Description
Succulent slow cooker chicken with cherry tomatoes & basil brings Mediterranean sunshine to weeknight dinners. Fresh herbs and juicy tomatoes meld into a simple yet elegant meal you’ll want to savor again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 pounds (907 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Produce:
- 3 cups cherry tomatoes (whole or halved)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped (plus more for garnish)
Seasonings and Liquids:
- ¼ cup chicken broth or white wine
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Optional Topping:
- Grated Parmesan for serving
Instructions
- Arrange whole chicken pieces in the base of the slow cooker, creating an even layer.
- Scatter cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, diced onions, and sprinkle dried oregano across the chicken.
- Season generously with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes for a subtle heat.
- Gently drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the ingredients to enhance flavor and moisture.
- Pour chicken broth or white wine carefully to ensure ingredients are slightly submerged.
- Secure the lid and set slow cooker to low temperature, allowing ingredients to simmer and infuse for 5-6 hours.
- Check chicken’s internal temperature and tenderness midway through cooking, ensuring even heat distribution.
- When chicken reaches perfect tenderness, turn off heat and let rest for 10 minutes.
- Tear fresh basil leaves and gently fold into the cooking liquid, releasing aromatic herbs.
- Transfer chicken and tomato mixture to serving platter, creating an elegant presentation.
- Recommend serving atop warm pasta, fluffy rice, or alongside crusty artisan bread.
- Optional: Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for additional richness and depth.
Notes
- Swap chicken breasts with thighs for extra moisture and richer flavor, preventing dry meat during slow cooking.
- Use fresh herbs from your garden or windowsill to enhance the aroma and bring vibrant, just-picked taste to the dish.
- For gluten-free options, serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of traditional pasta or bread.
- Remove chicken skin before cooking to reduce fat content and create a lighter, healthier meal without compromising taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg