Imagine coming home after a long day to a kitchen filled with the irresistible aroma of tender, flavorful chicken infused with zesty Italian seasonings. This slow cooker recipe is not just another dinner—it's a culinary adventure that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal with minimal effort. Whether you're a busy professional, a home cook looking for easy meals, or someone who craves bold Italian flavors, this Zesty Italian Chicken will become your new go-to recipe that impresses everyone at the dinner table.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet Zesty Italian dressing mix
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup olives, sliced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your slow cooker. Ensure it is clean and ready for use.
- Take the 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts and place them at the bottom of the slow cooker. Make sure they are evenly spaced.
- In a small bowl, combine the packet of Zesty Italian dressing mix with 1/2 cup of chicken broth. Stir until the dressing mix is fully dissolved in the broth.
- Pour the dressing mixture over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker, ensuring that the chicken is well-coated.
- Next, wash the 1 cup of cherry tomatoes and add them to the slow cooker, scattering them around the chicken.
- Take the 1/2 cup of sliced olives and sprinkle them over the top of the chicken and tomatoes.
- Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder to the slow cooker, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Be mindful of the salt, as the dressing mix may already contain salt.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6 hours. This slow cooking will allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
- After 6 hours, check the chicken for doneness. It should be tender and easily shredded with a fork. If it is not fully cooked, cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes.
- Once the chicken is fully cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken right in the slow cooker, mixing it with the sauce, tomatoes, and olives.
- Serve the Zesty Italian Chicken warm, spooning the mixture over cooked rice, pasta, or a bed of greens for a delicious meal.
- Enjoy your meal! Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Tips
- Choose high-quality chicken breasts for the most tender results. Fresh, thick-cut breasts work best.
- Don't skip the dressing mix—it's the secret weapon that infuses incredible flavor into the chicken.
- For extra richness, you can substitute half the chicken broth with white wine.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with the broth before adding to the slow cooker.
- For added nutrition, consider throwing in some additional vegetables like spinach or bell peppers during the last hour of cooking.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- Let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 113kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 60mg
