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Are you craving Italian flavors but only cooking for one? Our Slow Cooker Italian Chicken recipe is just what you need. Combining classic Italian seasonings with the ease of a slow cooker, this dish is perfect for anyone, especially if you’re new to cooking or love single serving meals. It’s a fuss-free way to bring a little bit of Italy right to your kitchen, with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Let’s get cooking!

This flavorful Slow Cooker Italian Chicken pairs beautifully with golden-roasted Brussels Sprouts or a crisp Caesar salad. For a more substantial meal, consider serving it over creamy Buttered Noodles or rich, velvety Risotto. Whatever you choose, it’s sure to be a delightful dining experience – Buon appetito!

RELATED: Easy Dinner Ideas For One

Why You’ll Love This Italian Chicken Recipe

  • Simple to prepare: With basic ingredients and a small slow cooker, this recipe is simple and straightforward, even for those new to cooking.
  • Flexible: Adjust seasonings or add extras like olives or capers to personalize the dish.
  • Healthy: Lean chicken and antioxidant-rich tomatoes make this a nutritious choice.
  • Delicious: The slow cooker allows flavors to meld beautifully, creating a tasty Italian experience.

What Is Italian Chicken?

Italian Chicken, as featured in our recipe, is a delightful combination of a chicken breast or chicken thighs cooked slowly with tomato sauce and herbs in a small slow cooker. The result is a succulent, flavorful dish brimming with the kind of aromas that transport you straight to a rustic Italian kitchen. It embodies the charm of single serving meals, providing a compact yet indulgent culinary experience.

An overhead view of italian chicken with a small salad of iceberg lettuce and tomato slices and chopped roasted potatoes on a plate.

Check out our other Mini Slow Cooker Meal ideas!

Ingredients

If you have any ingredients leftover from this 1.5-quart slow cooker recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.

  • Chicken: Choose either 1 or 2 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, depending on your preference or what you have available. If you’re looking for more chicken thigh recipes, consider making Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl, Chicken and Rice Casserole or Chicken Stew.
  • Olive Oil: In this recipe, and all others on One Dish Kitchen where olive oil is needed, I opt for extra virgin olive oil. This type is less processed, retaining a more authentic olive flavor and richer in vitamins and minerals found in olives. However, you can substitute it with a lighter olive oil if desired.
  • Balsamic Vinegar: This is a key ingredient for adding a robust flavor to the sauce.
  • Seasonings: I recommend using kosher salt, black pepper, dried basil, dried oregano, and garlic powder for a well-rounded Italian flavor.
  • Marinara or Tomato Sauce: You can use either store-bought or homemade tomato sauce, whichever is more convenient or to your liking.

These notes provide an overview of the ingredients used and their purpose in enhancing the flavors of this slow cooker Italian chicken dish.

RELATED: How To Cook Small Meals In A Large Slow Cooker

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How To Make Italian Chicken In A Slow Cooker

  1. Spray the inside of the slow cooker with an oil spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Place the chicken thighs or breast on the bottom of the slow cooker.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and the vinegar and pour over the chicken.
  4. Top with salt and pepper.
  5. Pour the Marinara sauce over the chicken thighs.
  6. Top with the dried basil, oregano, and garlic powder.
  7. Cook on low for 7 hours or high for 4. Serve with pasta, potatoes, or rice.

RELATED: 20 Single Serving Breakfast Recipes Worth Waking Up To

Expert Tips

  • Stocking Up on Chicken: I purchase large bags of frozen boneless, skinless chicken thighs from the grocery store. This way, I can simply take out the amount I need for each meal. It’s a convenient way to have chicken on hand without frequent trips to the store.
  • Defrosting Chicken: Ensure you defrost the chicken before adding it to the crockpot. You can do this by placing the needed amount in the refrigerator overnight to thaw or by quickly defrosting a few pieces in the microwave just before you add them to the slow cooker.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size slow cooker is best for this recipe?

For this slow cooker boneless chicken thigh recipe, a 1.5-quart slow cooker is ideal. Using a slow cooker or crockpot of a similar size will yield the best results.

How can I prevent the chicken from drying out in the slow cooker?

To keep the chicken moist, opt for chicken thighs as they contain more fat and are less likely to dry out compared to chicken breasts. Adhering to the cooking time specified in this recipe will ensure your chicken stays tender and juicy.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in this Italian Chicken recipe?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but be mindful of the cooking time as breasts can dry out faster than thighs.

Is it safe to put frozen chicken in a slow cooker?

It’s recommended to use thawed chicken in slow cooking. This practice guarantees that the chicken cooks evenly and reaches a safe internal temperature.

How long can I store leftover Italian Chicken?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove for a quick meal.

Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients

If you have any ingredients leftover from this Slow Cooker Italian Chicken recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:

If you’ve tried this slow cooker Italian chicken or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.

