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Italian-Style Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

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These slow cooker chicken thighs simmer low and slow in a creamy tomato-basil sauce for melt-in-your-mouth flavor that's both cozy and nourishing. This easy crockpot chicken dinner keeps things healthy without sacrificing comfort food vibes-perfect for weeknights when you want big flavor with minimal effort.

Italian crockpot chicken thighs in tomato basil cream sauce over riced cauliflower on a white plate.Pin
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The backstory.

Every once in a while, I crave a dinner that feels like an Italian hug in a bowl-but without the fuss. This Italian slow cooker chicken thighs recipe was born on one of those hectic days when I needed something to do the work for me. A few pantry staples-tomatoes, herbs, and a touch of cream cheese-came together into a rich, velvety sauce that made my kitchen smell incredible. It's my kind of weeknight win: minimal effort, maximum comfort, family enjoyed.

xoxo Kori

Crockpot chicken thighs are a must-make.

These crockpot chicken thighs prove that healthy comfort food doesn't need to be complicated. With wholesome ingredients, protein-rich chicken, and a creamy tomato-basil sauce, you'll feel good about every bite.

  • Effortless dinner. Just dump, stir, and let your slow cooker work its magic.
  • Healthy comfort. Creamy, cozy, and nourishing all at once.
  • Crowd-pleaser. Family-approved flavor that gets instant repeat requests.

I'm all about low-effort, high-reward dinners-and this Italian chicken proves that cozy and healthy can absolutely share the same plate.

Let's talk texture and flavor.

These boneless chicken thighs are fall-apart tender, swimming in a luscious tomato-basil sauce that's creamy, tangy, and savory in all the right ways. The sun-dried tomatoes deepen the flavor with a little umami kick, while parmesan and cream cheese melt together in the crock pot for a silky finish. The best part is that each bite feels like comfort food-with a healthy, balanced twist. This is one one my family's favorite slow cooker recipes.

What you'll need.

italian slow cooker chicken thighs ingredients on a white board.

Here's what you're going to need to make slow cooker chicken thighs:

  • Boneless skinless chicken thighs: Juicy, flavorful, and perfectly suited for slow cooking.
  • Cream of mushroom soup: Adds creaminess and body-use canned or my homemade version.
  • Diced tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, and tomato paste: Layers of tomato flavor, from bright to rich and deep.
  • Italian seasoning blend: A classic mix of herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme that tie the flavors together.
  • Cream cheese and parmesan: For creamy texture and cheesy depth.
  • Fresh basil (optional): Adds a burst of freshness at the end.

For more delicious tender and juicy chicken thigh recipes check out my 25+ Easy Chicken Thighs Recipes (Boneless Skinless)

Customize it your way.

Want to make these Italian slow cooker chicken thighs your own? Try adding:

  • Spinach or kale for a veggie boost.
  • Crushed red pepper for gentle heat.
  • A squeeze of lemon for brightness.
  • Chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs for a leaner option.

Flexible dietary swaps.

Here are some healthy ways to adapt this slow cooker chicken recipe:

  • Gluten-free: Use a certified gluten-free cream soup or homemade version.
  • Dairy-free: Swap cream cheese for vegan cream cheese and parmesan for nutritional yeast.
  • Low carb: Skip the pasta-serve it over zucchini noodles or riced cauliflower.

How to make this Italian crock pot chicken thighs recipe.

Adding soup, tomatoes and boneless skinless chicken thighs to make Italian style slow cooker chicken thighsPin

Mix & cook

Add chicken thighs, soups, tomatoes, and seasonings to your slow cooker. Stir to combine. cover and cook until done.

Adding the cream cheese and parmesan cheese to the Italian-style chicken thighs.Pin

Finish

Stir in cream cheese and parmesan 30 minutes before serving. Let melt, season, and serve hot.

How to serve it.

These chicken thighs are amazing:

  • Over pasta or zucchini noodles for an easy dinner.
  • With mashed potatoes or riced cauliflower for a hearty, low-carb plate.
  • As leftovers tucked into wraps or served with roasted veggies.

Kori's recipe tips.

  • Warm the cream cheese before adding-it melts faster and smoother. You can also whisk the warm cream cheese in a bowl with a few ladles of pot juices from the slow cooker and then stir it back into the pot to warm.
  • Remove the lid during the last 30 minutes to thicken the sauce naturally.
  • Pulling out the chicken thighs while melting the cheese to keep pieces intact.

Crock Pot Chicken Thighs FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes! Just shorten the cooking time slightly since chicken breasts dry out faster.

What's the best way to reheat it?

