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Zesty 3-Ingredient Italian Slow Cooker Chicken

Tender, zesty shredded chicken made with just three ingredients and five minutes of prep, perfect for weeknight dinners and meal prep.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 5 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 310
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 16 oz Zesty Italian dressing 1 full bottle, zesty variety preferred
  • 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese or 1 packet Italian dressing seasoning
  • fresh parsley optional, for garnish

Equipment

  • Slow cooker (4-6 quart)
  • Two forks (for shredding)
  • Meat thermometer

Method
 

  1. Place the chicken breasts in an even layer at the bottom of your slow cooker.
  2. Pour the entire 16 oz bottle of Zesty Italian dressing over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are fully coated.
  3. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
  4. Cover and cook on Low for 6 hours or High for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and shreds easily with a fork.
  5. Remove the chicken to a cutting board and shred using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir into the warm cooking juices. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
  6. Serve warm over pasta, in a sub roll, or over a salad. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container with some cooking juices for up to 4 days. Freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat on stovetop over medium-low with a splash of broth. Creamy variation: Stir in 4 oz cream cheese during the last 30 minutes. Lower sodium: Use light Italian dressing. Serve over rotini pasta, in toasted sub rolls with provolone, or on a garden salad.