Savory Italian Chicken Thighs in Marinara Sauce - Slow Cooker
Indulge in the rich flavors of Italy with our Savory Italian Chicken Thighs. This slow-cooked dish features tender, juicy chicken thighs simmered in a blend of Italian-style diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and fragrant herbs. Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-dish meal pairs beautifully with crusty Italian bread, pasta, or fluffy rice. Let the slow cooker do all the magic while you enjoy the aromas wafting through your kitchen. It’s quick, effortless, and irresistibly delicious!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
skinless chicken thighs
12 (trimmed)
Italian-style diced tomatoes
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can (undrained)
tomato paste
1 (6 ounce) can (none)
onion
1 (chopped)
garlic cloves
3 (minced)
Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon (none)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
Place the skinless chicken thighs in the bottom of a 4-quart slow cooker, arranging them in a single layer for even cooking.
2
In a separate bowl, combine the Italian-style diced tomatoes, tomato paste, chopped onion, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir the mixture thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
3
Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken thighs, ensuring they are fully coated.
4
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to cook on low for 6 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to become tender.
5
Once cooking is complete, carefully remove the chicken thighs and serve them hot, drizzled with the savory tomato sauce.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the recipe for Savory Italian Chicken Thighs?
This recipe features 12 skinless chicken thighs simmered in a slow cooker with Italian-style diced tomatoes, tomato paste, onion, garlic, and Italian seasoning.
How long does it take to cook this chicken dish?
The recipe requires 6 hours of cooking on the low setting in a slow cooker.
What size slow cooker is recommended for this recipe?
A 4-quart slow cooker is recommended for this dish.
How many chicken thighs are needed?
The recipe calls for 12 skinless chicken thighs.
Should the chicken thighs be trimmed?
Yes, the chicken thighs should be trimmed before cooking.
Should I drain the Italian-style diced tomatoes?
No, use one 14.5-ounce can of Italian-style diced tomatoes undrained.
What amount of tomato paste is used?
Use one 6-ounce can of tomato paste.
How much onion is required for the recipe?
One chopped onion is required.
How many garlic cloves should be used?
The recipe calls for 3 minced garlic cloves.
What type of seasoning is used?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning.
Is salt and pepper included in the seasoning?
Yes, the recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.
How should the chicken be arranged in the slow cooker?
Arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer at the bottom of the slow cooker for even cooking.
Should the sauce ingredients be mixed before adding them to the chicken?
Yes, combine the tomatoes, paste, onion, garlic, and seasonings in a separate bowl and stir thoroughly before pouring over the chicken.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to place the skinless chicken thighs in the bottom of a 4-quart slow cooker in a single layer.
How do you ensure the chicken is well-flavored?
Ensure the chicken thighs are fully coated by pouring the sauce mixture evenly over them before cooking.
What side dishes pair well with this Italian chicken?
This dish pairs beautifully with crusty Italian bread, pasta, or fluffy rice.
Is this a good recipe for busy weeknights?
Yes, it is described as perfect for busy weeknights because it is quick to prep and effortless to cook.
Is this recipe considered a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is a convenient one-dish meal.
How should the chicken be served once finished?
Carefully remove the chicken thighs and serve them hot, drizzled with the savory tomato sauce from the slow cooker.
Can this recipe be called a Crockpot meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a crockpot and slow cooker recipe.
Is this recipe family-friendly?
Yes, it is tagged as a family-friendly dish.
What type of tomatoes are used for the sauce?
Italian-style diced tomatoes are used to provide the base for the marinara sauce.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 ingredients in this recipe.
Is the chicken cooked on high or low?
The instructions specify cooking the chicken on the low setting.
What texture can I expect from the chicken?
The slow-cooking process makes the chicken thighs tender and juicy.
Does this recipe include sugar?
No sugar is listed in the ingredients for this recipe.
Is there any preparation required for the garlic?
Yes, the garlic cloves should be minced.
What makes the sauce 'savory'?
The combination of tomato paste, diced tomatoes, onion, garlic, and Italian herbs creates a rich, savory flavor.
Do I need to add water to the slow cooker?
No extra water is needed; the liquid from the undrained tomatoes and the chicken provides enough moisture.
Can I use chicken breasts instead?
While the recipe specifies chicken thighs for their juiciness, you could use breasts, though cooking times may vary.