory, versatile, and perfect for chicken lovers or fans of Italian-inspired meals. Let’s get cooking!
Essential Ingredients
This recipe serves 4 and uses simple ingredients for a bold, flavorful dish. Here’s what you’ll need for the original (1x) recipe:
- For the Chicken and Sauce:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (4 ounces each)
- 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) reduced-sodium chicken broth
- 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) stewed tomatoes, cut up
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 medium green pepper, chopped
- 1 green onion, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 3 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- For Thickening:
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cold water
- For Serving:
- Hot cooked pasta (e.g., spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine)
- Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese and minced fresh basil
Why These Ingredients Matter
- Chicken Breasts: Lean, tender protein that absorbs the sauce’s flavors.
- Chicken Broth: Adds savory depth and keeps the dish moist.
- Stewed Tomatoes: Provide a chunky, tangy tomato base.
- Tomato Sauce: Creates a smooth, rich sauce consistency.
- Green Pepper: Adds crunch and mild sweetness.
- Green Onion: Contributes a subtle, fresh onion flavor.
- Garlic: Brings aromatic, savory warmth.
- Chili Powder, Mustard, Pepper, Garlic/Onion Powder: Create a bold, slightly spicy, and savory seasoning blend.
- Flour and Water: Thicken the sauce for a velvety texture.
- Pasta: A hearty base to soak up the sauce.
- Parmesan and Basil: Optional, but add cheesy richness and fresh, herby notes.
Substitutions and Variations
- Chicken: Swap with boneless chicken thighs (cook 5-6 hours) or turkey breast cutlets.
- Broth: Use vegetable broth or regular chicken broth if sodium isn’t a concern.
- Tomatoes: Replace stewed tomatoes with diced tomatoes or fresh tomatoes (2 cups, chopped).
- Tomato Sauce: Substitute with crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce.
- Green Pepper: Use red or yellow bell pepper for a sweeter flavor, or zucchini for a different veggie.
- Green Onion: Swap with 1/4 cup chopped yellow onion or chives.
- Garlic: Use 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder if fresh isn’t available.
- Spices: Adjust chili powder to 1 teaspoon for less heat, or add 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning for more Italian flair.
- Flour: Use cornstarch (2 tablespoons in 1/4 cup water) or gluten-free flour for thickening.
- Pasta: Swap with gluten-free pasta, zucchini noodles, or rice.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch and gluten-free pasta.
- Lower Sodium: Use no-salt-added tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth.
- Creamy Version: Stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream or cream cheese to the sauce before thickening.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making Slow-Cooked Italian Chicken is quick and easy, with the slow cooker handling most of the work. Follow these steps for a perfect meal every time!
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
- Trim 4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (4 ounces each) if needed.
- Open 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) reduced-sodium chicken broth, 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) stewed tomatoes (cut up if not pre-cut), and 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce.
- Chop 1 medium green pepper and 1 green onion.
- Mince 1 garlic clove.
- Measure 3 teaspoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon ground mustard, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon onion powder.
- Measure 1/3 cup all-purpose flour and 1/2 cup cold water for thickening.
- Cook pasta according to package directions closer to serving time.
- Grate Parmesan cheese and mince fresh basil (if using).
Tip: Prep veggies and measure spices while the slow cooker heats to save time.
Step 2: Assemble in Slow Cooker
- Add Chicken: Place chicken breasts in a 3-quart slow cooker, arranging them in a single layer.
- Mix Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine chicken broth, stewed tomatoes, tomato sauce, chopped green pepper, chopped green onion, minced garlic, chili powder, ground mustard, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until well blended.
- Pour Over Chicken: Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken, ensuring the breasts are fully covered.
Tip: No need to brown the chicken; the slow cooker and bold sauce create plenty of flavor.
Step 3: Cook
- Cook on Low: Cover and cook on Low for 4-5 hours, until the chicken is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Tip: Check at 4 hours; smaller breasts or hotter slow cookers may cook faster. The chicken should be fork-tender.
Step 4: Remove Chicken
- Remove Chicken: Carefully transfer chicken breasts to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.
Tip: Use tongs to avoid breaking the tender chicken.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
- Transfer Juices: Pour the cooking juices from the slow cooker into a large saucepan. Skim any visible fat from the surface.
- Mix Thickener: In a small bowl, combine 1/3 cup all-purpose flour and 1/2 cup cold water, stirring until smooth.
- Thicken Sauce: Stir the flour mixture into the cooking juices. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly. Cook and stir for 2 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to a gravy-like consistency.
Tip: Stir continuously to prevent lumps; if the sauce is too thick, add a splash of broth or water.
Step 6: Serve
- Plate Pasta: Spoon hot cooked pasta onto plates or bowls.
- Add Chicken: Place a chicken breast on top of the pasta.
- Spoon Sauce: Pour the thickened sauce over the chicken and pasta, including some veggies from the sauce.
- Garnish: If desired, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and minced fresh basil.
- Serve: Serve hot, with extra sauce on the side if needed.
Tip: Toss pasta with a drizzle of olive oil before plating to prevent sticking.
