Savory Creamy Italian Chicken Delight
Indulge in the rich flavors of our Savory Creamy Italian Chicken Delight. This delightful crock pot meal features tender chicken breasts submerged in a creamy Italian sauce, perfectly complemented by earthy cremini mushrooms. As the ingredients slow-cook together, they create a savory aroma that will fill your kitchen. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also provides comfort in every bite. Perfect for busy weeknights, this satisfying recipe serves four and pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread. Share a plateful with family and friends, and enjoy the flavors of Italy right at home!
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
4 (trimmed)
Dried Italian Salad Dressing Mix
1 (1 ounce) envelope (none)
Water
1/4 cup (none)
Cream Cheese
8 ounces (cubed)
Cremini Mushrooms
3/4 lb (halved)
Parmesan Cheese
to taste (shredded)
Instructions
1
Begin by placing the boneless skinless chicken breasts and halved cremini mushrooms into the crock pot, ensuring they are spread out evenly.
2
In a small bowl, combine the dried Italian salad dressing mix and water, stirring well to combine.
3
Pour the dressing mixture over the chicken and mushrooms in the crock pot, ensuring everything is well coated.
4
Cover the crock pot and cook on low heat for 3 hours, allowing the flavors to develop and the chicken to become tender.
5
While the chicken is cooking, take the cream cheese out of the refrigerator to soften slightly. Cube it for easier mixing later on.
6
After 3 hours, carefully remove the chicken and mushrooms from the crock pot using a slotted spoon and set them aside on a plate.
7
Whisk the softened cream cheese into the remaining liquid in the crock pot, blending until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
8
Return the chicken and mushrooms to the crock pot, cover, and continue cooking on low for an additional 1.5 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
9
Once done, serve the chicken hot, garnished with freshly shredded Parmesan cheese to taste. Enjoy your meal!
Nutrition Information
17.5g
Fat
3.75g
Carbs
25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Creamy Italian Chicken Delight?
It is a rich and savory crock pot meal featuring tender chicken breasts and cremini mushrooms in a creamy Italian sauce.
What type of chicken is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, trimmed of fat.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe serves four people.
What are the main seasonings used?
The primary seasoning is one 1-ounce envelope of dried Italian salad dressing mix.
What type of mushrooms should I use?
The recipe specifically uses 3/4 lb of cremini mushrooms, halved.
How much water is needed for the sauce?
You only need 1/4 cup of water to mix with the Italian dressing packet.
How long does the chicken cook initially?
The chicken and mushrooms cook on low heat for an initial 3 hours.
When is the cream cheese added to the crock pot?
The cream cheese is whisked into the cooking liquid after the initial 3 hours of cooking once the chicken has been temporarily removed.
How much cream cheese is required?
The recipe requires 8 ounces of cream cheese, cubed for easier mixing.
What is the total cooking time for this dish?
The total slow-cook time is 4.5 hours on low heat.
Should I cook this recipe on high or low heat?
This recipe is designed to be cooked on low heat for the best results.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 300 calories per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content of this recipe?
This is a low-carb dish with only 3.75g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does this meal provide?
Each serving contains 25g of protein.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 17.5g of fat per serving.
What should I serve with Savory Creamy Italian Chicken?
It pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
What garnish is suggested for this dish?
It is recommended to serve the chicken hot with freshly shredded Parmesan cheese to taste.
Do I need to brown the chicken before putting it in the crock pot?
No, the chicken is placed directly into the crock pot raw and cooked through the slow-cooking process.
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
While not specified, it is generally safer to thaw chicken before slow cooking to ensure it reaches a safe temperature quickly.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food due to its rich, creamy sauce and savory Italian flavors.
How do I prepare the cremini mushrooms?
The mushrooms should be cleaned and cut into halves before being added to the pot.
What is the purpose of whisking the cream cheese?
Whisking the softened cream cheese into the liquid creates a smooth, well-combined creamy sauce.
Is this recipe suitable for a weeknight dinner?
Yes, it is tagged as a weeknight dinner because of its simple preparation and easy crock pot method.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 6 ingredients.
Can I use different types of mushrooms?
Yes, although cremini are recommended for their earthy flavor, white button mushrooms would be a suitable substitute.
Should the cream cheese be cold when added?
It is best to take the cream cheese out of the refrigerator to soften slightly and cube it for easier mixing.
Does this recipe contain sugar?
Based on the nutritional data provided, the sugar content is negligible or not listed.
How is the Italian dressing mix used?
It is stirred into 1/4 cup of water and poured over the chicken and mushrooms at the start of cooking.
Why is the chicken removed after 3 hours?
The chicken is removed using a slotted spoon so that the cream cheese can be whisked into the liquid to create a smooth sauce without breaking the meat.
Is this dish gluten-free?
The main ingredients are gluten-free, but you should check the label of your dried Italian salad dressing mix to be certain.