Savory Herbal Chicken Thighs in Italian Tomato Sauce
Indulge in the delectable Savory Herbal Chicken Thighs, immersed in a rich and tangy Italian tomato sauce. This recipe combines tender chicken thighs with a flavorful blend of herbs, sweet tomatoes, and aromatic onions, ensuring each bite is succulent and satisfying. Perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, serve it over pasta or with a side of crusty bread to soak up the sauce. Simply toss the ingredients into your slow cooker and let it do the work for you, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while you enjoy your day.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken thighs
12 (skinned (about 3 pounds))
Italian-style diced tomatoes
1 can (14 1/2 ounces) (undrained)
tomato paste
1 can (6 ounces) (none)
onion
1/2 cup (chopped)
bottled minced garlic
1 tablespoon (none)
dried Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon (none)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (none)
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
Begin by placing the skinned chicken thighs into a 4-quart electric slow cooker, ensuring they are evenly spread out.
2
In a mixing bowl, combine the undrained Italian-style diced tomatoes, tomato paste, chopped onion, minced garlic, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir the mixture thoroughly to create a cohesive sauce.
3
Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken thighs in the slow cooker, ensuring that each piece is well-coated.
4
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set to cook on HIGH for 1 hour.
5
After the initial hour, reduce the heat to LOW and allow the chicken to cook for an additional 4 to 5 hours, or until the chicken is fork-tender and easily pulls apart.
6
Once cooked, serve the chicken hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired, alongside your choice of pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Herbal Chicken Thighs in Italian Tomato Sauce?
It is a slow cooker dish featuring tender chicken thighs immersed in a rich and tangy Italian tomato sauce with herbs and aromatics.
What size slow cooker is recommended for this recipe?
A 4-quart electric slow cooker is recommended to ensure the chicken thighs are evenly spread out.
How many chicken thighs are required?
The recipe calls for 12 chicken thighs, which is approximately 3 pounds.
Should the chicken thighs be prepared in any specific way?
The chicken thighs should be skinned before being placed in the slow cooker.
What kind of tomatoes should I use?
You should use one 14.5-ounce can of Italian-style diced tomatoes.
Do I need to drain the canned tomatoes?
No, the Italian-style diced tomatoes should be used undrained.
How much tomato paste is needed?
The recipe requires one 6-ounce can of tomato paste.
What amount of onion is needed?
You will need 1/2 cup of chopped onion.
What type of garlic does the recipe specify?
The recipe specifies using 1 tablespoon of bottled minced garlic.
What seasoning provides the herbal flavor?
The herbal flavor comes from 1 teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning.
How much salt and pepper is used?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
How do I prepare the sauce?
In a mixing bowl, combine the tomatoes, tomato paste, onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper and stir thoroughly.
Should the sauce cover the chicken?
Yes, you should pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken thighs to ensure each piece is well-coated.
What is the initial cooking setting?
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on HIGH for the first hour.
How long does the chicken cook on the LOW setting?
After the first hour on high, reduce the heat to LOW and cook for an additional 4 to 5 hours.
How can I tell when the chicken is finished?
The chicken is done when it is fork-tender and easily pulls apart.
What are the suggested side dishes?
This dish is best served alongside pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Can I add a garnish to the meal?
Yes, you can garnish the cooked chicken with fresh herbs if desired.
Is this recipe suitable for guests?
Yes, it is described as perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends.
What is the total approximate cooking time?
The total cooking time is approximately 5 to 6 hours.
What are the main flavor profiles of this dish?
The dish is savory and herbal with a rich, tangy tomato base.
Can I use fresh onions?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1/2 cup of chopped onion, which is typically fresh.
Is this a high-maintenance recipe?
No, it is a simple 'toss and go' slow cooker recipe that lets the flavors meld while you enjoy your day.
What makes the chicken succulent?
Cooking the thighs slowly in a mixture of tomatoes, herbs, and aromatics ensures they remain tender and flavorful.
How should the chicken be arranged in the cooker?
The chicken thighs should be spread out evenly across the bottom of the slow cooker.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Associated tags include chicken, Italian, slow cooker, comfort food, herbs, dinner, pasta, and sauce.
Does the recipe require a large slow cooker?
A standard 4-quart electric slow cooker is sufficient for the 3 pounds of chicken.
Can I use this recipe for meal prep?
Yes, the slow-cooked nature of the chicken and sauce makes it excellent for reheating.
Is the tomato sauce thick?
Yes, the combination of tomato paste and undrained diced tomatoes creates a rich, cohesive sauce.
Can I use this recipe for a weeknight dinner?
Yes, because it uses a slow cooker, it can be started in the afternoon for a hot dinner later.