This recipe combines chicken breast with an Italian-inspired sauce, blending rich cream cheese with savory cream of chicken. This Creamy Italian Chicken offers a comforting taste, making each bite a delightful experience.
You will love this Creamy Italian Chicken Recipe
This recipe is not just a dish of creamy goodness, bursting with robust flavors; it’s an experience. Every bite confirm its rich, creamy, and deeply flavorful nature. What’s even better? It can be paired with pasta, served over a bed of steamed rice, or even made into a sandwich. Trust me, if there’s a perfect dish that promises flavor, simplicity, and adaptability all in one, it’s this Creamy Italian Chicken.
Italian Dressing Chicken Breast ingredients
- 4-6 Chicken Breasts
- 8oz Cream Cheese
- Cream of Chicken
- Dry Italian Seasoning Packet
If you run out of pre-made packets, you can make your own Italian seasoning blend using 2 tbs dried basil, 2 tbs oregano, 2 tbs rosemary, 1 tsp thyme, 1 tbs garlic powder, and ½ tsp red pepper flakes. If needed, crush your dried herbs using mortar and pestle or pulsing them in a spice grinder.
Italian Chicken variations
The Creamy Italian Chicken recipe is more than just a delicious dinner; it’s one of my favorite go-to freezer meals. Preparing and freezing this dish ahead ensures a quick yet hearty meal solution. And if you’re keen on mastering the art of freezer meals, don’t miss out on my comprehensive post! There, I not only dive into perfecting this recipe for the freezer but also introduce six other fantastic Easy Chicken Crockpot Freezer Meals, complete with tips and tricks. It’s convenience and taste, all bundled together!
If you’re craving an Italian Chicken vibe without the creaminess of this dish, I’d recommend giving my Italian Dressing Chicken Breast a shot. It’s my top pick for versatile shredded chicken that fits seamlessly into a variety of recipes.
How to make Italian Chicken Breast
Whether you’re a fan of the slow simmer of a crockpot, the speedy efficiency of an Instant Pot, or the traditional oven-baked method, we’ve got you covered. Follow these step-by-step instructions to achieve a mouthwatering dish that promises to be a hit at any dinner table.
Oven Cooking Instructions:
1. Begin by trimming the fat off the chicken. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place chicken breasts in a large baking dish.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, and the dry Italian seasoning packet. Mix until all ingredients are well-blended and smooth.
3. Pour the creamy Italian mixture over the chicken breasts in the bottom of a baking dish, ensuring they are well-covered.
4. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake 45 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked.
5. After cooking, ensure the chicken is thoroughly cooked by checking if it’s no longer pink in the middle or by using a meat thermometer (it should read at least 165°F). Take the chicken breasts out of the baking dish and use two forks to shred the meat.
6. Take the shredded chicken and put it back in the baking dish and mix the chicken into the Creamy Italian mixture. Serve the Creamy Italian Chicken over pasta, rice, or with your favorite side dishes.
Crock Pot Cooking Instructions:
- Trim the chicken and line the bottom of the crockpot.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, and the dry Italian seasoning packet. Mix until all ingredients are well-blended and smooth
- Pour the mixture over the chicken in the crock pot.
- Cover the crockpot with its lid. Set the crockpot to ‘LOW’ and cook for 6-7 hours. Alternatively, if you’re short on time, you can set it to ‘HIGH’ and cook for 3-4 hours.
- Using two forks, shred the chicken and stir to coat the chicken with the mixture. Serve the Creamy Italian Chicken over pasta, rice, or with your favorite side dishes.
Instant Pot Cooking Instructions:
- Follow steps 1-3 of the instructions under Crock Pot Cooking, adding the chicken breasts to the Instant Pot.
- Secure the Instant Pot lid, ensuring the pressure valve is set to ‘Sealing’. Select the ‘Poultry’ or ‘Manual’ setting, and adjust the cooking time to 15 minutes at high pressure.
- Once the cooking time is up, let the Instant Pot release pressure naturally for about 10 minutes. After that, you can turn the valve to ‘Venting’ to release any remaining pressure.
- Carefully remove the lid. Ensure the chicken is thoroughly cooked by checking that it’s no longer pink in the middle or by using a meat thermometer (it should read at least 165°F).
- Using two forks, shred the chicken and stir to coat the chicken with the mixture. Serve the Creamy Italian Chicken over pasta, rice, or with your favorite side dishes.
