Crockpot Creamy Italian Chicken

Creamy Italian Chicken Recipe | Slow Cooker | Italy

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 4 hours | Servings: 4

Introduction

Crockpot Creamy Italian Chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. The combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and flavorful Italian seasoning makes this recipe a family favorite.

History

The origins of Crockpot Creamy Italian Chicken are not well-documented, but slow cooker recipes have been popular for decades. This recipe likely originated as a way to create a flavorful and comforting meal with minimal effort.

Ingredients

4 boneless chicken breast halves
1 envelope of dry italian salad dressing mix
0.5 cup of water
8 oz (227 g) of softened cream cheese
1 can of undiluted cream of chicken soup
4 oz (113 g) can of drained mushrooms
hot cooked rice or pasta

How to prepare

Place the chicken breast halves in the crock pot.
Combine the Italian dressing mix and water until smooth; pour over top of the chicken.
Cover and cook on low for 3 hours.
Combine the cream cheese and soup until smooth and blended.
Stir in mushroom pieces.
Pour the soup mixture over the chicken.
Cook for 1 more hour or until the chicken is cooked through.
Serve over hot cooked rice or pasta.

Variations

Add diced tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of flavor.
Use different types of mushrooms, such as shiitake or cremini, for a different taste.
Substitute the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe to ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and stays tender.

- For a richer flavor, you can use homemade Italian dressing mix instead of the store-bought envelope.

- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a cornstarch slurry to the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Serving Suggestions

Crockpot Creamy Italian Chicken is delicious served over hot cooked pasta or rice. You can also serve it with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad.

Cooking Techniques

The slow cooking technique used in this recipe allows the flavors to meld together and the chicken to become tender and juicy. This method also makes it easy to prepare the dish in advance and have it ready to eat when you come home.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have cream of chicken soup on hand, you can substitute with cream of mushroom soup or cream of celery soup. You can also use chicken broth as a substitute for the water in the recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the sauce mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook the chicken. This can save you time on busy weeknights.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and flavor. You can also sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra touch of richness.

Pairing Recommendations

Crockpot Creamy Italian Chicken pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. You can also serve it with a side of garlic bread or a Caesar salad.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Crockpot Creamy Italian Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the chicken and sauce in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Crockpot Creamy Italian Chicken contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Crockpot Creamy Italian Chicken contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Crockpot Creamy Italian Chicken contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Crockpot Creamy Italian Chicken contains approximately 30 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Crockpot Creamy Italian Chicken is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cream cheese) and wheat (pasta), so it may not be suitable for those with dairy or gluten allergies.

Summary

Crockpot Creamy Italian Chicken is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Crockpot Creamy Italian Chicken is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a family dinner. With its creamy sauce and flavorful Italian seasoning, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Crockpot Creamy Italian Chicken. It was a warm summer day, and I had been browsing through an old cookbook that I found tucked away in the back of my pantry. As I flipped through the pages, my eyes landed on a simple yet enticing recipe that caught my attention. The combination of tender chicken, creamy Italian sauce, and flavorful seasonings seemed like the perfect dish to try out for dinner that evening.

I decided to give the recipe a go, gathering all the necessary ingredients and setting up my trusty crockpot on the kitchen counter. As I started to prepare the dish, memories of my own culinary journey flooded back to me. I recalled the countless hours spent in the kitchen with my own grandmother, learning the art of cooking from the best teacher I could have ever asked for.

Growing up, my grandmother was my ultimate inspiration when it came to cooking. She had a knack for creating delicious meals out of the simplest ingredients, and her kitchen was always filled with the most mouthwatering aromas. I remember watching her effortlessly whip up dishes from scratch, using her intuition and experience to guide her through the cooking process. It was in her kitchen that I first discovered my love for cooking and developed a passion for experimenting with new recipes.

One of my fondest memories with my grandmother was when she taught me how to make her famous Chicken Parmesan. I remember standing by her side, carefully breading the chicken cutlets and watching as she expertly fried them to perfection. The smell of tomato sauce and melted cheese wafted through the air, creating a warm and comforting atmosphere that I will never forget.

As I continued to follow the recipe for the Crockpot Creamy Italian Chicken, I couldn't help but think of my grandmother and the invaluable lessons she had passed down to me over the years. She taught me the importance of using fresh, quality ingredients, the significance of patience and attention to detail in cooking, and the joy of sharing a delicious meal with loved ones.

As the aroma of the simmering chicken filled the kitchen, I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment wash over me. The dish looked and smelled absolutely divine, and I couldn't wait to share it with my family that evening. I knew that my grandmother would have been proud to see me carrying on her legacy of creating delicious meals and nurturing my loved ones through food.

When it came time to serve the Crockpot Creamy Italian Chicken, my family's faces lit up with delight as they took their first bite. The chicken was tender and juicy, the sauce was rich and flavorful, and the seasonings added just the right amount of zest to the dish. It was a resounding success, and I couldn't have been happier with how it turned out.

As we sat around the table, enjoying our meal and sharing stories from the day, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the culinary journey that had led me to this moment. From my grandmother's kitchen to my own, I had come full circle in my love for cooking and sharing delicious meals with those I hold dear.

In that moment, I realized that the recipe for Crockpot Creamy Italian Chicken wasn't just a dish to be enjoyed; it was a symbol of the love, tradition, and memories that had shaped me into the cook I was today. And for that, I would always be grateful to my grandmother and the countless recipes and lessons she had passed down to me over the years.