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Dump and Go Italian Cream Cheese Chicken Crockpot Recipe - Cozy, Creamy, and Effortless

Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time4 hours
Total Time4 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 to 2.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (thighs work too for extra tenderness)
  • 1 (8-ounce) block cream cheese, cut into cubes
  • 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom for earthier flavor)
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 (1-ounce) packet dry Italian dressing mix (or 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning + 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder + 1/2 teaspoon onion powder + 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes + 1/2 teaspoon sugar)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional but recommended)
  • ½ cup milk or half-and-half (to thin the sauce if needed at the end)
  • Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish
  • Cooked pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes, for serving

Instructions

  • Prep the crockpot: Lightly spray the slow cooker insert with cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
  • Add the chicken: Place chicken breasts in a single layer on the bottom. If using large thick breasts, cut them in half for even cooking.
  • Build the sauce base: In a bowl, whisk together cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, Italian dressing mix (or homemade blend), garlic, pepper, and salt.
  • Pour and top: Pour the sauce over the chicken. Scatter the cream cheese cubes across the top so they melt evenly.
  • Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on Low for 4–5 hours or on High for 2.5–3.5 hours, until chicken shreds easily.
  • Shred and enrich: Remove chicken to a plate and shred with two forks. Whisk the sauce in the crock to fully blend the melted cream cheese. Stir in Parmesan.
  • Adjust consistency: Return shredded chicken to the sauce. If it’s too thick, stir in milk or half-and-half, 2 tablespoons at a time, until it’s creamy and pourable.
  • Taste and finish: Adjust salt and pepper. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil.
  • Serve: Spoon over hot pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. Add extra Parmesan if you like.