For lots of tips, make sure to check out the FAQ section below!
How to Serve Creamy Italian Chicken
This recipe is very versatile and can be served in a lot of different variations. Here are some suggestions we’ve enjoyed!
- Over Pasta: Serve the creamy chicken over spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne. The rich sauce complements the pasta beautifully.
- With Rice: Serve it over a bed of steamed white or brown rice to absorb the creamy sauce.
- Atop Mashed Potatoes: The creamy sauce and chicken pair wonderfully with smooth mashed potatoes.
- With Steamed Vegetables: Serve alongside steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus for a balanced meal.
- In a Wrap or Tortilla: Use the creamy chicken as a filling for wraps or tortillas, adding lettuce, tomatoes, and other veggies as desired.
- With a Side Salad: Pair with a fresh green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the chicken.
- Inside Baked Potatoes: Make a slit in baked potatoes and stuff them with the creamy chicken mixture.
- As a Pizza Topping: Use the creamy chicken as a unique and flavorful pizza topping along with some cheese.
How to store Chicken Breast with Italian Dressing
- Cool Down: Before storing, always allow your cooked chicken breast to cool down to room temperature. This should typically take about 20-30 minutes.
- Use Airtight Containers: Transfer the chicken breast into an airtight container.
- Refrigeration: Place the airtight container in the refrigerator. The chicken breast should remain fresh for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: If you intend to store it for a longer duration, you can also freeze the chicken. Place the chicken in freezer-safe bags or containers, pushing out as much air as possible before sealing. Label with the date, and the chicken can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
- Reheating: When ready to eat, if frozen, thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. Always ensure that reheated chicken reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F.
Sides to Serve with Italian Chicken Breast
- Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and a zesty vinaigrette.
- Caesar Salad: The creamy Caesar dressing can complement the Italian flavors.
- Steamed Broccoli or Green Beans: Lightly seasoned with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil.
- Roasted Asparagus: Drizzled with lemon juice and grated parmesan.
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- Roasted Potatoes: Seasoned with rosemary and garlic.
- White or Brown Rice – pairs well the creaminess of the recipe.
Italian Chicken Breast Recipe FAQs
When aiming for a tender Creamy Italian Chicken breast, both preparation and cooking techniques play pivotal roles. The combination of cream cheese, cream of chicken, and dry Italian seasoning not only infuses the chicken with delicious flavors but also acts as a marinade. Which potentially tenderizes the meat if allowed to sit for a couple of hours before cooking. To ensure even cooking, consider lightly pounding any chicken breasts that differ significantly in thickness, preventing any section from drying out. One of the most crucial steps is to avoid overcooking; especially because of how lean chicken breast is. Whether you’re using a crockpot, Instant Pot, or oven, monitor the chicken and make sure it doesn’t exceed an internal temperature of 165°F.
The ideal way to prevent chicken breasts from drying out is by using a crockpot. Slow-cooking in a crockpot retains the meat’s natural juices, making sure it’s tender and moist. The low, steady heat combined with the closed environment makes for juicy chicken, while also allowing flavors to thoroughly infuse the meat. Simply put, for moist and flavorful chicken breasts, a crockpot is your best bet!
If you’re marinating chicken using a mixture of cream cheese, cream of chicken, and an Italian seasoning packet, you can safely marinate it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The mixture’s lower acidity, compared to regular Italian dressing, ensures that the chicken’s texture isn’t compromised as quickly. However, for optimal flavor and texture, it’s still best to use the marinated chicken within that 24-hour window. Always refrigerate the chicken while it’s marinating to maintain safety and freshness. If you’ve let it marinate beyond the recommended time, it’s wise to inspect the chicken for any changes in texture or off-putting aromas before cooking.
Yes, chicken thighs can be used as a substitute for chicken breasts. They may add a richer flavor due to the higher fat content. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
Absolutely! There are several dairy-free cream cheese brands available in stores, often made from almonds, cashews, or soy. You can also use coconut cream as a substitute, but it may alter the flavor slightly.
Yes, you can use cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup as a substitute. It’ll give a different flavor profile to the dish.
While the main ingredients are naturally gluten-free, some store-bought dry seasoning packets and cream soups might contain gluten. Check labels carefully or use homemade alternatives to ensure the dish is gluten-free.
