Italian Herb and Tomato Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs combine tender chicken with a robust tomato sauce, fragrant garlic, and Italian herbs. Slow-cooked with onions and a hint of red wine, this crock pot dish delivers rich, comforting flavors—ideal for an easy, Italian-inspired dinner that warms the heart and home.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Searing Boost: Brown the chicken thighs in a skillet for 2-3 minutes per side before slow cooking—it adds a deeper, caramelized flavor.
- Tomato Balance: Use crushed tomatoes for a smooth sauce—taste and adjust with a pinch of sugar if it’s too acidic.
- Herb Freshness: Add half the dried herbs at the start and the rest in the last hour for layered, vibrant flavor.
- Wine Substitute: If skipping red wine, replace with extra broth and a splash of balsamic vinegar for depth.
- Thickening Tip: Stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water) in the last 30 minutes for a thicker sauce.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’re going to absolutely adore this Italian Herb and Tomato Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs recipe—it’s like a little slice of Italy made effortlessly cozy! Imagine the joy of walking into your kitchen, greeted by the warm, inviting aroma of tender chicken thighs simmering in a rich, garlicky tomato sauce, kissed with fragrant Italian herbs like basil and oregano. The slow cooker transforms these simple ingredients into a dish that’s bursting with flavor—juicy chicken soaking up the tangy tomatoes, sweet onions, and that subtle depth from a splash of red wine. You’ll love how the boneless, skinless thighs stay succulent and tender, practically falling apart into the sauce, creating a hearty, comforting meal that feels like it’s been simmering on a Tuscan stovetop all day. It’s perfect for a family dinner, a casual get-together, or just a night when you crave something soul-warming—serve it over pasta, polenta, or with crusty bread, and watch everyone dig in with delight. The flavors meld together so beautifully in the crock pot, and the hands-off cooking means you get all that Italian goodness without slaving over the stove. This isn’t just a meal—it’s a delicious escape to rustic Italy that’ll have you savoring every rich, herbaceous bite and dreaming of the next time you can make it!
Italian Herb and Tomato Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs
Tender chicken thighs slow-cooked in a herby tomato sauce with garlic and onions.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 6-8 thighs)
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup dry red wine (optional)
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning (divided)
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Hey there, let’s get this Italian Herb and Tomato Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs going—it’s going to be a hearty, Italian-inspired treat! First, grab your slow cooker and place those boneless, skinless chicken thighs right into the bottom—they’re the juicy base, ready to soak up all that tomatoey goodness. No need to chop them; they’ll break apart beautifully later.
- If you’ve got a few extra minutes, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken thighs for 2-3 minutes per side until golden—it’s optional but adds such a lovely depth! Transfer them to the crock pot when done. In the same skillet (or straight into the crock pot if skipping the sear), add the diced onion and half the minced garlic (2 cloves)—sauté for a minute if you’re using the skillet, then scrape it all over the chicken.
- Now, let’s build that sauce! Pour the crushed tomatoes over the chicken—it’s the rich, red heart of this dish. Add the red wine (if using—it’s so worth it!), balsamic vinegar, half the Italian seasoning (save the rest for later), red pepper flakes (if you like a little kick), and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Give it a gentle stir to mix everything around the chicken, letting the sauce settle in like a cozy blanket. Pop the lid on, set your slow cooker to low for 6 hours (or high for 3 hours if you’re in a rush), and let it work its magic. Your kitchen’s going to fill with the most amazing tomato-garlic aroma—pure comfort!
- About an hour before it’s done, stir in the remaining garlic (2 cloves for a fresh kick) and the rest of the Italian seasoning—it’ll brighten up the flavors. When the time’s up, give it a peek—the chicken should be tender enough to shred with a fork. Stir gently to mix the sauce, breaking the thighs into bite-sized pieces if you like (they might fall apart on their own—that’s perfect!). Taste and adjust with a little more salt, pepper, or a pinch of sugar if the tomatoes are too tart.
- Sprinkle that fresh chopped parsley over the top—it’s the bright, green finish that makes it pop. Serve it up hot over pasta, polenta, or with crusty bread to soak up that glorious sauce. You’ve just made a dish that’s rich, herbaceous, and oh-so-Italian—dig in and enjoy every savory, comforting bite!
Notes
- Searing the chicken is optional but adds a lovely caramelized depth—perfect if you’ve got a few extra minutes.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors meld—great for meal prep!
- Garnish with extra Parmesan if you’re feeling cheesy—it’s a Tuscan touch.
Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 314Total Fat 16gSaturated Fat 4gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 12gCholesterol 184mgSodium 321mgCarbohydrates 4gFiber 1gSugar 2gProtein 37g
The recipes and nutritional information on Crock Pot Meal are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.
Ingredients Notes
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs: The star of the dish, these thighs stay juicy and tender in the slow cooker—perfect for soaking up the tomato sauce. Look for fresh, even cuts.
- Crushed Tomatoes: A 28-ounce can provides a smooth, robust base—choose a quality brand like San Marzano for authentic Italian flavor.
- Yellow Onion: Adds a sweet-savory foundation—dice it finely so it melts into the sauce during cooking.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic brings warm, aromatic depth—use plump cloves for the best punch.
- Red Wine: A dry red (like Cabernet or Chianti) adds richness—optional, but it elevates the sauce’s complexity.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried basil, oregano, and thyme offers classic Italian warmth—check for freshness to maximize flavor.
- Olive Oil: Extra-virgin olive oil adds a fruity note—use it for searing or straight in the crock pot.
- Balsamic Vinegar: A splash enhances the tomatoes’ sweetness and adds a subtle tang—don’t overdo it.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Optional for a hint of heat—adjust to your spice preference or skip for a milder dish.
- Parsley: Fresh chopped parsley finishes with a bright, herbaceous lift—flat-leaf is ideal for flavor.
Variations and Substitutions
- Protein Swap: Use boneless chicken breasts for a leaner option, or bone-in thighs for extra flavor—adjust cooking time slightly for breasts.
- Tomato Options: Swap crushed tomatoes for diced tomatoes with juice for a chunkier sauce, or fresh tomatoes (blanch and crush) in season.
- Herb Variations: Use fresh basil or rosemary instead of dried Italian seasoning—add fresh herbs at the end for a burst of flavor.
- Wine Alternatives: Replace red wine with chicken broth and a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce for depth without alcohol.
- Veggie Additions: Toss in sliced mushrooms or bell peppers for the last hour for extra texture and flavor—keep pieces bite-sized.
- Cheese Boost: Stir in grated Parmesan or mozzarella in the last 30 minutes for a creamy, cheesy twist.
- Spice Swap: Add a pinch of smoked paprika instead of red pepper flakes for a smoky undertone—adjust to taste.
Storage Options
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days—reheat gently on the stove or microwave with a splash of broth.
- Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months—thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat slowly to keep the sauce smooth.
- Make-Ahead: Prep ingredients the night before and store in the fridge; assemble in the crock pot in the morning for an easy start.
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