Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken recipe is about to become your new go-to favorite made with tender chicken breasts, creamy Alfredo sauce, and the Olive Garden Italian dressing.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make: Only a handful of simple ingredients are needed.
- Full of flavor: The Olive Garden dressing adds a tangy, herby depth, while the Alfredo sauce brings creamy richness.
- Versatile: Pair it with pasta, rice, or veggies—this dish works with everything!
- Great for meal prep: Leftovers reheat beautifully and make a perfect lunch the next day.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken
- Don’t overcook the chicken: Check at the 4-hour mark to ensure the chicken stays tender. Overcooking can cause it to dry out.
- Use softened cream cheese: This ensures it melts evenly into the sauce, creating a smooth and creamy texture.
- Want extra flavor? Add a pinch of Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes for a bit of spice.
- Try homemade Alfredo: If you have time, whip up a homemade Alfredo sauce for a richer, fresher flavor.
Recipe Variations
This Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken recipe is incredibly versatile! Here are a few ways to customize it:
- Add vegetables: Toss in fresh spinach, sliced mushrooms, or broccoli during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a nutrient boost.
- Make it spicy: Add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a kick of heat.
- Swap the protein: Use boneless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for a juicier texture. You can also use pork chops or shrimp (though shrimp should be added in the last 30 minutes).
- Go low-carb: Serve this dish over cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or steamed veggies instead of pasta.
- Lighten it up: Use light Alfredo sauce and reduced-fat cream cheese for a healthier version.
How to Serve Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken
This creamy, dreamy chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are some delicious serving ideas:
- Over Pasta: Serve it over fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti to keep it classic.
- With Rice: Spoon the creamy chicken over steamed white or brown rice.
- Mashed Potatoes: The rich sauce is perfect over fluffy mashed potatoes.
- Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted veggies like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans.
- Breadsticks: For the full Olive Garden experience, pair with warm garlic breadsticks!
How to Store and Reheat
- Store: Allow the chicken to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm gently in a saucepan on the stove over medium-low heat or in the microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring occasionally.
Recipe FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. However, be aware that frozen chicken may release extra water, slightly thinning the sauce.
2. Can I make this recipe without cream cheese?
Absolutely! If you prefer, you can leave out the cream cheese. The Alfredo sauce will still provide plenty of creaminess.
3. What can I use if I don’t have Olive Garden dressing?
You can substitute any Italian dressing, but Olive Garden’s dressing is key for its tangy, signature flavor.
4. How do I thicken the sauce?
If you want a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water, stir it into the sauce, and cook for an additional 15 minutes.
5. Is this recipe gluten-free?
The base ingredients are gluten-free, but check the Alfredo sauce and dressing labels to ensure no gluten-containing ingredients are added.
Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken
Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken recipe is about to become your new go-to favorite made with tender chicken breasts, creamy Alfredo sauce, and the Olive Garden Italian dressing.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 16 oz Olive Garden Italian Dressing
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 16 oz penne pasta
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened and cubed)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan (divided)
- ½ cup half and half (optional)
Instructions
- Prep the Slow Cooker: Spray the bottom with nonstick spray.
- Cook the Chicken: Place chicken in the slow cooker, sprinkle garlic powder, and pour the entire bottle of Olive Garden dressing over the top.
- Cover and cook: High: 2-3 hours, Low: 5-6 hours (chicken should reach 165°F).
- Boil the Pasta: While the chicken cooks, prepare the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Shred and Combine: Shred the cooked chicken with two forks. Mix in the cooked pasta, cream cheese cubes, and ¼ cup Parmesan. Add half and half if you prefer a creamier sauce.
- Final Touch: Cover and cook on LOW for 30 more minutes until the cream cheese melts and the pasta is warm and creamy.
- Serve and Enjoy: Top with the remaining Parmesan cheese and serve hot.
Nutrition Information
Yield
12Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 328Total Fat 16gSaturated Fat 7gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 8gCholesterol 90mgSodium 487mgCarbohydrates 16gFiber 2gSugar 1gProtein 29g
All Chicken Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken is a perfect blend of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors that the whole family will adore. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, this dish makes weeknight dinners a breeze without sacrificing taste or quality. Whether served over pasta, rice, or veggies, it’s a surefire crowd-pleaser.
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