There’s something magical about the aroma of Crockpot Italian Chicken and Peppers wafting through your home. Imagine tender chicken, perfectly cooked and infused with vibrant bell peppers and hearty Italian spices. Crockpot chicken and rice soup The moment you lift the lid, a symphony of flavors dances in the air, beckoning you to dive right in.
I remember the first time I made this dish; my friends couldn’t believe how simple it was yet how complexly flavorful it tasted. It became a go-to for cozy evenings and family gatherings, a dish that brings everyone together around the table, eagerly anticipating that first mouthful.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Crockpot Italian Chicken and Peppers is incredibly easy to prepare, making weeknight dinners stress-free
- Bursting with robust flavors from herbs and spices, it’s a feast for your taste buds
- Its colorful presentation makes it visually appealing on any dinner table
- This recipe is versatile enough to serve over rice, pasta, or even in wraps for lunch the next day
I once served this dish at a potluck, and let’s just say I had to fight off my friends’ forks as they dove in for seconds!
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 you can adjust based on how many people you’re feeding.
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Bell Peppers: A mix of red, yellow, and green adds wonderful color and sweetness to the dish.
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Onion: A medium onion will add depth; choose a sweet variety for extra flavor.
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Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves enhance the aroma; always opt for firm ones!
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Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs like basil and oregano brings authentic Italian flavor.
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Crushed Tomatoes: Use canned tomatoes for convenience; they add moisture and richness.
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Olive Oil: A splash helps develop flavors while keeping everything beautifully moist.
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Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings; don’t be shy—season generously!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Ingredients: Begin by washing your chicken breasts under cool water. Pat them dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear later on.
Chop Those Veggies: Slice your bell peppers into strips and chop the onion finely. The colorful medley will not only look great but taste amazing too!
Sauté for Extra Flavor: In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté the onions until they’re translucent and fragrant. This step enhances their sweetness.
Add It All to the Crockpot: Layer the chicken breasts in the crockpot followed by your sautéed onions and chopped bell peppers. Pour crushed tomatoes over everything like a flavorful blanket.
Season Generously: Sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper over your layered ingredients. Give everything a gentle stir so those flavors mingle beautifully.
Crock It Up!: Cover your crockpot and set it on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Just wait until you can smell that heavenly aroma filling your kitchen!
This Crockpot Italian Chicken and Peppers is an enchanted journey from start to finish. As you follow these steps, feel free to dance around your kitchen—after all, cooking should be fun! Crockpot shepherd’s pie.
You Must Know
- This Crockpot Italian Chicken and Peppers dish is a one-pot wonder that saves time while delivering robust flavor
- Perfect for busy weeknights, the slow cooker allows the chicken to become tender and infused with delicious seasonings
- Your kitchen will smell like an Italian bistro!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sear the chicken first for a deeper flavor, then layer in peppers and sauce before slow cooking for a few hours. Chicken Dijon cream sauce This method enhances the dish’s overall taste and texture.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap bell peppers for zucchini or add olives for extra zest. Experimenting with spices can also bring unique flavors to your Crockpot Italian Chicken and Peppers. Creamy ranch chicken.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For optimal flavor, use bone-in chicken thighs instead of breasts; they stay juicier during cooking
- Also, avoid overloading your crockpot—too many ingredients can lead to uneven cooking
- Lastly, let it rest before serving; this helps meld all those delicious flavors!
I once made this Crockpot Italian Chicken and Peppers dish for a gathering, and my friends devoured it in minutes! They even asked for seconds, making me feel like a culinary rockstar. For more inspiration, check out this Crockpot Butter Chicken recipe.
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken; just increase the cooking time by about an hour.
What sides pair well with Crockpot Italian Chicken and Peppers?
Serve it with rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the amazing sauce.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
Crockpot Italian Chicken and Peppers
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Crockpot Italian Chicken and Peppers is a delightful one-pot meal that combines tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, and aromatic Italian spices. This easy-to-make dish simmers in your slow cooker, infusing every bite with robust flavor and creating a mouthwatering aroma that fills your home. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners, serve it over rice or pasta to enjoy an unforgettable culinary experience!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 2 bell peppers (1 red, 1 yellow), sliced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse chicken breasts under cold water and pat dry.
- Slice the bell peppers into strips and chop the onion finely.
- In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté the onions until translucent.
- Layer the chicken in the crockpot followed by sautéed onions and sliced bell peppers. Pour crushed tomatoes over everything.
- Sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper on top; stir gently to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until chicken is tender.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours (low)
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
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