Also, if you take a picture please tag us on Instagram (@onedishkitchen) we’d love to see it!


Your Cooking For One Source
Because you’re worth it

Slow Cooker Italian Chicken For One

5 from 14 votes
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 7 hours
Total: 7 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 1 serving
A recipe that's been in our family for years, this slow cooker Italian chicken is a winner! Made with simple ingredients and packed with amazing flavors. This single serving version features tender, juicy chicken with a flavorful tomato-based sauce. Wonderful served over pasta, rice, or potatoes.

Ingredients 
 

  • 2 (4-ounce) boneless skinless chicken thighs or boneless, skinless breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • teaspoon salt
  • teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
  • 1 cup Marinara sauce or tomato sauce
  • ¼ teaspoon dried basil
  • teaspoon dried oregano
  • teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions 

  • Spray the inside of the slow cooker with an oil spray to prevent sticking.
  • Place the chicken on the bottom of the slow cooker.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and the vinegar and pour over the chicken.
  • Top with salt and pepper.
  • Pour the Marinara sauce over the chicken.
  • Top with the dried basil, oregano, and garlic powder.
  • Cook on low for 7 hours or high for 4. Serve with pasta, potatoes or rice.

Video

Notes

Stocking Up on Chicken: I purchase large bags of frozen boneless, skinless chicken thighs from the grocery store. This way, I can simply take out the amount I need for each meal. It’s a convenient way to have chicken on hand without frequent trips to the store.
Defrosting Chicken: Ensure you defrost the chicken before adding it to the crockpot. You can do this by placing the needed amount in the refrigerator overnight to thaw or by quickly defrosting a few pieces in the microwave just before you add them to the slow cooker.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving, Calories: 566kcal, Carbohydrates: 13g, Protein: 43g, Fat: 37g, Saturated Fat: 6g, Cholesterol: 194mg, Sodium: 1761mg, Potassium: 1311mg, Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 13g, Vitamin A: 1061IU, Vitamin C: 17mg, Calcium: 50mg, Iron: 4mg

The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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28 Comments

  1. Since my wife has died last November, thanks to your site I have not missed out on tasty nourishing meals. This one was excellent and so easy to put together. I loaded the one and a half quart Crock-Pot the night before turned it on early this morning and had a great meal at noon. Your recipes are so easy and not complicated and are so adaptable to different spices if I desire. Thank you for being there.

  2. Delicious! I had on hand two small chicken breasts, so I used those in my new mini-slow cooker. The chicken turned out moist and fork-tender, and the marinara sauce gave it a great flavor. I served it over spaghetti, and next time will try it with rice. It’s so easy to make I know it will become a favorite. I will be checking your site often, as I cook for just myself and as I’m getting older my motto is “The simpler, the better.” 😉

  3. So good and simple. I made this recipe as a result of my friend Pat Potts adding it to her favorite recipes for 2021. It was a worthy recommendation. Thanks for sharing this nice keeper.

  4. Delicious, I used chicken thighs and for the marinara sauce I used a spicy pepper pasta sauce and added a heap of vegetables for make as a one pot low carb meal. I spooned some of the sauce over the chicken and then piled the vegetables on top and spread the rest of the sauce on top of that and there was heaps of sauce with the finished dish more than I needed and all was cooked in 7 hours on low and the chicken just flaked with the fork and was very tender. Thank you for a great recipe made for What’s On The Menu tag game at FF&F.

  5. That blue pot, that looks like it’s sitting on it’s own heating pedastal is killing me! Where can I find it?

    1. Hi LeeAnn,
      It’s a Hamilton Beach Party Crock and I love it. It’s 1.5 quarts and I use it as a slow cooker sometimes. I did a quick check on Amazon and didn’t see it listed so I’m thinking it may be discontinued.

      Joanie

  6. I love your site. Do you have any cook books out. I want these recipes for my college age granddaughter. We gave her a crockpot for Christmas and she loves it.
    I am going to make the pasta and shrimp salad this week. Can’t wait!

    1. Hi Joey,

      Thank you so much, I’m so glad you are enjoying the recipes and I hope your granddaughter loves the slow cooker recipes!
      We are currently working on our cookbook and it should be released later this year (in time for Christmas!). We’re so excited about it and will keep our readers updated when we have an exact publication date.
      Have a wonderful week!
      Joanie

  7. Great recipe served “drippings” over rice using the microwave individual rice servings – the meal couldn’t have been simpler or tastier.

  8. Nice to have a site dedicated to cooking for one. I live alone and it just makes it easier then recalculating recipes for one. So thanks for this site

  9. What a delicious looking recipe and so easy! I love dinners that I can set and forget so I don’t have to worry about rushing around in the evening making sure I put something on the table. This would work well for my husband and I by just doubling the recipe.