There’s something so satisfying about coming home to the smell of garlic and herbs slowly mingling with tender chicken and fresh zucchini. This slow cooker chicken with zucchini turns those busy evenings into moments of calm, where the hardest decision is just what to serve it with. I remember once, I started prepping this meal while juggling an unexpected phone call, and somewhere between slicing the zucchini and seasoning the chicken, I realized how little fuss it really takes to get dinner on the table.
The texture of the chicken, cooked low and slow, becomes melt-in-your-mouth soft, while the zucchini keeps a slight bite — a fresh contrast that somehow makes the whole dish feel balanced and wholesome. I usually don’t fuss much with slow cooker meals, but this one feels like a little win, especially on days when I want dinner without the usual hustle.
- Hands-off cooking means you can focus on other things while dinner simmers.
- The garlic and Italian seasoning create a savory depth that’s comforting but not overpowering.
- It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point. No complicated steps or rare ingredients.
- Using zucchini adds a light, fresh texture, though it means you get a different experience than a heavy, creamy dish.
If you’re wondering about the texture, the zucchini won’t be mushy if you slice it just right, but I’ve caught myself cutting a little too thick sometimes — still tastes good, just a bit heartier.
Print
Slow Cooker Chicken with Zucchini
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
A flavorful and easy slow cooker recipe featuring tender chicken breasts cooked with fresh zucchini and a savory garlic herb sauce. Perfect for a healthy and comforting meal.
Ingredients
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 medium zucchinis, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup low sodium chicken broth
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Lightly grease the slow cooker insert with olive oil.
Place the sliced onions evenly at the bottom of the slow cooker.
Season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and dried Italian seasoning on both sides.
Place the seasoned chicken breasts on top of the onions in the slow cooker.
Add the minced garlic evenly over the chicken breasts.
Arrange the sliced zucchini on top of the chicken breasts.
Pour the chicken broth evenly over all the ingredients in the slow cooker.
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low for 4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Carefully remove the chicken and zucchini from the slow cooker and transfer to a serving dish.
Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the dish before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
Don’t worry about fancy equipment here; a basic slow cooker will do all the work. I like to serve this with crusty bread or a simple side salad to keep things light. If you’re feeling adventurous, swapping out zucchini for yellow squash or adding a handful of cherry tomatoes halfway through could be interesting — I haven’t tested these tweaks fully, but they might add a nice twist. Sometimes, I toss in a few olives for a salty punch. It’s really flexible.
FAQ
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes, thighs will work and might add more richness, but cooking times could vary a bit.
Is it okay to add more liquid? The chicken broth keeps everything moist, but adding too much might dilute the flavors, so I stick close to the recipe.
Can I prepare this ahead of time? You can prep the ingredients in the morning, but I wouldn’t recommend cooking it and then reheating — it’s best fresh from the slow cooker.
Give this slow cooker chicken with zucchini a try and see how easy dinner can be without sacrificing flavor. It’s one of those meals that quietly becomes a favorite once you realize how little effort it requires.