Rustic Italian Slow Cooker Chicken Delight
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Italy with this Rustic Italian Slow Cooker Chicken Delight. As the chicken simmers for hours, the melding of fresh vegetables, fragrant herbs, and robust tomato sauce fills your home with an irresistible aroma. Using frozen chicken ensures it stays juicy and tender, making every bite a delight. Serve this hearty dish over a bed of al dente pasta, and don’t forget to have some crusty, buttered bread on hand to soak up the rich sauce. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this recipe is a true testament to peasant-style cooking that nourishes both body and soul.
N/A
Servings
225
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
non-stick cooking spray
to taste (For greasing the slow cooker)
eggplant
1 small (about 1 1/2 cups) (Peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes)
onion
1 medium (Cut into thin half moons)
celery
1 rib (Thinly sliced (about 1/2 cup))
carrot
1/2 large (Cut into thin half moons (about 1/2 cup))
baby portabella mushrooms
1/2 cup (Coarsely chopped)
garlic cloves
4 (Minced)
chicken breast halves
4 (Boneless and skinless (still frozen))
tomato paste
1 tablespoon (N/A)
chopped tomatoes
1 (14-16 ounce) can (N/A)
tomato sauce
1 (15 ounce) can (N/A)
red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon (N/A)
Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon (N/A)
garlic powder
1 teaspoon (N/A)
ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon (N/A)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (N/A)
fresh rosemary
1 sprig (N/A)
Instructions
1
Begin by spraying the interior of your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray for easy cleanup.
2
Layer the bottom of the cooker with the sliced onions, carrots, celery, mushrooms, and cubed eggplant.
3
Place the still-frozen chicken breast halves on top of the vegetables, ensuring they are well spaced.
4
In a mixing bowl, combine the tomato paste, chopped tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, minced garlic, red wine vinegar, and all the spices (Italian seasoning, garlic powder, ground black pepper, and salt). Stir until well mixed.
5
Pour the tomato mixture over the chicken, making sure to cover it generously.
6
Place a sprig of fresh rosemary on top for added flavor.
7
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on high for 4 to 6 hours. If your cooker runs hot, check for doneness at 3 hours, then prop the lid open with a toothpick for the last hour to reduce the sauce. If your cooker is slower, check after 4 to 5 hours. Avoid overcooking to prevent the chicken from drying out.
8
Once cooked, gently remove the chicken and shred it if preferred, then mix it back into the sauce.
9
Serve hot over cooked pasta and enjoy with buttered bread.
Nutrition Information
5g
Fat
19g
Carbs
15g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rustic Italian Slow Cooker Chicken Delight?
It is a comforting, peasant-style Italian dish featuring chicken breasts simmered with fresh vegetables and a robust tomato sauce in a slow cooker.
How many calories are in this dish?
Each serving of this recipe contains 225 calories.
Why does the recipe suggest using frozen chicken?
Using still-frozen chicken breast halves helps ensure the meat stays juicy and tender throughout the long slow-cooking process.
What vegetables are included in this recipe?
The recipe includes eggplant, onion, celery, carrots, and baby portabella mushrooms.
How long should I cook the chicken in the slow cooker?
Cook on high for 4 to 6 hours. If your cooker runs hot, check at 3 hours; if it is slower, check after 4 to 5 hours.
What is the best way to serve this dish?
It is best served over a bed of al dente pasta with a side of crusty, buttered bread to soak up the sauce.
Do I need to grease the slow cooker?
Yes, spray the interior with non-stick cooking spray before adding ingredients for easy cleanup.
How should I prepare the eggplant?
The eggplant should be peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes, totaling about 1 1/2 cups.
Can I shred the chicken after it is cooked?
Yes, once cooked, you can gently remove the chicken, shred it, and mix it back into the sauce.
What type of mushrooms does this recipe call for?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of coarsely chopped baby portabella mushrooms.
How much protein is in a serving?
There are 15g of protein per serving in this dish.
What kind of vinegar is used in the sauce?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of red wine vinegar to add acidity and depth to the tomato mixture.
What spices are needed for the tomato mixture?
You will need Italian seasoning, garlic powder, ground black pepper, and salt.
Should I drain the canned chopped tomatoes?
No, you should use the chopped tomatoes along with their juice to add moisture to the sauce.
How can I thicken the sauce if it is too watery?
You can prop the lid open with a toothpick for the last hour of cooking to allow the sauce to reduce.
How many garlic cloves are used?
The recipe requires 4 minced garlic cloves.
What is the fat content of this meal?
The fat content is 5g per serving.
How many grams of carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 19g of carbohydrates per serving.
How do I cut the carrots and onions?
The onions and carrots should both be cut into thin half moons.
What is the purpose of the tomato paste?
Tomato paste provides a rich, concentrated base that thickens the sauce and enhances the flavor.
When do I add the fresh rosemary?
Place the sprig of fresh rosemary on top of the tomato mixture before closing the lid to cook.
How much Italian seasoning is required?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning.
Is this recipe suitable for family gatherings?
Yes, it is specifically described as perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
While the recipe specifies breasts, thighs can be used, though nutritional information will change.
How many chicken breast halves do I need?
You will need 4 boneless and skinless chicken breast halves.
How much tomato sauce is needed?
The recipe calls for one 15-ounce can of tomato sauce.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
The specific serving size is not listed, but the recipe is based on 4 chicken breast halves.
Is there any salt and pepper in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/8 teaspoon of ground black pepper.
How much garlic powder is used in addition to fresh garlic?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of garlic powder alongside the fresh minced cloves.
What does the description mean by 'peasant-style' cooking?
It refers to simple, hearty, and nourishing meals made with basic, wholesome ingredients like root vegetables and rustic sauces.