Assembly: Building the Perfect Slow-Cooked Italian Chicken
Assembling Slow-Cooked Italian Chicken is all about creating a vibrant, saucy dish with tender chicken and bold flavors. Here’s how to put it together:
- Place Chicken: Arrange chicken breasts in the slow cooker for even cooking.
- Mix Sauce: Combine broth, tomatoes, veggies, and spices for a zesty Italian sauce.
- Slow Cook: Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for tender, flavorful results.
- Thicken Sauce: Transform cooking juices into a velvety gravy.
- Serve Over Pasta: Plate with pasta, chicken, sauce, and optional garnishes for a complete meal.
Presentation Tips:
- Serve in wide bowls or plates to showcase the colorful sauce and pasta.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of Parmesan, fresh basil, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a vibrant look.
- Pair with garlic bread, a green salad, or steamed green beans for an Italian-inspired feast.
- Use white or colorful dishes to highlight the dish’s rich, tomatoey appearance.
Serving Suggestions
Slow-Cooked Italian Chicken is versatile and perfect for a variety of occasions. Here are some ideas to enjoy it:
- For Family Dinner: Serve over spaghetti with a side of garlic bread and a Caesar salad.
- For Meal Prep: Portion chicken, sauce, and pasta into containers for easy, flavorful lunches.
- For Guests: Plate with fettuccine and offer a cheese grater for fresh Parmesan at the table.
- With Wine: Pair with a light red wine like Chianti or a crisp white like Pinot Grigio.
- As a Bowl: Serve over zucchini noodles or polenta for a low-carb or gluten-free option.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Slow-Cooked Italian Chicken is great for leftovers or meal prep. Here’s how to keep it fresh:
- Storing Leftovers:
- Store chicken, sauce, and pasta separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat chicken and sauce in a saucepan over medium heat with a splash of broth, about 5-7 minutes, or microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway. Reheat pasta separately or toss with sauce.
- Make-Ahead Tips:
- Sauce: Mix sauce ingredients (without chicken) up to 1 day ahead; refrigerate and stir before using.
- Ingredients: Chop green pepper, onion, and garlic up to 1 day ahead; store in the fridge.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken and sauce (without pasta) for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge, reheat with a splash of broth, and serve with fresh pasta.
Tip: Add fresh garnishes like Parmesan and basil when serving to keep flavors bright.
Recipe Variations
Slow-Cooked Italian Chicken is versatile and easy to customize. Here are some fun twists to try:
- Spicy Version: Add 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes or 1 tablespoon diced jalapeños to the sauce.
- Veggie Boost: Stir in 1 cup sliced mushrooms or spinach during the last hour of cooking.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch for thickening and gluten-free pasta.
- Lower Fat: Use chicken tenderloins and reduce flour to 1/4 cup for a lighter sauce.
- Creamy Italian: Stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream or 2 tablespoons cream cheese before thickening.
- Herb-Infused: Add 1 teaspoon dried oregano or 1 tablespoon fresh basil to the sauce.
- Oven-Baked Option: Combine ingredients in a 9×13-inch baking dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F for 1-1.5 hours; thicken sauce on the stovetop.
Tip: Keep the tomatoes and chili powder for the signature Italian-meets-spicy flavor.
Conclusion: Savor Your Slow-Cooked Italian Chicken!
You’ve just made Slow-Cooked Italian Chicken—a tender, flavorful, and Italian-inspired dish that’s perfect for any occasion! This slow-cooker recipe is easy, versatile, and so delicious it’ll become a family favorite. Whether you serve it over pasta with Parmesan or enjoy it as a low-carb bowl, it’s sure to satisfy. Grab a plate, spoon on the sauce, and enjoy the Italian vibes. What’s your favorite pasta to pair with this dish? Share your ideas in the comments, and happy cooking!
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Slow-Cooked Italian Chicken
Description
Want a hearty, comforting meal that’s packed with Italian flavors and easy to make? Slow-Cooked Italian Chicken is the perfect recipe! This slow-cooker dish combines tender chicken breasts with a zesty tomato-based sauce, vibrant green peppers, and bold seasonings, all served over pasta
Ingredients
This recipe serves 4 and uses simple ingredients for a bold, flavorful dish. Here’s what you’ll need for the original (1x) recipe:
- For the Chicken and Sauce:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (4 ounces each)
- 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) reduced-sodium chicken broth
- 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) stewed tomatoes, cut up
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 medium green pepper, chopped
- 1 green onion, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 3 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- For Thickening:
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cold water
- For Serving:
- Hot cooked pasta (e.g., spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine)
- Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese and minced fresh basil
Why These Ingredients Matter
- Chicken Breasts: Lean, tender protein that absorbs the sauce’s flavors.
- Chicken Broth: Adds savory depth and keeps the dish moist.
- Stewed Tomatoes: Provide a chunky, tangy tomato base.
- Tomato Sauce: Creates a smooth, rich sauce consistency.
- Green Pepper: Adds crunch and mild sweetness.
- Green Onion: Contributes a subtle, fresh onion flavor.
- Garlic: Brings aromatic, savory warmth.
