Creamy Italian Chicken

Recipes like creamy Italian chicken are easy to get excited about. They hit all the favorite comfort food buttons at once: rich, creamy, filling and totally hands-off thanks to the slow cooker. I’d like to personally thank whoever invented the slow cooker, because there’s nothing quite like tossing in a few pantry staples—in this case, condensed soup and Italian salad dressing mix—walking away, and then letting the aroma of herbs and chicken fill the entire house. It’s like the dinner elves have done all the work for you.

The chicken in this dish becomes so tender that it practically shreds itself, and the sauce is velvety, tangy and begging to be poured over pasta or rice (egg noodles are my personal fave). Slow-cooker creamy Italian chicken makes everyone at the table happy, whether it’s weeknight family dinner or a fun potluck night with friends.

Creamy Italian Chicken Ingredients

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: After a few hours in the slow cooker, chicken breasts soak up the other flavors and turn incredibly tender. You can shred them easily with a fork.
• Italian salad dressing mix: This seasoning blend adds tang, herbs and a savory kick. If you don’t have Italian mix, try Italian seasoning with herbs like basil, oregano, garlic and salt.
• Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese melts into the sauce, making it rich and luscious. If you’re looking to cut back on calories, use reduced-fat cream cheese.
• Condensed cream of chicken soup: This canned classic gives the sauce a silky base and adds a savory depth to balance the tangy dressing mix. Use low-sodium soup to keep the salt in check.
• Mushrooms: These little gems add texture and earthiness to the creamy sauce. The recipe calls for canned mushrooms and stems, but consider using fresh mushrooms (try porcini mushrooms if you see them) for a firmer bite and more flavor.
• Pasta or rice: Egg noodles are a traditional choice to serve with creamy Italian chicken, but you can use homemade pasta if you’re feeling ambitious. Rice, penne and fettuccine also work beautifully.
• Fresh oregano (optional): Oregano makes every dish a little more Italian. A sprinkle on top adds color and a pop of herbal brightness to contrast the rich sauce. If you’re using dried oregano, use less; the dried stuff packs more punch. The typical fresh-to-dried herb conversion is 3 teaspoons to 1 teaspoon.

Directions

Step 1: Load the slow cooker

Place the chicken breasts into a 3-quart slow cooker. In a small bowl, mix the Italian salad dressing with water, then pour it over the chicken. Cover the slow cooker and cook the chicken on low for three hours.

Editor’s Tip: Don’t peek! Every time you lift the lid, you release heat and add time to the cooking process.

Step 2: Shred the chicken

Remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker and let it cool slightly. Shred the meat with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.

Editor’s Tip: Let the chicken cool just enough so you don’t burn your fingers, then shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Make the creamy sauce

In a small bowl, beat the cream cheese and condensed cream of chicken soup until blended. Stir in the mushrooms, then pour the mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker. Cover the pot and cook the chicken and sauce on low for one hour, until the chicken is tender.

Step 4: Serve it up

Spoon the creamy Italian chicken over hot cooked pasta or rice. Sprinkle with oregano if desired and serve.

Creamy Italian Chicken Variations

• Make it more mushroomy: Use cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken if you’re a fungi fan.
• Turn up the veggie volume: Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes in the last 30 minutes of cooking for an extra pop of color and flavor.
• Try it lower-carb: Serve creamy Italian chicken over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
• Bacon is better: Top this dish with crumbled bacon or porchetta for a smoky, luxurious finish.

How to Store Creamy Italian Chicken

Creamy Italian chicken stores well, making it a dream for meal prepping. Let it cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. Pop it in the refrigerator for quick lunches or weeknight leftovers. It will last up to four days.

How should you reheat creamy Italian chicken?

Reheat creamy Italian chicken gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if it thickens.

Creamy Italian Chicken Tips

Can you make creamy Italian chicken on the stovetop?

Yes, you can make creamy Italian chicken on the stovetop. Simmer the chicken in a covered skillet with Italian dressing mix and water until it’s cooked through. Shred the chicken, then stir in the cream cheese, soup and mushrooms. Cut your chicken breasts into smaller pieces before cooking for quicker results.

What can you serve with creamy Italian chicken?

A dish like this can be served with almost anything. Creamy Italian chicken is delicious over pasta or rice, but add a loaf of crusty bread to dip and soak up the sauce. Pair it with a crisp green side salad or roasted vegetables to balance the richness. Grabbing a glass of high-acid white wine and finishing the meal with a Nonna-approved cookie is always recommended.

Watch How to Make Creamy Italian Chicken

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