Crockpot Italian Chicken
This Crockpot Italian Chicken is one the whole family loves. Everything is thrown in the slow cooker for an easy, creamy chicken dinner. It’s tender chicken topped with a creamy Italian dressing seasoning. Serve over pasta or rice for those busy weeknights.
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CROCK POT ITALIAN CHICKEN
(Originally posted 2009)
I know, I know…everyone this Crockpot Italian Chicken isn’t a new recipe for most of you but on the off chance that you don’t you must add it to your repertoire. Besides my favorite Baked Ziti, this meal is the next most requested made with simple ingredients and a family favorite.
Picky eaters love this yummy chicken!
My kids call this”Batman Pasta” because of the bowtie pasta I usually serve it over.
I prefer it with white rice but pasta is good too. It’s super easy crockpot recipe…a perfect throw-in-the-crockpot-while-you-are-at-church-on-Sunday meal.
HOW TO MAKE CROCKPOT ITALIAN CHICKEN
You can make this chicken dish with whole chicken breasts or tenderloins.
Once the chicken is cooked you can shred it with two forks or use a mixer to easily shred it.
If the cream cheese sauce is too thick you can definitely thin it out with a little chicken broth or milk to your desired consistency or add another can of cream of chicken.
INSTANT POT INSTRUCTIONS
- Place chicken in a Instant Pot and pour the cream of chicken soup on top. Sprinkle dry Italian dressing mix on top. Top with block of cream cheese and pour in chicken broth. Make sure lid is in locked position and the knob is in the sealing position.
- Cook on manual, poultry, or meat setting for 15 minutes. Let the Instant Pot natural release or quick release. Once chicken is done you can remove it and shred chicken with two forks or with a mixer. Stir the sauce in the crockpot until the cream cheese is fully combined and then stir in the chicken. If you feel the sauce is too thick you can thin it to your preferred consistency with a little more chicken broth or milk. Serve over pasta or rice. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese if desired.
STOVE TOP INSTRUCTIONS
Don’t have a slow cooker? You can make this delicious meal on the stove.
- Cook chicken in a pot with some olive oil until no longer pink. Remove from pot and shred with two forks or a mixer.
- In the pot, heat the cream of chicken soup, Italian dressing, and cream cheese over medium heat until creamy. Add milk or chicken broth to desired consistency. Stir in shredded chicken.
- Serve over pasta, rice, or egg noodles.
OTHER SLOW COOKER RECIPES:
- Slow Cooker Chicken Caesar Sandwiches
- Slow Cooker Cashew Chicken
- Easy Crockpot Fiesta Chicken
- Cheesy Bean Chicken Salsa
- Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan
- Crockpot Butter Chicken
Crockpot Italian Chicken
This Slow Cooker Creamy Italian Chicken is one of my favorite recipes. Everything is thrown in the slow cooker for an easy, creamy, tasty dinner on a busy day. It's tender Italian chicken recipe with a ton of flavor. Serve over pasta or rice!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, (about 1.5 to 2 lbs)
- 1-2 10.5 ounce cans cream of chicken soup, (two if you want a thinner sauce)
- 1 packet dry Zesty Italian dressing mix, (Regular is fine but I like zesty better)
- 1 8 ounce package cream cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Place the chicken in a crockpot and pour the cream of chicken soup on top. Sprinkle dry Italian dressing mix on top. Top with cream cheese and pour in chicken broth.
- Cook on low in the crockpot for at least 4-6 hours. Once chicken is done you can remove it from the crockpot and shred it with two forks or with a mixer. Stir the sauce in the crockpot until the cream cheese is fully combined and then stir in the chicken. If you feel the sauce is too thick you can thin it to your preferred consistency with a little more chicken broth or milk. Serve over pasta or rice.
Notes
STOVE TOP INSTRUCTIONS
Don't have a slow cooker?
- Cook chicken in a pot with some olive oil until no longer pink. Remove from pot and shred with two forks or a mixer.
- In the pot, heat the cream of chicken soup, Italian dressing, and cream cheese over medium heat until creamy. Add milk or chicken broth to desired consistency. Stir in shredded chicken.
- Serve over pasta or rice.
INSTANT POT INSTRUCTIONS
- Place the chicken in a Instant Pot and pour the cream of chicken soup on top. Sprinkle dry Italian dressing mix on top. Top with cream cheese and pour in chicken broth. Make sure lid is in locked position and the knob is in the sealing position.
- Cook on manual, poultry, or meat setting for 15 minutes. Let the Instant Pot natural release or quick release. Once chicken is done you can remove it and shred it with two forks or with a mixer. Stir the sauce in the crockpot until the cream cheese is fully combined and then stir in the chicken. If you feel the sauce is too thick you can thin it to your preferred consistency with a little more chicken broth or milk. Serve over pasta or rice.
