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This mini crock pot Italian chicken recipe features tender chicken cooked in a savory tomato and herb sauce. Scaled for one, it’s an easy slow cooker meal that’s flavorful, comforting, and perfect for a simple dinner.
Featured Comment
“This is a really delicious, easy, and versatile recipe.”
– Leona
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Crock Pot Meal: A true dump-and-go recipe where the slow cooker does all the work, making dinner simple and stress-free.
- Works with Different Cuts of Chicken: Use chicken thighs for juicy, tender results or chicken breasts for a leaner option.
- Rich Italian Flavor: Slow cooking creates tender shredded chicken in a creamy, flavorful Italian-seasoned sauce.
I’ve been making slow cooker Italian chicken for years, and it’s always been a family favorite. In this single serving version, I’ve scaled it down so you can enjoy the same tender chicken simmered in a rich tomato and herb sauce without having too much left over. It’s an easy crockpot recipe that delivers a comforting, flavorful dinner with very little prep.
This easy chicken dinner pairs well with our single serve side dish recipes like roasted small batch Brussels sprouts, rice for one, or a Caesar salad for one. For a heartier meal, serve it over buttered noodles for one or creamy single serve risotto.
Whatever you choose, it’s a satisfying and flavorful dish. Interested in more 1.5 or 2-quart crock pot recipes? Check out our collection of single serving mini crock pot recipes for one for more easy and delicious meals.
Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this slow cooker chicken thighs recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
- Chicken: Use 1 or 2 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts. Extra chicken? Use it in a slow cooker chicken burrito bowl, small chicken and rice casserole or chicken stew for one.
- Olive Oil: I use extra virgin olive oil for its rich flavor, but a lighter olive oil works too.
- Balsamic Vinegar: Adds depth and a slight sweetness to the sauce.
- Seasonings: A blend of kosher salt, black pepper, dried basil, dried oregano, and garlic powder gives the dish classic Italian flavors.
- Marinara or Tomato Sauce: Use store-bought or homemade tomato sauce.
RELATED: How To Cook Small Meals In A Large Slow Cooker
How To Make Crock Pot Italian Chicken
See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.
To make slow cooker chicken thighs with an Italian twist, start by spraying a small crock pot to prevent sticking. Place the chicken inside, whisk together olive oil and balsamic vinegar, and pour it over the top. Season with salt, pepper, basil, oregano, and garlic powder, then add marinara sauce. Cover and cook on low for 7 hours or high for 4 hours until the chicken is tender. Serve with pasta, potatoes, or rice for a flavorful and easy meal.
RELATED: 20 Single Serving Breakfast Recipes Worth Waking Up To
Expert Tips
- Stocking Up on Chicken: I keep a large bag of frozen boneless, skinless chicken thighs in my freezer, so I can grab what I need without extra trips to the store.
- Defrosting Chicken: Always thaw chicken before slow cooking. Let it defrost in the fridge overnight or use the microwave for a quick thaw before adding it to the slow cooker.
Frequently Asked Questions
Use a 1.5 to 2-quart slow cooker for the best results.
Yes, double the ingredient amounts and use a 3 to 4-quart slow cooker.
Yes, bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms make great additions.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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 single serve slow cooker Italian chicken 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!
Mini Crock Pot Italian Chicken For One
Watch How To Make This
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 (4-ounce) boneless skinless chicken thighs or boneless, skinless breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
- 1 cup Marinara sauce or tomato sauce
- ¼ teaspoon dried basil
- ⅛ teaspoon dried oregano
- ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Lightly spray the slow cooker with oil and place the chicken inside.
- Whisk olive oil and vinegar in a small bowl, then pour over the chicken.
- Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Pour marinara sauce over the chicken.
- Sprinkle with basil, oregano, and garlic powder.
- Cover and cook on low for 7 hours or high for 4 hours.
Notes
-
- Stocking Up on Chicken: I keep a large bag of frozen boneless, skinless chicken thighs in my freezer, so I can grab what I need without extra trips to the store.
- Defrosting Chicken: Always thaw chicken before slow cooking. Let it defrost in the fridge overnight or use the microwave for a quick thaw before adding it to the slow cooker.
Nutrition
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.
Total comfort food right here! Delicious flavors.
I’m always on the lookout for new slow cooker recipes and this one looks delish. Going to try it asap!
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.
Omg looks so yummy and super simple to make!
I’m all about slow cooked meals, and this is no exception! Looks delicous!
Mmm this looks so good! That mini crock is the neatest idea! I need one.
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!
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!
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 🙂
I love that you have for 1 recipes. My husband and I eat very differently so there’s a lot of for 1 meals!
Yum! This is perfect for when my husband is out of town and I have the house to myself. 🙂