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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.

A plate with two chicken thighs in italian sauce and chopped roasted potatoes.

This flavorful Slow Cooker Italian Chicken pairs beautifully with many of our side dish recipes like 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 Recipe

  • Simple to prepare: With basic ingredients and a small slow cooker, this recipe is simple and easy.
  • 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.

Single Serving Italian Chicken: Easy And Flavorful

Italian chicken is a classic dish bursting with the flavors of tomatoes, herbs, and tender chicken. Our single serving slow cooker recipe lets you savor all that deliciousness without any leftovers. It’s easy, satisfying, and perfect for busy individuals – just set it and forget it! This recipe is ideal for anyone who wants a flavorful, comforting meal without waste or excessive effort.

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 small 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 use 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.

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

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How To Make Crockpot Italian Chicken

See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.

To make this easy Italian Chicken, start by spraying your slow cooker to prevent sticking. Add your chicken, then whisk olive oil and vinegar and pour it over the top. Season with salt, pepper, marinara sauce, and a sprinkle of basil, oregano, and garlic powder. Cook on low for 7 hours or high for 4, then serve with your favorite 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 is the ideal slow cooker or Crockpot size for this Italian Chicken 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.

More Mini Crockpot Chicken Recipes

Find more delicious single serving slow cooker recipes in our collection! Here are some favorites:

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 Crockpot Italian Chicken For One recipe 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 16 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.

Watch How To Make This

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
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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.

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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5 from 16 votes (7 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




33 Comments

  1. Alyssa says:

    Total comfort food right here! Delicious flavors.

  2. Nicola @ Happy Healthy Motivated says:

    I’m always on the lookout for new slow cooker recipes and this one looks delish. Going to try it asap!

  3. Lynzy & Co says:

    This looks so good. I have never seen a baby slow cooker, but this is perfection for single meals. I totally am going to need to check this out.

  4. Rachel Ritlop says:

    Omg looks so yummy and super simple to make!

  5. cara says:

    I’m all about slow cooked meals, and this is no exception! Looks delicous!

  6. Kuleigh says:

    Mmm this looks so good! That mini crock is the neatest idea! I need one.

  7. Kirsten/ComfortablyDomestic says:

    Oh, Joanie! I absolutely ADORE your “new” site niche. My mom is always on me to make scaled down recipes for 1 or 2 because she lives alone, and my family style recipes for 6 make way too much for her. I’m sending her your URL right now! She will love this chicken!

    1. Joanie Zisk says:

      Thank you so much, Kirsten. I really appreciate you sending your mom the link to our site, I hope she loves the chicken and the other recipes!

  8. Malissa // Quotation Re:Marks says:

    This looks delicious! and super simple. I have a hard time cooking smaller portions for just myself or me and one other person, so this is a wonderful recipe to have on hand for that! Thanks for sharing ๐Ÿ™‚

  9. Lynn Woods says:

    I love that you have for 1 recipes. My husband and I eat very differently so there’s a lot of for 1 meals!

  10. Jessica Bradshaw says:

    Yum! This is perfect for when my husband is out of town and I have the house to myself. ๐Ÿ™‚