Serving: 1grams, Calories: 240kcal, Carbohydrates: 4g, Protein: 31g, Fat: 10g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g, Cholesterol: 104mg, Sodium: 508mg, Sugar: 1g
I planned to review your article
I was sent here from the Wikipedia website.
I put this in the crock pot this afternoon and it smells so good. I only used two chicken breast, cut the cream cheese down to half package(used 1/3 fat free), 1 can of cream chicken soup, half can of low fat milk. Also I didnt have the italian seasoning but I did have the garlic and herb seasoning from good seasonings so I used that. The smell is unbelievable, it’s making my mouth water, I can not wait for dinner. Oh yeah one more thing… when I put the cream cheese in crockpot (about 1 hour before it’s done) I also added a handful of shredded mozzarella cheese. Thanks for sharing this recipe!
I don’t have cream cheese but I do have sour cream. Do you think I could substitute?
I’m your newest follower & can’t wait to try this dish. It looks delish. Thank you for sharing!
Making this dinner tonight for our household. Its a total of 7 people, 4 adults/3 kids. Such a simple recipe. Cant wait to try it. We are serving it over egg noodles, with broccoli and french bread.
@Valerie (and anyone else looking for a low-fat version of this), it would not be difficult to make a scrumptuous version! Try this:
* 1 pkg Good Seasons Italian dressing mix
* 1/2 cup water
* 1 8oz pkg low fat cream cheese
*1 can 98% fat free cream of chicken soup
Keep everything else the same. You’ll get a wonderful recipe, barely noticeable that it’s been turned healthier! 😀
I love how you toss in there that you sometimes use a packet and a half.
We got a badass up in here! LOL too awesome 🙂
@Anonymous,
Oh yeah, It’s really forgiving. The order of things doesn’t really matter you can add the sauce ingredients straight to pot or whatever!
Found this on Pinterest… Not sure what part of the country you’re from, but Italian Chicken is something I have not heard of… everyone does Italian Beef around here! So glad you posted this; I made it last night, and my hubby and kids LOVED it (my husband never loves new recipes, he likes to stick to the basics 🙂 So, thanks!!
I saw this on pinterest with the ingredients as the caption and just basic details of what to do. When i clicked on the link it took me to a totally different recipe, so I had to follow whatever was in the caption. It pretty much just said to throw everything in the crockpot, when I finally found your blog I read that I was supposed to mix the cream cheese and soup mixture over the stove and then add it. Obviously I didn’t do that due to the inconvenience of the link on pinterest. I’m hoping as it heats up I can lift the lid and mix the soup and cheese just while It’s in the crock pot…
@Anonymous,
If it’s too soupy add a little milk to make it more of a sauce consistency.
@Anonymous,
I’m not really sure how to fix it if you added actual dressing instead of mix. You could maybe add more cream cheese since that tends to mild out any flavor.
I’m makin this right now however mine seems soupy and not a sauce type texture at all did I do something wrong and how can I fix it?
@Anonymous,
No need to cook the chicken before. The chicken should be cooked after 4 hours.
I accidentally used the zesty Italian dressing instead of mix. Is there any way to make it to where it’s not so tangy?
Do you have to cook the chicken before or will it be completely cooked after 4 hours?
I made this tonight for my family and we all loved it! I used 2 cans of soup and I am glad I did. Next time I may add some broccoli or red peppers for some added flavor and color.
Dear Baby Jesus, how did I not know about this. Made it for dinner tonight, Amazing! I went ahead and mixed in the cooked noodles in the crock-pot with the sauce and shredded chicken(boyfriends preference)and OMG .. Melt in your mouth good! So glad I found your blog!!
@Teddybearbbi,
I think that would taste great. Maybe drain the tomatoes or maybe not since the sauce is pretty thick as it is.
What do you think of adding a can of petite diced tomatoes with basil, garlic, & oregano when you take the chicken out to cube it?
We just made this yesterday! It was sooo good! It will definitely get put into our rotation! Thanks for the recipe!
@Nani,
Um. I’m not sure. I’m not familiar with cooking cream so it could work but I’m not sure if it will taste similar.
Just got back from the grocery store…..I forgot the dressing mix! I do have a container of Italian cooking cream….do you think that would work as well?
Tried this the other night. It was DELISH! It was my fifth or sixth recipe from your site. All of them have been amazing! I’m happy to know that your site is one I can trust the food is good.
I have this in the crockpot now! I’m driving all over town this week with kids in two separate day camps in two parts of town, so I need something I can set and forget. Thanks for sharing – I had never heard of this recipe before!
I am going to try this with broccoli cheese soup, frozen broccoli, and top with pepperjack!
@Anonymous,
My friend accidentally used the real dressing instead of a dry packet and she said it was good. Definitely more condensed flavor with the dry packet.
