Olive Garden-Inspired Chicken (Crockpot Recipe)

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If you’re a fan of Olive Garden classics but want something simple for busy weeknights, this Olive Garden-Inspired Chicken recipe is the answer you’ve been looking for. With minimal prep, a handful of pantry staples, and your trusty slow cooker, you’ll make a juicy, cheesy dinner the entire family will love plus you can naturally weave in affiliate equipment like a programmable slow cooker, food processor, or chef’s knife to supercharge your kitchen experience.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless just set and forget!
• Packed with rich parmesan flavor and Italian dressing tang
• Family-friendly and perfect for meal prepping
• Works beautifully with your favorite chicken gadgets (slow cookers, chef’s knives, measuring cups)
• Less than 30 minutes active time

Ingredients Table

Ingredient	Amount
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts	4
Olive Garden Italian dressing	1 (16 oz.) container
Grated parmesan cheese	1/2 cup
Lemon juice	2 teaspoons
Italian seasoning	2 tablespoons
Salt and pepper	To taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare Your Tools
   Coat your slow cooker with cooking spray (kitchen utensils set) for easy cleanup.
2. Layer Chicken Breasts
   Place 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. Use a sharp chef’s knife and cutting board for precision.
3. Mix the Sauce
   In a large mixing bowl (mixing bowls set), combine a full (16 oz.) bottle of Olive Garden Italian dressing, ½ cup grated parmesan cheese, 2 tsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp Italian seasoning, and a pinch each of salt and black pepper. Whisk until everything is fully blended.
4. Coat the Chicken
   Pour the sauce over chicken, flipping breasts to ensure even coating on all sides.
5. Slow Cook
   Cover and set the cooker for HIGH (3.5 hours) or LOW (7 hours). The chicken will soak up all those classic flavors, becoming ultra-tender.
6. To Serve
   When it’s done, serve the chicken hot try it over white rice, pasta, or fresh salad for a full Olive Garden experience at home. Shred the chicken easily with forks or use your food processor for a shredded version.

Pro Tips & Variations

• Try adding a little cream cheese for an extra-creamy sauce use your electric mixer!
• Great for meal prep freeze portions for up to 3 months
• Swap chicken breasts for thighs for even richer flavor

Equipment List

Equipment	Recommended Option/URL
Slow Cooker	Crockpot/Air Fryer
Chef’s Knife	Amazon option
Cutting Board	Amazon option
Mixing Bowls	Amazon option
Measuring Cups & Spoons	Amazon set
Food Processor (for shredding)	Amazon option

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use ground chicken or thighs instead?
Yes! Both ground chicken and boneless thighs work for this recipe, but the cooking time may change slightly.

What sides pair well with Olive Garden Chicken?
Classic options include pasta, rice, or a simple green salad.

Is it necessary to sear the chicken first?
Not for this recipe. The flavors meld wonderfully as it slow cooks.

How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate covered for up to 4 days, or freeze for 3 months for easy meal planning.

Can I bake instead of slow cook?
Absolutely place in a baking dish at 375°F for about 30-40 minutes, covering with foil for juicier results (oven option).

Final Thoughts

Bring the magic of Olive Garden to your table the easy way with this irresistible slow cooker chicken. Don’t forget to check out the recommended kitchen equipment to streamline this and many more recipes.

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