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The “Lazy” Slow Cooker Chicken I’ve Been Making for 20 Years
This comforting slow cooker Italian chicken recipe layers tender chicken, potatoes, garlic, and Italian dressing for rich flavor. Baby spinach makes it a one-pot meal.
Ingredients
- nonstick cooking spray
- 1 lbbaby potatoes
halved
- 4 clovesgarlic
chopped
- 1 cstore-bought italian salad dressing
such as newman’s own or ken’s
- 2 tspitalian seasoning
- 1 cgrated parmesan cheese
- 1 tspkosher salt
- 4 largeboneless
skinless chicken breasts, about 2 1/2 pounds total
- 2packages baby spinach
Directions
- 1
Lightly coat the bowl of a slow cooker with cooking spray, then add the potatoes and garlic. Top with half of the Italian dressing, half of the Italian seasoning, about 1/3 of the parmesan, and half of the salt.
- 2
Place the chicken over the potatoes and top with the remaining dressing and seasoning, then another third of the parmesan and the remaining salt.
- 3
Cover and cook on high for 2 to 3 hours, or on low for 3 to 4 hours. The timing will vary depending on your slow cooker. Set the machine to “keep warm” once the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 155°F—it will continue to cook, and this helps to prevent it becoming dry. After 20 to 30 minutes check again; the meat should have reached 165°F.
- 4
Add the spinach when the chicken hits 155°F. Move the chicken and potatoes around to submerge the spinach in the sauce. Cover and leave on “keep warm” as directed above—by the time the chicken has finished cooking, the spinach will be completely wilted. Serve with the remaining grated parmesan sprinkled on top. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To avoid overcooking the chicken when reheating, thinly slice it, then reheat with the potatoes and spinach on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Love the recipe? Leave us stars and a comment below!
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About this Recipe
The "Lazy" Slow Cooker Italian Chicken You'll Make for Years
Looking for an incredibly easy, flavor-packed dinner that practically cooks itself? Meet The "Lazy" Slow Cooker Chicken I've Been Making for 20 Years – and trust us, it's a keeper! This recipe isn't just about convenience; it's about layering simple ingredients to create a rich, comforting Italian chicken meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, when in reality, it's just 5 minutes of prep.
What makes this lazy Italian chicken so special? It’s a true one-pot wonder, combining tender chicken breasts, hearty baby potatoes, and aromatic garlic, all bathed in a zesty Italian dressing and seasoned with classic Italian herbs. The secret weapon? A generous amount of Parmesan cheese and a finishing touch of fresh baby spinach, wilting right into the delicious sauce to create a complete meal in one go. No extra sides needed unless you're feeling fancy!
This easy dinner recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a hands-off cooking experience while filling your home with mouth-watering aromas. The slow cooker works its magic, ensuring the chicken is incredibly tender and the potatoes are perfectly cooked, soaking up all the savory Italian flavors.
Tips for Your Best "Lazy" Italian Chicken:
- Customize Your Veggies: While baby spinach is essential for the one-pot claim, feel free to add other quick-cooking vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini towards the end of the cooking time for extra texture and nutrition.
- Boost the Herbs: For an even more vibrant flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil just before serving.
- Cheese Please: Don't skip the Parmesan! It melts into the sauce, adding a beautiful depth of salty, nutty flavor that truly elevates this slow cooker chicken.
Serve this delightful one-pot Italian chicken with a side of crusty bread to sop up every last drop of the incredible sauce, or a simple green salad for a lighter touch. It’s comforting, satisfying, and so incredibly easy, you’ll understand why it's been a family favorite for decades.