Wondering if you could use zesty Italian dressing instead of the dry packet??? Or what you could substitute it with if you don’t have the dry packet?? Any ideas??
What a brilliant recipe! I made this for my family a couple of nights ago and everyone loved it. It was so easy, cheap, and still so satisfying.
Thanks for sharing!
I just found your blog. I found so many great recipies I am dyine to try. I will be making the Banna Coconut upside down cake for my daughter,s birthday. Today I have the chicken, Creme cheese, Italian dressing and chicken soup in the crock pot. I think I will put it over egg noodles. I can’t wait to try it. Thanks for the recipies!
Yes, I have this same recipe and my family loves it! Nothing wrong with posting a recipe that others may already know about because it reminds them how good it is! I just found your blog and joined!
@BeckyBoo84,
I usually count on one breast per person so yes, it serves 4.
This looks awesome to make with low-fat ingredients! But how many does it serve? I was guessing 4… or is it more?
I just got back to my office after preparing this in the crock pot and turning it on. I realized I misread the recipe. I though it said 1.8 oz cream cheese, so I put too much… Ugh! Do you think it’ll still turn out ok? I’ll add some milk when I get home, but any other suggestions are welcome!!!
I want to make this for supper tonight! How many servings would you say your recipe is? I have 5 boys/men to feed and am wondering if I should do 6 breasts? Thanks
Tried this tonight! Absolutely delish! Thanks so much for sharing! Found your blog on Pinterest…really enjoying looking through everything!
Found this on pinterest, it was your recipe with another link to something else, so I repinned it with my variation on what I did for dinner and the link to your original post. I LOVE crockpot cooking, but did this on the stove in 45 minutes and the chicken was just as tender, it fell apart.
So here’s what we had…it was GOOD. I changed the amounts a little and did the following:
4 chicken breasts (8-10 unbreaded tenders)
Milk
1 packet dry Zesty Italian dressing
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese
1 can cream of chicken soup (depending how cream cheesy you want it)
Put frozen chicken in skillet on medium drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle entire packet of Italian dressing seasoning on chicken, cover, cook for 15 minutes (don’t brown)
Add Cream of Chicken, 1/2 can of milk, 1/2 pkg cream cheese, stir well, cover and cook on low/med for 25 minutes, or until chicken falls apart.
Serve over pasta or brown rice.
http://justalittlemel.wordpress.com/
Mine’s about to get gobbled up by my daughter and I. It smells wonderful!!!
@jv, 8 hours on low would’ be way too long. 4 hours on high should be plenty of time.
This sounds really good! My crock pot settings are high 4-6 hours or low for about 8 hours. Which should
I do??
This comment has been removed by the author.
@mandajo,
My husband likes it over white rice and my kids like it over pasta. Really it is just personal preference. Hope you enjoy!
Hi I want to try this tonight and was wondering which was better with the rice or pasta? 🙂 Also what kind of Rice ??
I saw this recipe on Pinterest, and I decided that I was going to get out of my meal rut and try a new recipe twice a month. This was my first and it was SO good. I cooked it on low for about 4.5 hrs and the chicken was falling apart. I used Philly cream cheese 1/3 less fat and 2 cans of cream of chicken. I also served it over rice…delish. So easy, 4 ingredients + 5 min prep time and 4 hours in the crockpot….I swear it is taking everything I have to NOT bring the crockpot into the living room and eat straight from the pot in front of the tv. SCORE!
@Jordan,
Depends on your slow cooker but 3-4 hours should be enough time to cook the chicken.
If I have thawed chicken, how long do I cook in crockpot?
@Jody,
You can absolutely cut it up ahead of time and it will turn out great.
Do you have to cut the chicken after it is cooked, or can you cut it up first at the beginning and not have to worry about taking it out later to cut? Thanks!
Yes, the sauce goes in crockpot. The chicken cooks in the sauce and then you pull it out and either dice it or shred it. Once you’ve diced it or shredded it put the chicken back in the sauce in the crockpot. Stir and serve.
I am confused, do I shred the chicken before putting it in the crackpot? And does the sauce go in the crackpot too?
Just got this going in the crockpot, but I accidentally mixed the dressing mix into the soup instead of sprinkling on the chicken. Hopefully, it will have the same effect.
I wasn’t familiar with this recipe, so thanks for sharing!
Yum! I didn’t realize I was so far out of the basic recipe loop 🙂 so thanks for posting this. It was so easy and tasty.
I’ve been making this recipe for years! It is my go-to when I can’t think of anything else to throw in the crock pot. And all the ingredients are inexpensive! Sometimes I use cream of mushroom or celery. And will even sprinkle a few stuffing mix bread crumbs on top! SO GOOD.
