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Slow Cooker Italian Saucy Chicken Thighs
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The effort to deliciousness ratio for these Italian chicken thighs is off the charts! Tomatoes, garlic, onions and seasoning are all you need to take these thighs to the next level. Just sit back and let your crockpot do the work!
serves/makes:
ready in:
2-5 hrs
2-5 hrs
11 reviews
1 comment
ingredients
3 pounds bone in, skinless chicken thighs
1 chopped onion
2 cloves minced garlic
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
salt and pepper, to taste
1 can (15 ounce size) Italian-style diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can (8 ounce size) tomato sauce
directions
Place the chicken thighs in the bottom of the crock pot. Top with the chopped onion and minced garlic.
Sprinkle with the Italian seasoning and add salt and pepper as desired.
Pour the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce over all. Cover the crock pot and cook on high heat for one hour then reduce the heat to low and cook for 3-4 more hours or until the chicken is cooked through.
crock pot notes
Crock pots/slow cookers all heat differently. There is no standard among manufacturers. Cooking times are suggested guidelines based on our testing. Please adjust cooking times and temps to work with your brand and model of slow cooker.recipe tips
Layer the ingredients in the crockpot as directed so they cook evenly.
Resist opening the lid of the slow cooker as it releases heat and moisture and extends the cooking time.
Season the chicken generously as the seasonings will fade a bit as the recipe cooks.
For a thicker sauce, you can mix in a tablespoon of tomato paste with the tomato sauce.
Adding a splash of red wine to the sauce will add flavor.
Consider using fire-roasted diced tomatoes for a smokier flavor.
common recipe questions
Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of bone-in?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs, but the cooking time will be less so start checking for doneness after 2 hours of cooking on low.
Is there a substitute for Italian seasoning?
You can make your own blend using dried basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme or use this homemade version.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes, vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini can be added.
How can I tell when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F and is no longer pink inside.
Can I make this dish spicier?
Add crushed red pepper flakes or a bit of hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick.
Is there a low-sodium version of this recipe?
Use low-sodium diced tomatoes and tomato sauce, and limit the added salt.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can assemble all the ingredients in the crockpot insert and refrigerate overnight, then start cooking the next day.
How should I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
It's not advised to cook frozen chicken in the crock pot. Some websites will tell you it's fine but we do not recommend it for safety purposes. Not all crock pots get to the proper temperature fast enough to kill any bacteria. We always recommend fully thawing the chicken first before proceeding with the recipe.
Can I cook this dish on the stove instead of a crockpot?
Yes, simmer the ingredients in a covered pot over low heat on the stove, checking for doneness after about 45 minutes to an hour.
tools needed
Crock Pot: For slow cooking the chicken thighs. It provides a controlled cooking environment that makes sure the chicken remains moist and tender.
Measuring Spoon: For measuring the Italian seasoning.
Knife: For chopping the onion and mincing the garlic. Alternately, you can use a garlic press for the garlic.
Cutting Board: To provide a stable surface for cutting the onion and garlic.
Can Opener: For opening the cans of diced tomatoes and tomato sauce if they require it.
what goes with it?
Garlic Bread: Serve slices of golden, buttery garlic bread alongside the chicken to soak up the savory sauce. It's a classic Italian combo that never disappoints.
Pasta: Serve the chicken and sauce over a bed of pasta for a hearty dish.
Polenta: Creamy polenta provides a deliciously rich base for the Italian chicken thighs.
Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad adds a refreshing contrast to the warm, saucy chicken.
Parmesan Cheese: Shave some fresh Parmesan over the chicken right before serving.
Risotto: Creamy risotto can also be an excellent base or served alongside this dish.
beverage pairings
Wine Pairings
Chianti: Its vibrant acidity and earthy notes will balance the richness of the dish. Look for one that's fruity but not too sweet, maybe with hints of cherry or herbs.
Sangiovese: With flavors of red fruit and spice, this medium-bodied wine makes a perfect partner for the garlicky, tomatoey goodness.
Pinot Grigio: If you prefer white, a crisp Pinot Grigio could be your go-to. Its zesty acidity can cut through the richness of the chicken, and if you find one with a hint of stone fruit, it'll bring a nice contrast to the savory flavors.
Other Alcohol Pairings
Italian Lager: Go for a bright, refreshing lager. With a clean finish and a hint of malt sweetness, it pairs perfectly with the savory overtones.
Aperol Spritz: Feeling fancy? An Aperol Spritz will bring a delightful citrusy sparkle to your meal. The bittersweet notes complemented by prosecco won't mask the flavors but enhance that Italian vibe you're cooking up.
Red Wine Spritzer: Mix your favorite red wine with some club soda for a refreshing twist.
Non-Alcoholic Pairings
Herbed Lemonade: Switch up the usual lemonade by adding fresh herbs like basil or mint.
Sparkling Apple Juice: Think of it as the fancy cousin of regular apple juice. With its effervescence and fruity sweetness, it can balance the savory flavors and add a bit of pizzazz.
Tomato Basil Soda: Yes, this exists! A fizzy tomato soda with hints of basil could be a quirky yet delightful match for your Italian chicken.
nutrition data
237 calories, 9 grams fat, 13 grams carbohydrates, 24 grams protein per serving.
Keeping a can of frozen orange juice concentrate in the freezer means you can make more than just orange juice. Try it in a variety of orange-flavored recipes.
It may look like a sad little package shoved in the back of your freezer, but frozen spinach actually has a lot of culinary uses (and some may surprise you).
see more crock pot chicken thighs recipes
reviews & comments
March 26, 2022
Itâs pretty bland. Followed the recipe exactly as described. Wouldnât recommend it.
How much water do u adf
You do not add water
April 20, 2020
I just threw all of the ingredients in my crockpot added some red and green bell peppers,that were near the end of their shelf life. Only had fire roasted diced tomatoes and Iâm hoping to serve it over some rice tonight
January 14, 2020
Served it over Brussel sprouts that were sautéed in garlic and olive oil and chickpea penne pasta. Also added red and green peppers to the recipe, the meal was delicious!i
March 27, 2019
Freaking delicious! I added a chopped green bell pepper and some Mediterranean seasoning along with the Italian seasoning and a few shakes of red pepper flakes. Definitely will make it again. Thanks
October 11, 2018
I decided to take the chicken thighs and shred them up after theyâre cooked in the sauce and wrap them in warm tortillas with mozzarella cheese turned out really good
March 8, 2018
I have made this several times.I always spinkle paprika,Italian seasoning and garlic powder on chicken.So yummy. Serve it with angel hair pasta,salad and garlic toast.
January 8, 2018
When I try a recipe for the first time, I usually follow exactly, which is what I did for this one. I will definitely make this again, but next time I will add some more spices....perhaps some red pepper flakes to give a little kick. That being said, the chicken was moist and shredded nicely. It was a very easy recipe to prepare.
April 29, 2017
Fantastic! Served over penne pasta!
August 20, 2016
I chopped the chicken up and tossed the ingredients together and served it over pasta. Delish!
January 30, 2013
Used a jar of chunky spaggetti sauce (28 oz Ragu), added chopped green peppers, some xtra garlic:). Served with spaggetti, salad & rolls.
October 29, 2011
Honestly, I just made this and it's fantastic! I had only 2 pounds of boneless thighs; worked just as well. Yummy! Directions simple and fine. For once, a crockpot recipe that worked! THanks.