Creamy Italian Chicken
This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy.
This incredibly simple and flavorful Creamy Italian Chicken holds a special place in my recipe collection. It was shared with me a few years back by my wonderful best friend from high school, and it has since become a staple recipe in my kitchen. What makes this dish truly shine is not only its delicious, creamy richness but also its utter ease of preparation, thanks to the magic of the slow cooker!
Just imagine coming home to the enticing aroma of perfectly cooked, tender chicken enveloped in a luscious Italian-inspired sauce. We often find ourselves spooning this delightful creation over fluffy beds of rice, soaking up every last drop of that flavorful sauce. However, it’s equally fantastic served atop a steaming bowl of your favorite cooked pasta. The versatility of this recipe makes it a winner for any night of the week, offering a comforting and satisfying meal with minimal fuss.
Ingredients for Creamy Italian Chicken
- BONELESS SKINLESS CHICKEN BREASTS
- DRY PACKET ITALIAN SALAD DRESSING MIX
- CANNED CREAM OF CHICKEN SOUP
- CREAM CHEESE
- MILK
- RICE OR NOODLES
Instructions for Slow Cooker Creamy Italian Chicken
Prep the Chicken: Grab those chicken breasts and gently place them in your trusty crock pot. Generously sprinkle a packet of dry Italian dressing mix over the chicken. This simple step infuses the chicken with incredible flavor as it cooks.
Whip Up the Creamy Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine a can of condensed cream of chicken (or mushroom!) soup with softened cream cheese. Mix them together until smooth and creamy. Pour this luscious mixture evenly over the chicken in the slow cooker.
Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover your crock pot and let it work its magic! Cook on low for a leisurely 8 hours, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully and the chicken to become incredibly tender.
Adjust the Sauce (Optional): If you prefer a thinner sauce, simply stir in a little milk towards the end of the cooking time until you reach your desired consistency.
Serve and Enjoy! You can serve the chicken breasts whole for a satisfying main course, or shred them easily with a fork. This creamy Italian chicken is fantastic served over fluffy rice or your favorite noodles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different kind of “cream of” soup?
Absolutely! While cream of chicken is a classic choice, cream of mushroom or even cream of celery soup work wonderfully in this recipe, each adding a slightly different flavor profile to the sauce.
I don’t have dry Italian dressing mix. Can I make my own or substitute something else?
You can definitely make your own! A simple blend of dried oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper can work in a pinch. Alternatively, you could use a good quality Italian seasoning blend and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking.
Can I add veggies to the slow cooker?
Yes, you can! Hearty vegetables like sliced bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or even broccoli florets can be added to the slow cooker along with the chicken. Keep in mind that some vegetables will release moisture as they cook, which might affect the consistency of your sauce. You may want to add them in the last couple of hours of cooking to prevent them from becoming too mushy.
Can I make this in the Instant Pot instead of a slow cooker?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for the Instant Pot! Place the chicken in the pot just like the slow cooker. Cook on high pressure for 10-12 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for about 10 minutes. Then a manual release of any remaining pressure. You may need to shred the chicken and then stir in a little milk or broth to reach your desired sauce consistency.
Can I shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker?
Absolutely! Once the chicken is cooked through and tender, you can easily shred it in the slow cooker using two forks. Then, stir it back into the sauce before serving.
FOR MORE Slow COoker RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY:
- Slow Cooker Chicken Caesar Salad Sandwiches
- Buffalo Chicken Sliders
- Slow Cooker Barbecue Chicken
- Crock Pot Orange Chicken
Creamy Italian Chicken
Real Mom Kitchen
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4- 6 chicken breasts
- 1 pkg dry Italian dressing mix
- 21 ½ oz cream of chicken soup two 10 3/4 oz cans
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- milk if needed
- hot cooked rice or noodles for serving
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts in crock pot. Sprinkle with dry Italian dressing mix.
- In a bowl, mix soup and cream cheese together. Pour over chicken. Cook on low for 8 hours.
- Add milk if needed to thin sauce out. Serve breasts whole or shredded. Serve over rice or noodles. Serves 4-6