Krista
http://www.the-not-so-desperate-chef-wife.com/
Hi! When looking at the picture, it looks like you may have sprinkled some cheese on top? Is that shredded Parmesan?
Thanks!
@Lisa,
Throw this in the crockpot for about 4 hours.
@Kris_tea,
Never tried it with ranch but let me know how this turns out.
Ok, so I lied. I can’t seem to find my Italian dressing that was on the counter a couple of days ago, so I’m trying it with ranch dressing instead. Should still be good, I would think. I mean, hard to go wron with cream cheese & ranch dressing. Lol.
I’m a little late to this recipe, but I was wondering if you liked your ranch substitute. I accidentally sprinkled a packet of ranch on the chicken instead of the Italian that I thought I grabbed–oops! I’m now trying to decide whether to go with it, or start over before I add in the soup and cream cheese. Thanks!
I don’t have this recipe so thanks for posting it. I’ve been dying to try it for weeks but just today have remembered to thaw some chicken & actually have time to try it. Thanks.
How long do you usually cook this for?
Thank you for this recipe! I too did not have this one yet. I’m making it tomorrow! I love your blog. 🙂
Adding this to my list of meals for next week – thanks!
I’m one of those who has never had this receip, but it totally sounds like one I’m going to like…it’s got cream cheese in it…that makes everything better!! Can’t wait to try!!
Made this tonight! AMAZING!!! I’ll make sure I keep this recipe handy!! So many times I make something and then forget about it! This is a keeper! Thanks!!
@Amy,
I’m pretty sure I got this plate at Target forever ago. If not Homegoods since I love getting plates there.
Christy
Found you on my new addiction…PINTEREST! I can’t wait to try this recipe! But, I have to know…where did you get those darling plates? I’ve been looking for a new set and waiting for the “right one” to jump out at me! Those are it!
Found you via Pinterest and just made this recipe! Big hit in my family. http://www.fabulouslydomesticbyambrosia.com/2011/09/pinterest-project-day-27-crockpot.html
Thank you so much for this amazing recipe! I added a few things to spice up the flavor, there are so many possibilities using your’s as the base! Absolutely delicious, a new believer in the power of simplicity.
http://www.befreckled.blogspot.com
Thanks to Pintrest, I am a new follower. I can’t wait to try this recipe. 😀
Saw this on Pinterest and I pinned it! Trying it tonight and I shared it on my FB page 🙂 Looks delish!
Michelle
LovingEverySecond.blogspot.com
PS – I’m a new follower!
@Valerie,
You can definitely use low fat versions of the ingredients and I think it tastes fine.
Have you tried this using fat free cream cheese and low fat/low sodium cream of chicken? I may try it regardless but would love to know if you’ve had success with a healthy version of this recipe!!
I just tried this tonight and my hubby and I enjoyed it lots! Thanks for sharing. It definitely hit the spot as the temperature is cooling this fall! Have a nice weekend. 🙂
@Brittany,
I like to use thawed chicken breasts because I feel like the texture is always better when they cook from thawed but I’m not going to lie, I’ve thrown them in there frozen too. You may have to cook it longer if they are frozen.
How many ounces of cream of chicken?
8 ounces of cream cheese is what the recipe calls for.
Found your blog by this recipe on Pinterest! Do you use frozen chicken breasts?
Found your blog because of this picture via Pinterest. I have thas in the crockpot right now. I can’t wait to try it with my family. I am hoping it can pass the picky 6 year old test.
I guess I am one of the few who don’t have this recipe… but now that I do, I am so excited to try it! Thanks for sharing, new follower!
Thanks for a wonderful blog! :O) I’ve made this twice now. Once with regular Italian dressing mix and the second with zesty. Both were very good, but I prefer the zesty! Thanks for a keeper!
I just found you blog through a friend’s blog and I am excited to follow you now. I think that I will try this recipe out next week. Excited to try it!
I just found you blog through a friend’s blog and I am excited to follow you now. I think that I will try this recipe out next week. Excited to try it!
I use cream of chicken. Sorry I fixed the recipe so it says that.
I used cream of mushroom, added diced onion and extra chicken. Served it over steamed broccoli – yum! And soooo easy. Love your site
Question…in the ingredients you list cream of mushroom but in the directions you say cream of chicken. Most recipes I see use cream of chicken, but I’m sure both are good. Which do you use?
great recipies. another you may want to try is use cream of mushroom instead and also add potatoes, whole red pot or cubed. soooooooo good
I’ve used cream of mushroom, cream of chicken and cream of celery. (I like the added flavor of the celery) I usually mix one can of cream of celery with cream of Chicken. (My b/f won’t eat cream of mushroom..LOL)
Congrats on your new baby! I found your blog through a friend’s blog and really enjoy it! Thanks for all the great recipes!
http://www.heatherskitchenconcoctions.com/