Need a fast and elegant dish to entertain with? What about one you could throw in your slow cooker? How about one that could be prepared and thrown in the freezer? How about something that could be made from pantry ingredients? Well, this dish is for you!
When I was growing up my mom used to buy a product called “Chicken Tonight” that had a sauce that you could cook your chicken in to make a fast dinner. My mom served it over rice as a quick weeknight meal and it was always a favorite of mine.
This recipe reminds me a lot of that dish and is as equally easy to prepare. You can throw it in your slow cooker or you can put it in the oven for last minute guests.
I hope you can throw this recipe in your rotation. It has never failed me and everyone I know that has made it, loves the simplicity of this fast and delicious dish.
Chicken Italiano (or Amy’s Copycat Version of “Chicken Tonight”)
4 chicken breasts
2 cups marinara sauce
1/3 cup chopped tomatoes (you can use fresh or a can of diced tomatoes)
1/2 cup Italian Dressing
Slow Cooker Version: Place all ingredients in your slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for six hours. Serve over spaghetti or rice with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. This is delicious with a side of roasted green beans.
Oven Version: Throw frozen chicken breasts in. Pour sauce, tomatoes, & Italian dressing on top. Bake at 375 for 1 hour (or longer if they are large chicken breasts).
Make-Ahead Version: Throw all of the ingredients in a freezer bag and label with cooking directions. To prepare, just thaw and follow one of the versions above.
To see more great recipes, please visit Tasty Tuesday at Balancing Beauty & Bedlam!
I do a dish similar to this in my crockpot. It is a family favorite. A favorite of mine too because it’s easy and doesn’t require much work from me.
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Sounds delicious! I'm always looking for something I can make ahead for the freezer & for crockpot recipes.
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Can you use frozen chicken in the crockpot, too?
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Megan- Absolutely! I actually prefer to throw them in frozen so they don’t get overdone. I cook them frozen when I throw them in the oven for one hour so you can do either! Hope that helps!!
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LOL I remember that Chicken Tonight stuff! I always wondered why they would sell such a thing when you could so easily throw it together yourself!
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I am always looking for recipes that I don’t have to thaw chicken for. Thanks, Amy!
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Amy – thanks so much for sharing. I love my crockpot, but often it tastes delish, but looks just like crockpot mush.
This is presentational enough to serve for company, and the fact that I can throw in the chicken frozen is the best thing yet. Thanks for linking up to Tasty Tuesday.
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So LOVE Italian! You’re right… this one is easy!
Ginger
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So convenient- looks great! Thanks.
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Oh, I loved Chicken Tonight so much! I’m always trying to re-create my 2 favorites.
This definitely sounds like a winner. I can’t wait to try it. Thanks!
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Thanks for sharing. This recipe looks delicious…and easy too! I think I’ll try it.
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