The aroma of Crockpot Italian Chicken and Peppers wafts through the air, filling your kitchen with an irresistible scent that promises a flavor explosion. Tender chicken mingles with vibrant bell peppers, creating a dish that’s as delightful to the eyes as it is to the palate. Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings Picture this: a cozy evening with friends, laughter echoing off the walls, and everyone reaching for seconds of this scrumptious meal. For more inspiration, check out this Crockpot Creamy Ranch Chicken recipe.
This recipe isn’t just food; it’s a celebration of flavors, memories, and the simple joy of sharing a home-cooked meal. Whether you’re hosting game night or needing comfort on a rainy day, this dish is here to elevate your dining experience to Italian restaurant levels right from your Crockpot.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Crockpot Italian Chicken and Peppers recipe offers effortless preparation while delivering a burst of flavor in every bite
- The colorful array of peppers adds visual appeal to any dinner table
- Perfect for busy weeknights but fancy enough for special occasions, it’s a versatile crowd-pleaser that will impress everyone
I still remember the first time I made this dish; my family raved about how tender and flavorful it was, leaving no leftovers behind.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts work best; adjust according to your crowd size. For more inspiration, check out this Chicken and Rice Soup recipe.
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Bell Peppers: A mix of red, yellow, and green for color and sweetness; chop them into bite-sized pieces.
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Onion: Use one large onion for depth; slice it thinly to blend well with other ingredients.
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Garlic: Fresh cloves are ideal; crush them to release maximum flavor.
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Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme adds authentic Italian flair.
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Chicken Broth: Low-sodium broth ensures control over saltiness while keeping the chicken moist.
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Crushed Tomatoes: Use canned tomatoes for convenience and rich flavor; they create a delightful sauce.
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Olive Oil: A drizzle enhances richness; use extra virgin for its superior taste.
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Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring all flavors together beautifully.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients. Chop the bell peppers and onion into even pieces so they cook uniformly.
Sauté Aromatics (Optional): Although optional, sautéing garlic and onions in olive oil until fragrant can add depth to your dish. You’ll know it’s ready when the onions turn translucent.
Add Chicken to Crockpot: Place your chicken breasts at the bottom of the Crockpot. This helps them absorb all those yummy flavors from above as they cook.
Toss in Vegetables and Seasonings: Layer on those vibrant bell peppers along with sliced onions. Sprinkle Italian seasoning over everything; don’t be shy!
Pour in Broth and Tomatoes: Gently pour chicken broth over your mixture followed by crushed tomatoes. Stir slightly to combine but avoid disturbing the chicken too much.
Set It and Forget It!: Cover your Crockpot and set it on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Enjoy the tantalizing aroma wafting through your home as you wait!
After all that anticipation, serve this delicious meal hot over pasta or with crusty bread for dipping. Each bite is an explosion of flavor that makes you wonder why you haven’t been making this every week!
You Must Know
- This Crockpot Italian Chicken and Peppers recipe is a meal prep dream
- It melds flavors beautifully while the slow cooker does all the work
- The aroma wafting through your kitchen will make your neighbors wonder what’s cooking in your magical food lair
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by seasoning the chicken, then layer it with peppers and onions in the crockpot. Pierogi Casserole as a side Let it simmer on low for about 6-8 hours to allow the flavors to marry perfectly.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out bell peppers for eggplant or add olives for a Mediterranean twist. A splash of balsamic vinegar can also elevate the flavors wonderfully.
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 water if needed.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect results, always brown your chicken beforehand to lock in those juices
- Avoid overcooking vegetables; they should be tender but still vibrant
- Experiment with different herbs like basil or oregano for varied flavor profiles
The first time I made Crockpot Italian Chicken and Peppers, my friends devoured it so fast that I barely got a taste! Their compliments made me feel like a culinary superstar, even though my only skill was pressing ‘start’ on the slow cooker. Chicken Parm Meatballs for dinner.
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Using frozen chicken is not recommended as it may not cook evenly.
What type of peppers are best for this dish?
Bell peppers are ideal, but feel free to mix in other varieties for extra flavor.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Absolutely! Add red pepper flakes or jalapeños to kick up the heat level.
Crockpot Italian Chicken and Peppers
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
Description
Crockpot Italian Chicken and Peppers combines tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, and a medley of aromatic spices for a hearty, flavorful meal. This effortless recipe allows you to savor an Italian-inspired dinner with minimal prep time. Perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings, it delivers comfort and satisfaction in every bite.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 3 bell peppers (1 red, 1 yellow, 1 green), chopped
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 14 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients by chopping the bell peppers and slicing the onion.
- Optional: Sauté minced garlic and onion in olive oil until fragrant.
- Place chicken breasts at the bottom of the Crockpot.
- Layer chopped bell peppers and onions over the chicken.
- Sprinkle Italian seasoning on top.
- Pour chicken broth and crushed tomatoes over the mixture; stir gently.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–8 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 235
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
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