Description
Crock-Pot Italian chicken and zucchini is a simple, flavorful slow cooker meal featuring tender chicken, fresh zucchini, tomatoes, garlic, and Italian herbs. This easy one-pot dinner is light, satisfying, and perfect for busy weeknights, combining wholesome ingredients with comforting Italian flavors.
Ingredients
Chicken and Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Herbs and Spices
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional and Garnish
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, optional
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the slow cooker: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the slow cooker as the base.
- Add aromatics and seasoning: Layer the sliced onion, minced garlic, drained diced tomatoes, chicken broth, olive oil, Italian seasoning, dried basil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper over the chicken. This combination infuses the chicken with deep Italian flavors while it cooks.
- Cook the chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), ensuring it is fully cooked and tender.
- Prepare chicken for finishing: Carefully remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and slice or shred them, depending on your preference, to integrate back into the dish.
- Add zucchini and return chicken: Add the sliced zucchini to the slow cooker, then return the sliced or shredded chicken to the pot. This prevents the zucchini from overcooking and becoming mushy.
- Final cooking: Cover and cook on HIGH for an additional 20–30 minutes until zucchini is tender but still slightly firm, preserving its texture and freshness.
- Add cheese (optional): Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top, cover, and allow it to melt for about 5 minutes for a creamy, cheesy finish if desired.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm, accompanied by your choice of sides such as pasta, rice, or cauliflower rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- Add the zucchini near the end of cooking to prevent it from becoming mushy and maintain its texture.
- Serve this dish over pasta, rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice to complement the flavors nicely.
- For added nutrition and variety, consider including mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers.
- You can substitute chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for a juicier result.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to enjoy later.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