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave at 50% power until warmed through.

Can I freeze it?

Absolutely. Let cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Can I ask you a favor?

If you tried this recipe, let me know! I'd love for you to come back and give the recipe a 5 star rating and leave a review in the comments! 🙂 Let's stay connected, so please follow me on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest! Subscribe to my newsletter to get healthy fresh recipe ideas every week!

📖 The recipe.

Slow cooked chicken thighs served over riced cauliflower with creamy tomato sauce.

Italian Crockpot Chicken Thighs

An easy low carb, high protein slow cooker chicken thigh recipe simmered in a creamy tomato basil sauce. Tender chicken with rich Italian-inspired flavor-perfect for serving over pasta, zucchini noodles, or riced cauliflower.
4.45 from 34 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save
Author Kori Butler
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 5 minutes
Course chicken recipes
Cuisine Italian
Servings 10 servings
Calories 483 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3 to 4 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 14.5 ounces can diced tomatoes with garlic and onion drained
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes slivered and diced
  • 10.5 ounce can cream of mushroom soup or 1 recipe homemade
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 8 ounce package cream cheese (regular or light) (softened)
  • ½ cup parmesan cheese (shredded)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional for garnish: fresh basil and additional parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

  • Spray the slow cooker with nonstick spray. Add chicken thighs, cream of mushroom soup, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Stir until blended.
  • Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 6 hours, until chicken is tender and cooked through.
  • About 30 minutes before serving, stir in cream cheese and parmesan. Let melt, stirring occasionally.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot over pasta, zucchini noodles, or riced cauliflower. Garnish with basil and extra parmesan.

Kori's Tips

For more helpful hints, substitution ideas, cooking tips, and other delicious recipes check out my post above.
TIPS: If the sauce is too thin, remove the lid near the end to reduce liquid or stir in a cornstarch slurry (2 tablespoons cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water). For a low carb option, use ½ teaspoon xanthan gum dissolved in 1 teaspoon olive oil instead. To keep the chicken intact, remove thighs while stirring in cheeses and return once the sauce is finished.
VARIATIONS: Swap the cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or homemade condensed soup for a different flavor. Use chicken breasts instead of thighs for a leaner cut. For extra veggies, stir in spinach or kale just before serving.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS: Serve over pasta for a classic Italian comfort dish, or keep it lighter with zucchini noodles or riced cauliflower. Pair with a fresh green salad and garlic bread on the side. Leftovers reheat well and make a delicious filling for wraps or sandwiches.

Nutrition

Calories: 483kcalCarbohydrates: 6.1gProtein: 36.9gFat: 34.7gCholesterol: 192mgFiber: 0.7gSugar: 2.8g
DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?Mention @seekinggoodeatsofficial or tag #seekinggoodeats! Be sure to subscribe to my newsletter to receive more healthy delicious recipes straight to your inbox.

© 2025 Seeking Good Eats™

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Shannon

    can you use breasts instead of thighs? does that alter the cooking time?

    Reply

    • seekinggoodeats

      Yes, you can use breasts instead of thighs! Chicken breasts will cook faster than thighs. Timing will vary with the size and your crockpot but i'd guess about 4 hours? My crockpot runs hot though. Enjoy 🙂

      Reply

  2. Chris

    Can leftovers be frozen? If so, for how long in the deep freezer?

    Reply

    • Kori

      Hello, yes leftovers can be frozen? Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Enjoy!

      Reply

  3. Mary

    Can this be made in the instant pot?

    Reply

    • Kori

      Hello! Yes it can! Add all of the ingredients and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Use a quick pressure release. From there add the softened cream cheese! 🙂 Let me know how it turns out!

      Reply

  4. Jackie

    Excellent, my whole family loved it! Great recipe!

    Reply

    • seekinggoodeats

      Thank you so much! Glad your whole family loved it! 🙂

      Reply

  5. Jill

    Hi, are the sun-dried tomatoes in oil or dried? Or do you think either would work?

    Reply

    • seekinggoodeats

      Actually, use either one! I've used both. 🙂 Sorry I may not have specified, I believe I had used dried but I will have to go back and look at my notes LOL! Enjoy!

      Reply

  6. Kenna

    This was phenomenal! Whole family loved it!!

    Reply

    • seekinggoodeats

      Oh, yay!! So glad the whole fam loved it. It's tricky to find a recipe that everyone will eat (in my house, at least) LOL!

      Reply

  7. Rachel

    Email me this recipe please

    Reply

    • seekinggoodeats

      On its way via email! 🙂

      Reply
4.45 from 34 votes (34 ratings without comment)

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