Description
This Crock Pot Italian Garlic Chicken is a cozy, slow-cooked dish loaded with garlic, herbs, and tender chicken simmered in a light, flavorful broth. Cherry tomatoes add a burst of sweetness, while fresh parsley and Parmesan finish it off with classic Italian flair. It’s simple, hearty, and perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving if desired
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the Crock Pot in a single layer. Pour the seasoned broth mixture over the chicken, turning the breasts once so they’re well coated.
- Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes over the top of the chicken and broth mixture.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is very tender and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F / 74°C).
- Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the Crock Pot, mixing it well with the garlicky broth and softened tomatoes so everything is evenly coated.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley.
- Serve hot, spooning the saucy shredded chicken over your preferred base, and finish with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Use low-sodium chicken broth so you can better control the salt level.
- If your slow cooker runs hot, start checking the chicken earlier to avoid drying it out.
- For a slightly richer sauce, stir in 1–2 tablespoons of heavy cream or a knob of butter at the end of cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–7 hours (low) or 3–4 hours (high)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g (approx.)
- Sodium: 480 mg (approx., using low-sodium broth)
- Fat: 14 g (approx.)
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 g (approx.)
- Unsaturated Fat: 8.5 g (approx.)
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g (approx.)
- Fiber: 1 g (approx.)
- Protein: 42 g (approx.)
- Cholesterol: 120 mg (approx.)
Keywords: crock pot italian garlic chicken, slow cooker garlic chicken, italian chicken crockpot, shredded garlic chicken, easy weeknight dinner