There’s a comforting charm to letting a slow cooker work its magic all day, filling your home with mouthwatering aromas. This Italian-inspired chicken dish highlights tangy sun-dried tomatoes, hearty herbs, and tender chicken, all cooked together for an effortless yet irresistible meal.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 (14-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil), drained and chopped
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Begin by placing the chicken in the bottom of your slow cooker. In a small bowl, stir together the crushed tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, onion, and garlic. Sprinkle the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper over the mixture. Pour this sauce over the chicken, ensuring that all the pieces are evenly coated.
Drizzle everything with the olive oil, then cover and set your slow cooker to low. Let the chicken gently simmer for 6 to 7 hours (or about 3 to 4 hours on high), until the chicken is fork-tender and the flavors have melded beautifully. If you’d like to thicken the sauce near the end of cooking, remove the lid for the last 15 minutes and allow the mixture to reduce slightly. Serve with fresh basil leaves on top for a vibrant finish.
Whether you’re craving a hearty weeknight dinner or looking to impress with minimal effort, this slow cooker recipe has you covered. It’s not only delightful for those who want a wholesome, comforting meal but also customizable for different diets—try chicken thighs for richer flavor, or go extra-lean with chicken breasts.
The smooth tomato sauce supports added veggies like bell peppers or zucchini, and you can swap sun-dried tomatoes with roasted red peppers for a lighter twist. Enjoy how this dish effortlessly channels sunny Italian flavor while fitting into your busy schedule.
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.