- Chili Powder, Mustard, Pepper, Garlic/Onion Powder: Create a bold, slightly spicy, and savory seasoning blend.
- Flour and Water: Thicken the sauce for a velvety texture.
- Pasta: A hearty base to soak up the sauce.
- Parmesan and Basil: Optional, but add cheesy richness and fresh, herby notes.
Substitutions and Variations
- Chicken: Swap with boneless chicken thighs (cook 5-6 hours) or turkey breast cutlets.
- Broth: Use vegetable broth or regular chicken broth if sodium isn’t a concern.
- Tomatoes: Replace stewed tomatoes with diced tomatoes or fresh tomatoes (2 cups, chopped).
- Tomato Sauce: Substitute with crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce.
- Green Pepper: Use red or yellow bell pepper for a sweeter flavor, or zucchini for a different veggie.
- Green Onion: Swap with 1/4 cup chopped yellow onion or chives.
- Garlic: Use 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder if fresh isn’t available.
- Spices: Adjust chili powder to 1 teaspoon for less heat, or add 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning for more Italian flair.
- Flour: Use cornstarch (2 tablespoons in 1/4 cup water) or gluten-free flour for thickening.
- Pasta: Swap with gluten-free pasta, zucchini noodles, or rice.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch and gluten-free pasta.
- Lower Sodium: Use no-salt-added tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth.
- Creamy Version: Stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream or cream cheese to the sauce before thickening.
Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
- Trim 4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (4 ounces each) if needed.
- Open 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) reduced-sodium chicken broth, 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) stewed tomatoes (cut up if not pre-cut), and 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce.
- Chop 1 medium green pepper and 1 green onion.
- Mince 1 garlic clove.
- Measure 3 teaspoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon ground mustard, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon onion powder.
- Measure 1/3 cup all-purpose flour and 1/2 cup cold water for thickening.
- Cook pasta according to package directions closer to serving time.
- Grate Parmesan cheese and mince fresh basil (if using).
Tip: Prep veggies and measure spices while the slow cooker heats to save time.
Step 2: Assemble in Slow Cooker
- Add Chicken: Place chicken breasts in a 3-quart slow cooker, arranging them in a single layer.
- Mix Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine chicken broth, stewed tomatoes, tomato sauce, chopped green pepper, chopped green onion, minced garlic, chili powder, ground mustard, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until well blended.
- Pour Over Chicken: Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken, ensuring the breasts are fully covered.
Tip: No need to brown the chicken; the slow cooker and bold sauce create plenty of flavor.
Step 3: Cook
- Cook on Low: Cover and cook on Low for 4-5 hours, until the chicken is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Tip: Check at 4 hours; smaller breasts or hotter slow cookers may cook faster. The chicken should be fork-tender.
Step 4: Remove Chicken
- Remove Chicken: Carefully transfer chicken breasts to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.
Tip: Use tongs to avoid breaking the tender chicken.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
- Transfer Juices: Pour the cooking juices from the slow cooker into a large saucepan. Skim any visible fat from the surface.
- Mix Thickener: In a small bowl, combine 1/3 cup all-purpose flour and 1/2 cup cold water, stirring until smooth.
- Thicken Sauce: Stir the flour mixture into the cooking juices. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly. Cook and stir for 2 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to a gravy-like consistency.
Tip: Stir continuously to prevent lumps; if the sauce is too thick, add a splash of broth or water.
Step 6: Serve
- Plate Pasta: Spoon hot cooked pasta onto plates or bowls.
- Add Chicken: Place a chicken breast on top of the pasta.
- Spoon Sauce: Pour the thickened sauce over the chicken and pasta, including some veggies from the sauce.
- Garnish: If desired, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and minced fresh basil.
- Serve: Serve hot, with extra sauce on the side if needed.
Tip: Toss pasta with a drizzle of olive oil before plating to prevent sticking.
FAQs
Q: Is Slow-Cooked Italian Chicken healthy?
A: Chicken is lean, and reduced-sodium broth lowers salt, but the sauce adds some calories. Use low-sodium tomatoes, skip flour thickening, or serve with zucchini noodles for a lighter option. Pair with veggies for balance.
Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: Thaw chicken completely in the fridge (24-48 hours) before cooking to ensure even cooking and safety. Frozen chicken in a slow cooker can stay in the danger zone too long.
Q: Can I cook this on High?
A: Low is best for tender chicken, but you can cook on High for 2-3 hours, checking for 165°F (74°C). High may slightly dry out the chicken.
Q: Why is my sauce too thin?
A: Insufficient thickening or excess liquid can cause this. Ensure flour-water mixture is smooth and boil for 2 minutes. Simmer longer if needed to reduce.
Q: Can I make this without a slow cooker?
A: Yes! Simmer chicken and sauce in a covered pot over low heat for 1-1.5 hours until tender. Thicken sauce on the stovetop as directed.
Q: Can I freeze Slow-Cooked Italian Chicken?
A: Yes! Freeze cooked chicken and sauce (without pasta) for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge, reheat with a splash of broth, and serve with fresh pasta.