Description

If you're on the hunt for a comforting, flavorful meal that’s easy to make and tastes like it took all day to prepare, then this slow cooker recipe is the perfect answer. With tender meat, perfectly cooked vegetables, and a rich, flavorful sauce, it’s a dish you’ll find yourself craving on repeat. The best part? You can set it up in the morning and come home to a mouthwatering dinner that’s ready to serve

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts)
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
• 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Preparation Method

Step 1: Season the chicken
Begin by seasoning 1 1/2 pounds of boneless chicken thighs or chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. This basic seasoning will help bring out the natural flavors of the chicken as it cooks.

Step 2: Sear the chicken (optional but recommended)
For extra flavor, sear the chicken in a hot skillet with a tablespoon of olive oil before placing it in the slow cooker. Cook the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side, until it’s nicely browned. This step is optional but adds depth to the dish.

Step 3: Prepare the slow cooker base
Place the sliced onion and minced garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker. These aromatics will slowly cook and release their flavors, providing a fragrant base for the dish.

Step 4: Add the chicken
Place the seasoned and seared chicken thighs (or breasts) on top of the onions and garlic in the slow cooker.

Step 5: Add the liquids and seasoning
In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of chicken broth, 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of paprika, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. This mixture will create a flavorful sauce that will coat the chicken and vegetables as they cook. Pour this over the chicken.

Step 6: Add the tomatoes
Pour 1 can of diced tomatoes (including the juice) over the chicken. The tomatoes will break down as they cook, creating a rich, tangy sauce that pairs perfectly with the tender chicken.

Step 7: Add the vegetables
Top the chicken and sauce with the sliced zucchini and red bell pepper. These vegetables will cook to perfection in the slow cooker, absorbing all the delicious flavors of the sauce and making this dish both hearty and nutritious.

Step 8: Set and cook
Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The slow cooking process ensures the chicken becomes tender and the vegetables cook through without becoming mushy.

Step 9: Serve
Once the cooking time is up, give the dish a stir to ensure everything is well coated in the sauce. Serve the chicken, vegetables, and sauce over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes for a complete and satisfying meal. Garnish with fresh basil if desired for an extra pop of freshness

Tips and Conclusion

Bonus Tip:
If you want to make this dish even heartier, try adding a can of drained chickpeas or cannellini beans in the last hour of cooking. The beans will soak up the sauce and add extra protein and texture to the meal.

Conclusion:
This daily delicious slow cooker meal is the perfect combination of convenience, flavor, and comfort. With tender chicken, perfectly cooked vegetables, and a rich sauce, it’s a dish that can easily become a staple in your meal rotation. Whether you're feeding the family or prepping meals for the week, this recipe is guaranteed to deliver satisfaction every time. Enjoy this simple yet flavorful meal without the stress of spending hours in the kitchen!