For an even deeper flavor, brown the chicken thighs in a skillet with a little olive oil before adding them to the slow cooker. This step adds a beautiful sear and enhances the richness of the dish. Adjust the amount of Italian seasoning to your preference. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. If you don't have penne pasta, feel free to substitute with your favorite pasta shape, such as rotini, farfalle, or rigatoni. This dish is even more flavorful the next day, making it perfect for meal prepping. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Rustic Italian Chicken
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PREP TIME20 mins
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COOK TIME6 hrs
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TOTAL TIME6 hrs 20 mins
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SERVING6 People
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VIEWS103
Embark on a culinary journey to the Italian countryside with this heartwarming Rustic Italian Chicken. Tender chicken thighs, simmered to succulent perfection with vibrant vegetables and aromatic herbs in a rich tomato embrace, create a symphony of flavors that will transport you to a cozy trattoria. This effortless slow-cooker delight is the perfect comforting meal to come home to after a long day.
Ingridients
Adjust Servings
Nutrition
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Carbohydrate41 g
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Cholesterol85 mg
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Fiber6 g
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Protein32 g
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Saturated Fat4 g
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Sodium608 mg
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Sugar11 g
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Fat16 g
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Unsaturated Fat0 g
Follow The Directions
01
Step
2 mins
Prepare the slow cooker: Lightly coat the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray. (5 minutes)
02
Step
3 mins
Layer the ingredients: Arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer at the bottom of the slow cooker. Top with carrots, red bell pepper, mushrooms, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Season generously with salt and pepper. (10 minutes)
03
Step
5 mins
Add tomatoes: Pour in the diced tomatoes and crushed tomatoes, ensuring the chicken and vegetables are mostly submerged in the tomato sauce. (2 minutes)
04
Step
2 mins
Slow cook to perfection: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours, or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is incredibly tender and easily shreds with a fork. (6-8 hours)
05
Step
3 mins
Serve: Shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks. Serve the Rustic Italian Chicken over cooked penne pasta. (5 minutes)
06
Step
8 hrs
Garnish (optional): Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh Italian parsley for a burst of flavor and color.
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Morton Homenick
Jun 11, 2025This was so easy to make and my family loved it! I'll definitely be making this again.
May Reinger
Apr 26, 2025My kids are picky eaters, but they all loved this dish! That's a win in my book.
Arnold Mueller
Jan 22, 2025Next time, I'm going to try adding a can of cannellini beans for extra protein and fiber.
Vesta Wunsch
Jan 17, 2025The chicken was so tender and flavorful. This is a perfect weeknight meal.
Reggie Pfannerstill
Dec 20, 2024I didn't have any Italian seasoning, so I used a mix of oregano, basil, and rosemary. It was still delicious!
Zackery Wiza
Nov 20, 2024I added some chopped zucchini and it turned out great. Thanks for the recipe!
Kayden Bartell
Jul 29, 2024I found that cooking it on high for 3 hours was perfect. The chicken was cooked through and still moist.
Tatyana Ebert
Jul 16, 2024I used bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and it was even more flavorful. Just be sure to remove the bones before serving.