This tender, melt-in-your-mouth chicken dish is all about deep garlic-herb flavor, minimal kitchen fuss, and ultimate mealtime satisfaction. The beauty of the slow cooker is that it handles all the work for you, quietly blending sweet tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and fragrant herbs into a delightful sauce. Get ready to come home to a heartwarming chicken dinner, all with a few minutes of prep before you head out the door.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, if you prefer)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
Begin by placing the chicken in your slow cooker, arranging it in a single layer so that each piece gets equal seasoning and cooking time. Sprinkle the minced garlic, onion, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper evenly over the chicken. Next, pour in the diced tomatoes—juice and all—and drizzle olive oil on top. Finish by adding the chicken broth, which will keep the meat moist and build up the delicious sauce.
Cover and set your slow cooker to low heat. Let the chicken cook gently for about 8 hours, allowing all the flavors to infuse and the meat to become fall-apart tender. If you’re at home during the cooking time, give it a quick stir mid-way through. Otherwise, trust your slow cooker to work its magic while you carry on with your day.
When you’re ready to serve, remove the lid and marvel at the flavorful sauce that has formed. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh herbs like chopped parsley, basil, or oregano if you like an extra pop of color and freshness.
Serve this juicy chicken over a bed of fluffy rice, mashed potatoes, or creamy polenta. And don’t forget the crusty bread—it’s perfect for soaking up every last drop of that savory sauce.
Why is this recipe so fantastic? It’s an effortless option for busy folks looking to put a nourishing meal on the table—just set it and forget it for eight hours. The lean chicken and wholesome ingredient list also make it a good choice for those aiming to keep things on the healthier side.
If you want to give it a kick, add a pinch of chili flakes or swap the diced tomatoes for fire-roasted ones. This slow-cooked garlic-herb chicken feeds a crowd, warms the soul, and adapts beautifully to whatever your mealtime needs may be.
Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.
