If you’ve ever craved a comforting, fuss-free Italian-style dinner, this recipe is for you. It’s a tantalizing mix of juicy chicken simmering in mouthwatering Italian flavors—all from just three simple ingredients. When you’re short on time but still want a hearty meal, this is your new go-to dish.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet of Italian dressing seasoning mix (about 1 ounce)
- 1 can (14–15 ounces) crushed tomatoes
Instructions
Start by placing your chicken breasts into the slow cooker, ensuring each piece is laid flat and not stacked on top of one another. Sprinkle the Italian dressing seasoning mix evenly over the chicken, letting those herby flavors coat each piece thoroughly. Next, pour in the can of crushed tomatoes, covering the chicken to create a saucy base for them to cook in.
Set your slow cooker to low and let the magic happen over the next six to seven hours. The low heat and long cooking time will transform the chicken into a fork-tender, flavorful feast. If you’re in more of a rush, you can set the slow cooker to high and cook for three to four hours instead—just keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.
When the timer dings, gently shred or slice the chicken right in the slow cooker. The tomato sauce will soak into every bite, creating a luscious, irresistible texture. Give everything a gentle stir to combine, then spoon the chicken and sauce over pasta or rice. Add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an extra Italian flourish, if you like.
In less time than you’d think, you’ll have a hearty meal that pairs beautifully with a simple salad or crusty bread. This Zesty Tuscan Tomato Slow Cooker Chicken is ideal for busy families, new cooks dipping their toes into slow cooker recipes, or anyone craving a wholesome, homemade dinner without too much work. Feel free to swap the chicken breasts for chicken thighs, use fire-roasted crushed tomatoes for extra depth, or even add some chopped spinach for a little green. It’s a great recipe to keep in your back pocket for those weeks when you need something delicious, versatile, and nearly effortless.
Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.
