When you’re looking for an easy & delicious recipe to win over your family (or wow your guests), Olive Garden Crockpot Chicken is it. Hot and creamy, this delicious dish combines the creamy flavor of Olive Garden’s signature Italian dressing with the set-it-and-forget-it simplicity of a crockpot. Be it dinner on a busy weeknight or dinner with friends on a cozy evening, this goes with any of it.
In this blog, we are going to show you what you need to know to create this yummy dish. From ingredients to straightforward instructions, tips, and fun takes on serving it, you’ll have everything you need to make a restaurant-quality meal at home. Plus, we’ll sprinkle in some fun facts, health tips, and answers to frequently asked questions, to enhance your cooking experience.
What Is Olive Garden Crockpot Chicken?
This creamy crockpot chicken dish is inspired by the bold flavors of Olive Garden’s delicious menu of Italian-American food. It has soft chicken breasts, Olive Garden Italian Dressing, cream cheese, and Parmesan cheese, making a rich, smooth sauce that’s perfect over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
This dish is not only delicious but also very simple, offering the comfort of homemade food. You’ll feel like an expert in the kitchen even if you don’t have the time to spend cooking.
Fun Fact: The Secret Behind Olive Garden’s Italian Dressing
Did you know they originally made Olive Garden Italian Dressing in-house for their famous salads? Its special combination of tangy, herby, and somewhat sweet flavors quickly became popular. Today, it’s a staple in the grocery store aisle and the principal ingredient for this recipe.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here are the simple ingredients to make Olive Garden Crockpot Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (do not attempt to use bone-in chicken breasts)
- 1 cup Olive Garden Italian Dressing
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (use freshly grated for the best flavor)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup chicken broth (more if you like a thinner sauce)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
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Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
- Place the chicken breasts on their sides in your crockpot.
- Homemade Olive Garden Italian Dressing evenly drizzled over chicken
- Add garlic powder, Italian seasoning and black pepper on top.
- Preheat the oven to 230C/450F. Ingredients Cream cheese (cut into cubes); Parmesan cheese.
Step 2: Slow Cook the Chicken
- Place the lid on the crockpot and cook on low for 5–6 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
- Stir about now and then and make sure that your cream cheese has melted well and mixed with the dressing.
Step 3: Shred or Serve Whole
- When the chicken is finished cooking (Stir once midway through cooking to ensure the cream cheese melts evenly), shred it with two forks or serve whole the breasts.
- For a thinner sauce, stir in chicken broth until the desired consistency.
Step 4: Serve and Garnish
- Serve the creamy chicken over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.
- Sprinkle fresh-cut parsley for color and taste.
Creative Serving Ideas
If you have leftovers, don’t let them go to waste. Here are some ways to repurpose this dish:
- Chicken Bake: Layer shredded chicken in a casserole dish, covering it with breadcrumbs and mozzarella, then bake until golden.
- Tacos or Wraps: Use shredded chicken in tacos or wraps with lettuce, tomatoes, and a drizzle of dressing.
- Savory Soup: Create a comforting soup by combining the chicken and sauce with a deep pot of chicken broth and vegetables.
- Pizza Topping: As a Pizza Topping Spread the chicken and sauce on pizza dough, top with cheese and bake.
Tips for Perfect Olive Garden Crockpot Chicken
| Do’s | Don’ts |
|---|---|
| Use fresh Parmesan for enhanced flavor. | Don’t overcook the chicken. |
| Stir occasionally to blend the sauce. | Avoid skipping the cream cheese. |
| Add veggies like mushrooms or spinach. | Don’t forget to check the internal temp. |
| Customize with spices like red pepper flakes. | Avoid using low-quality ingredients. |
Nutritional Information
This dish is high in protein and offers plenty of room for customization:
- Low-Carb Option: Serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
- Lighter Sauce: Use low-fat cream cheese and reduce the amount of dressing.
- Vegetable Boost: Add spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms to the crockpot for extra nutrition.
Final Thoughts
Olive Garden Crockpot Chicken is not just a recipe; it’s a little slice of restaurant comfort food in your own home. Between the creamy sauce, the tender chicken, and the variety of ways to serve it, this is a dish you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you want to make dinner for your family or serve a low-key party, you will be the hero with this Olive Garden Chicken Pasta Crockpot dish.
So, dust off your slow cooker, prep your ingredients, and let the magic happen. Once you take your first bite, you’ll see what all home cooks are clamoring about.
How does your Olive Garden Crockpot Chicken turn out? Share your photos and stories in the comments or by tagging us on social media. Happy cooking!
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FAQs
Can I Use Frozen Chicken?
Yes, but be sure to adjust the cooking time and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, then reheat before serving.
Can I Use a Different Dressing?
While Olive Garden Italian Dressing is ideal, you can substitute with another Italian dressing or a creamy alternative.
Can I Cook This on the Stovetop?
Yes, simmer the ingredients in a large skillet over medium-low heat until the chicken is cooked through.
Is This Recipe Gluten-Free?
As long as the dressing and ingredients are gluten-free, the dish is safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
