Description
Make Olive Garden Crockpot Chicken at home! This creamy, flavorful dish is perfect for busy weeknights. Simple ingredients, minimal prep, and family-friendly.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients List
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup Olive Garden Italian dressing
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Optional: 1 cup sliced mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker. Season with black pepper and garlic powder.
- Mix the sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the Olive Garden Italian dressing, softened cream cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth and well combined.
- Add the sauce to the slow cooker: Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken breasts, spreading it evenly to cover the chicken.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Serve: Once done, serve the chicken with the sauce over pasta, rice, or vegetables. Optionally, stir in any add-ins like mushrooms or spinach during the last hour of cooking.
Notes
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: The flavor of this dish relies on the quality of ingredients, especially the Italian dressing and Parmesan cheese. Opt for the best you can find, or make your own dressing for a fresh, authentic taste.
- Pre-Mix the Sauce: Thoroughly mix the cream cheese, Italian dressing, and Parmesan before adding them to the slow cooker to ensure a smooth, evenly distributed sauce.
- Don’t Overcook: Depending on your slow cooker, the cooking time may vary. Start checking the chicken at the lower end of the cooking time to prevent it from drying out. The chicken should be tender and easy to shred but not overcooked.
- Customize the Flavor: Feel free to add your favorite seasonings or mix-ins, such as red pepper flakes for a bit of heat, or fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a burst of freshness.