And there you have it! One of my husbands favorite Chicken Crockpot Meals! It’s creamy, full of flavor and can be eaten in a variety of ways!! I just know you’ll love it!!
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Creamy Italian Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 4-6 Chicken Breasts cleaned and trimmed
- 8 Oz Cream Cheese softened
- 1 10.5oz can Cream of Chicken
- 1 packet Dry Italian Seasoning
Instructions
Oven Cooking Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place chicken breasts in a large baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, and the dry Italian seasoning packet. Mix until all ingredients are well-blended and smooth.
- Pour the creamy Italian mixture over the chicken breasts in the baking dish, ensuring they are well-covered.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake 45 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked. You can check its doneness by ensuring it's no longer pink in the middle or by using a meat thermometer (the internal temperature should read at least 165°F).
- Using two forks, shred the chicken and stir to coat the chicken with the mixture. Serve the Creamy Italian Chicken over pasta, rice, or with your favorite side dishes.
Crock Pot Cooking Instructions:
- Begin by trimming the fat off the chicken.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, and the dry Italian seasoning packet. Mix until all ingredients are well-blended and smooth.
- Pour the creamy Italian mixture over the chicken breasts in the crockpot, ensuring they are well-covered.
- Cover the crockpot with its lid. Set the crockpot to 'LOW' and cook for 6-7 hours. Alternatively, if you're short on time, you can set it to 'HIGH' and cook for 3-4 hours.
- After cooking, ensure the chicken is thoroughly cooked by checking if it's no longer pink in the middle or by using a meat thermometer (it should read at least 165°F).
- Once cooked, gently stir the mixture in the crockpot to combine the flavors. Serve the Creamy Italian Chicken over pasta, rice, or with your choice of side dishes.
Instant Pot Cooking Instructions:
- Follow steps 1-3 of the instructions under Crock Pot Cooking, adding the chicken breasts to the Instant Pot.
- Secure the Instant Pot lid, ensuring the pressure valve is set to 'Sealing'. Select the 'Poultry' or 'Manual' setting, and adjust the cooking time to 15 minutes at high pressure.
- Once the cooking time is up, let the Instant Pot release pressure naturally for about 10 minutes. After that, you can turn the valve to 'Venting' to release any remaining pressure.
- Carefully remove the lid. Ensure the chicken is thoroughly cooked by checking that it's no longer pink in the middle or by using a meat thermometer (it should read at least 165°F).
- Using two forks, shred the chicken and stir to coat the chicken with the mixture. Serve the Creamy Italian Chicken over pasta, rice, or with your favorite side dishes.
Video
Notes
EASY WAYS TO TO SERVE CREAMY ITALIAN CHICKEN
- Over Pasta: Serve the creamy chicken over spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne. The rich sauce complements the pasta beautifully.
- With Rice: Serve it over a bed of steamed white or brown rice to absorb the creamy sauce.
- Atop Mashed Potatoes: The creamy sauce and chicken pair wonderfully with smooth mashed potatoes.
- With Steamed Vegetables: Serve alongside steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus for a balanced meal.
- In a Wrap or Tortilla: Use the creamy chicken as a filling for wraps or tortillas, adding lettuce, tomatoes, and other veggies as desired.
- With a Side Salad: Pair with a fresh green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the chicken.
- Inside Baked Potatoes: Make a slit in baked potatoes and stuff them with the creamy chicken mixture.
- As a Pizza Topping: Use the creamy chicken as a unique and flavorful pizza topping along with some cheese.
SIDES TO SERVE WITH ITALIAN CHICKEN BREAST
- Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and a zesty vinaigrette.
- Caesar Salad: The creamy Caesar dressing can complement the Italian flavors.
- Steamed Broccoli or Green Beans: Lightly seasoned with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil.
- Roasted Asparagus: Drizzled with lemon juice and grated parmesan.
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- Roasted Potatoes: Seasoned with rosemary and garlic.
- White or Brown Rice – pairs well the creaminess of the recipe.
Nutrition
Olivia
This Italian chicken was a huge hit with my family and it was so easy to make!! Adding it to our weekly dinner rotation, thank you!
Shar
We can’t get enough of this amazing Chicken breast with an Italian-inspired sauce. My fam even thought that it’s store-bought! Definitely making this again.
jess
this is such a great and easy dinner recipe! thank you so much for sharing this amazing recipe, I couldnt live without it!