Spray the inside of your slow cooker lightly with cooking spray or brush with a little oil for easier cleanup.
Place the chicken breasts in a single layer in the bottom of the slow cooker.
In a small bowl, whisk together the Italian salad dressing and grated Parmesan cheese until well combined.
Pour the dressing and Parmesan mixture evenly over the chicken, making sure each piece is coated.
Cover and cook on LOW for 4–6 hours or on HIGH for 2.5–3.5 hours, or until the chicken is very tender and easily shreds with a fork.
Once cooked, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks, then stir it into the sauce so it soaks up all the flavor.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed (you can add a pinch of salt, pepper, or extra Parmesan). Serve warm over pasta, rice, or vegetables.
Variations & Tips
• Creamier version: Stir in 4 ounces of softened cream cheese or 1/2 cup of plain Greek yogurt during the last 20–30 minutes of cooking for a richer, creamier sauce. • Spicier twist: Use a zesty or spicy Italian salad dressing and add a pinch of red pepper flakes before cooking if you like a little kick. • Thighs instead of breasts: Swap the chicken breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs if that’s what you have on hand. They stay extra juicy and are very forgiving if you let them go a little longer in the slow cooker. • Veggie boost: Scatter sliced bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms under the chicken before pouring on the dressing. They’ll cook down and soak up all that Italian flavor—perfect to mix into pasta. • Meal prep tip: Make a double batch and portion the cooked chicken into containers with rice or pasta for grab-and-go lunches. It reheats really well in the microwave and doesn’t dry out easily because of the sauce. • Freezer-friendly: Add the raw chicken and Italian dressing to a freezer bag and freeze flat. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then dump into the slow cooker, add Parmesan, and cook as directed. It’s an easy way to build a little freezer stash for those weeks when you know you’ll be extra busy.
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