Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Chicken Thighs
This Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Chicken Thighs recipe transforms your pantry staples into a rich, flavorful dish that will impress anyone at your dining table. With juicy chicken thighs simmering in a luscious blend of tomato soup and cream of chicken soup, this dish is perfect for those nights when you want an effortless meal without sacrificing taste. The addition of spices and hot sauce gives it a subtle kick, while the creamy texture pairs wonderfully with rice or crusty bread. Whether you're dealing with a tight budget or just want something simple yet delicious, this recipe has got you covered. Let your slow cooker do the work while you enjoy a satisfying and comforting dinner.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chicken leg quarters
3 (split)
Onions
2 (diced)
Garlic cloves
2 (minced)
Tomato soup
2 (10-ounce cans) (can substitute with a can of mashed tomatoes)
Cream of chicken soup
1 (10-ounce can)
Milk
1 (10-ounce can) (can substitute with water if necessary)
Water
0.5 (10-ounce can)
Dry sherry
1 tablespoon
Frank's Red Hot Sauce
5 teaspoons (or to taste)
Dried oregano
1 teaspoon
Butter
5 tablespoons
Salt
to taste
Pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
In a wide pan over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter and sauté the diced onions and minced garlic with oregano until the onions turn golden brown. Once done, remove the mixture from the pan and set aside.
2
Rinse the chicken leg quarters and pat them dry with paper towels. Season each side liberally with salt and pepper.
3
In the same pan, add 2 tablespoons of butter and brown the chicken leg quarters in batches until they achieve a nice golden color, about 5-6 minutes per side. Add more butter for each batch as needed.
4
Once all the chicken is browned, return the onion and garlic mixture back to the pan. Then, add the two cans of tomato soup, the can of cream of chicken soup, the milk (or water), and the dry sherry. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a rapid simmer, whisking to mix all the flavors and scrape up any browned bits on the bottom of the pan.
5
Reduce the heat to medium or medium-low and gradually add the Frank's Red Hot sauce, one teaspoon at a time, tasting as you go until you reach your desired level of heat. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary.
6
Transfer the chicken and sauce mixture into the crockpot. Cook on Low for 6 to 7 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to become tender.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Chicken Thighs?
It is a rich and flavorful dish where chicken thighs or leg quarters are simmered in a creamy blend of tomato and cream of chicken soups.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to yield 4 servings.
How long should I cook the chicken in the slow cooker?
The chicken should be cooked on the Low setting for 6 to 7 hours.
What type of chicken is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 split chicken leg quarters.
Can I substitute the tomato soup?
Yes, you can substitute the tomato soup with a can of mashed tomatoes if necessary.
What size cans of soup are used?
The recipe uses 10-ounce cans for the tomato soup, cream of chicken soup, and milk.
Can I use water instead of milk?
Yes, milk can be substituted with an equal amount of water if needed.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a subtle kick from the Frank's Red Hot sauce, which can be adjusted to your preference.
How much hot sauce should I add?
The recipe suggests 5 teaspoons of Frank's Red Hot Sauce, added one teaspoon at a time to reach your desired heat level.
Do I need to brown the chicken before slow cooking?
Yes, the chicken should be browned in butter for 5-6 minutes per side before being transferred to the slow cooker.
What aromatics are used in this dish?
The recipe uses diced onions and minced garlic cloves.
How much butter is required?
A total of 5 tablespoons of butter is used for sautéing the aromatics and browning the chicken.
What herbs are used for seasoning?
Dried oregano is used to season the onion and garlic mixture.
What is the purpose of dry sherry in this recipe?
Dry sherry is added to the sauce mixture to enhance and deepen the overall flavor profile.
How should I prepare the onions and garlic?
The onions should be diced and the garlic should be minced.
Should I rinse the chicken before cooking?
The instructions recommend rinsing the chicken and patting it dry with paper towels before seasoning.
What should I serve with Creamy Tomato Chicken Thighs?
This dish pairs wonderfully with rice or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
Is this recipe considered budget-friendly?
Yes, it is designed to transform simple pantry staples into a satisfying and impressive meal.
How do I prepare the sauce before adding it to the crockpot?
You mix the soups, milk, and sherry in a pan with the sautéed aromatics, bring to a simmer, and whisk to combine.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of leg quarters?
While the recipe specifies leg quarters, you can use breasts, though cooking times may need adjustment to prevent drying.
Do I need to whisk the sauce?
Yes, whisking helps mix the flavors and scrapes up any browned bits from the pan for a better sauce.
How long do I sauté the onions and garlic?
Sauté them until the onions turn golden brown.
What is the first step of the recipe?
The first step is melting butter and sautéing the onions, garlic, and oregano in a pan.
Can I use a different brand of hot sauce?
While Frank's Red Hot is recommended, you can use your preferred brand of hot sauce.
How much extra water is added to the recipe?
The recipe calls for half of a 10-ounce can of water in addition to the other liquids.
Does this recipe require salt and pepper?
Yes, the chicken should be seasoned liberally with salt and pepper, and the sauce adjusted to taste.
Is this a good recipe for beginners?
Yes, it is an effortless meal that lets the slow cooker do most of the work.
What is the texture of the sauce?
The sauce is described as luscious, rich, and creamy.
What temperature should I use for sautéing?
The onions, garlic, and chicken should be prepared over medium heat.
Is there a specific way to add the hot sauce?
It is recommended to add it gradually, one teaspoon at a time, while tasting to ensure the heat level is perfect for you.