Slow Cooker Italian Chicken – Easy, Juicy, and Full of Flavor
Introduction
Sometimes the simplest meals are the most craveable. This Slow Cooker Italian Chicken takes basic chicken breasts and transforms them into tender, juicy, Italian-inspired perfection — all with the help of a jar of store-bought marinara and just five pantry ingredients.
Hands-off cooking, minimal prep, and flavor that tastes like it simmered all day — what’s not to love?
✨ Subscribe to get this recipe straight to your inbox, plus more easy, comforting dinner ideas!
Overview of the Recipe
This slow cooker recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend meal. Simply layer chicken, marinara, and a few flavorful additions, then let the slow cooker do the work. The result? Moist chicken in a rich, herb-infused tomato sauce that’s versatile and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Minimal prep — just 6 ingredients total
✅ Hands-off cooking — let the slow cooker do the work
✅ Juicy chicken every time
✅ Great served over pasta, rice, or in sandwiches
✅ Budget-friendly and approachable for any cook
What It Tastes Like
The chicken absorbs the savory tomato-herb sauce, balancing acidity from the marinara with sweetness from balsamic vinegar and subtle heat from red pepper flakes. Garlic and Italian seasoning bring that familiar, comforting Italian flavor that everyone loves.
Ingredients You’ll Need
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 (24 oz) jar store-bought marinara sauce (high-quality, no added sugar)
½ cup dry red wine (or substitute chicken broth)
2 tsp Italian seasoning
3 cloves garlic, minced (or ½ tsp garlic powder)
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for gentle heat)
Necessary Tools
6-quart slow cooker
Measuring cups and spoons
Knife and cutting board (for garlic if using fresh)
Spoon or spatula for stirring
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker, arranging them in a single layer if possible.
Step 2: Add Sauce and Flavorings
Pour the jar of marinara over the chicken.
Add the red wine, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, balsamic vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Stir gently to combine without displacing the chicken too much.
💡 Tip: Use a high-quality marinara to keep the sauce fresh and flavorful.
Step 3: Slow Cook
LOW: 5–6 hours
HIGH: 3–4 hours
The chicken should be tender and easily shreddable with a fork.
Step 4: Serve
Shred the chicken directly in the sauce, or slice it for a more composed presentation. Serve over:
🍝 Spaghetti or fettuccine
🍚 Garlic butter rice or mashed potatoes
🥖 Hoagie rolls for Italian chicken sandwiches
🥗 A simple green salad with crusty bread
Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Italian Chicken
Shredding vs. Slicing: For sandwiches, shredding is best. For plated dinners, slice for a clean presentation.
Adjust Spice: Omit red pepper flakes for kids or increase for heat lovers.
Extra Sauce: Double the marinara if you want leftovers for pasta.
Wine Substitute: Chicken or vegetable broth works for a non-alcoholic version.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
Refrigerate: Store cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze cooked chicken and sauce for up to 3 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
Leftovers: Serve over pasta, rice, or in sandwiches the next day — flavor only improves!
General Information
Prep Time: 5–10 minutes
Cook Time: 3–6 hours (depending on heat)
Total Time: 3–6 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Difficulty: Easy
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Absolutely! Boneless thighs stay juicy and add more richness.
Q: Can I make this in the oven instead of a slow cooker?
A: Yes! Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes covered, then uncover for 5–10 minutes to finish.
Q: Is this gluten-free?
A: Yes, as long as your marinara sauce is gluten-free.
Q: Can I add vegetables?
A: Sure! Bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini can be layered on top before cooking.
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Italian Chicken is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can yield crave-worthy meals. Tender chicken, rich tomato-herb sauce, and minimal effort make it a weeknight favorite or a hearty family dinner.
Pair it with pasta, rice, bread, or sandwiches — versatility at its best.
Interactive Corner 💬
Leave a review ⭐
Share your dinner photos on Pinterest
Tell me your favorite way to serve this Italian chicken!
Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Serving)
Calories: 280
Protein: 32g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fat: 12g
Fiber: 2g
Sodium: 720mg
(Values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients used.)
This is slow cooking at its simplest: delicious, effortless, and satisfying. 🍅✨