Crockpot Italian Chicken and Peppers is the epitome of a cozy, home-cooked meal. Picture tender chicken simmering for hours in a mouthwatering blend of tomatoes, bell peppers, and Italian herbs—leaving your kitchen smelling like a little slice of Italy. chicken spaghetti in a slow cooker slow cooker chicken shawarma The aroma wafts through your home, making you feel like you’ve just walked into a bustling trattoria. cozy potato soup recipe. For more inspiration, check out this Irresistible Chicken Parmesan recipe.
This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays when you want comfort food without all the fuss. Grab your crockpot, toss in the ingredients, and let it work its magic while you kick back with a good book or catch up on your favorite show. For more inspiration, check out this Hearty Italian Meatball Soup recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This recipe for Crockpot Italian Chicken and Peppers makes dinner prep a breeze with minimal effort required
- The rich flavors come together beautifully, creating a visually appealing dish that looks as good as it tastes
- You can easily adapt the ingredients based on what you have at home, making it versatile for any occasion
- Perfect for family dinners or entertaining friends, this dish will impress everyone at the table
There’s nothing quite like the time my friend Karen served this at her birthday bash. We were all gathered around her beautifully set table when she unveiled this glorious dish—everyone’s mouths dropped in unison. Let’s be real; it was the highlight of the evening (sorry cake!).
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but adjust according to how many you’re feeding.
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Bell Peppers: A mix of red, yellow, and green adds vibrant colors and different flavor notes.
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Canned Diced Tomatoes: These add moisture and sweetness; opt for those with Italian seasoning for an extra flavor kick.
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Onion: A sweet onion works best; it caramelizes beautifully during cooking.
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Garlic: Fresh cloves are ideal; they impart a fragrant aroma that enhances the entire dish.
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Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano and basil gives that authentic Italian taste.
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Olive Oil: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for drizzling over the chicken before cooking.
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Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; adjust to taste as per your preference.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by chopping your bell peppers into strips and dicing the onion and garlic. Keep everything handy as you’ll need them soon.
Layer the Crockpot: Drizzle olive oil at the bottom of your crockpot before placing the chicken breasts side by side. This prevents sticking and adds flavor.
Add Veggies & Seasoning: Layer chopped bell peppers, onions, and garlic over the chicken. Sprinkle generously with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to infuse flavor throughout.
Pour in Tomatoes: Gently pour canned diced tomatoes over everything without stirring; this helps maintain layers while cooking for better flavor distribution.
Cover & Cook: Set your crockpot on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours. The longer it cooks, the more tender your chicken will be!
Serve & Enjoy: When done cooking, shred the chicken right in the pot using two forks. Stir everything together to combine flavors before serving over pasta or rice—delicious!
You Must Know
- This delightful Crockpot Italian Chicken and Peppers is a crowd-pleaser that brings warmth to any table
- The aroma of garlic and herbs wafts through your house, making everyone wonder what’s cooking
- Plus, it’s simple enough for busy weeknights yet impressive for gatherings!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by browning the chicken in a skillet before adding it to the crockpot for enhanced flavor. Layer the peppers and onions on top, then pour in the rich tomato sauce. This method allows all the ingredients to meld beautifully during cooking.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the chicken for turkey or even tofu for a vegetarian twist. Add olives or capers for an extra pop of Mediterranean flavor. You can also throw in some crushed red pepper if you like a little heat.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always season your chicken well before cooking; this makes a huge difference in flavor
- Don’t skip browning; it adds depth and richness
- Lastly, let your dish rest before serving so flavors can meld beautifully!
Cooking this dish reminds me of family gatherings where laughter and stories flow as freely as the wine! Friends always ask for my secret, but I just smile and say it’s all about love…and maybe a good crockpot.
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, but thawing first yields better results and improved texture.
What side dishes pair well with Crockpot Italian Chicken and Peppers?
butter chicken in the crockpot.
Serve with crusty bread, pasta, or a fresh salad for balance.
How long does it take to cook on low?
For best results, cook on low for 6-8 hours or until chicken is tender.
Crockpot Italian Chicken and Peppers
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Crockpot Italian Chicken and Peppers is a comforting, flavorful dish that brings the taste of Italy right to your dinner table. Tender chicken breasts are slow-cooked with vibrant bell peppers, savory garlic, and aromatic herbs in a rich tomato sauce. This hands-off recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends, allowing you to enjoy delicious, home-cooked comfort food with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 bell peppers (1 red, 1 yellow, 1 green), sliced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 medium sweet onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prep your ingredients by slicing bell peppers and dicing onion and garlic.
- Drizzle olive oil in the bottom of the crockpot. Lay chicken breasts side by side.
- Layer sliced bell peppers, onion, and garlic over the chicken. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Pour canned diced tomatoes over the top without stirring.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours until chicken is tender.
- Shred chicken in the pot before serving over pasta or rice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
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