Slow Cooker Chicken And Tomatoes
by Jodi Danen, RD
This easy Slow Cooker Chicken and Sweetpops Tomatoes recipe takes just a few minutes to prepare and is ready to serve at dinnertime. The simple sauce and tomatoes make this chicken recipe extra flavorful.
There’s nothing like coming home to the smell of a delicious and nutritious dinner all ready to go! Our days get busy, between work, the kids and all the different activities are involved in, so when everyone finally gets home, knowing that dinner is ready is wonderful! This slow cooker chicken and tomatoes cooks all day in the slow cooker so you have a healthy, home-cooked meal with little-to-no fuss.
Prep time for this slow cooker meal is only a few minutes; you simply add the Sweetpops tomatoes, onion, and chicken to the crockpot, then whisk up a simple Worcestershire, soy sauce, and brown sugar to pour over the top. Yum! And easy! Did I mention that this Slow Cooker Chicken and Tomatoes recipe was easy? 😉
Key Ingredients
- Chicken thighs
- Onions
- Sweetpops tomatoes
- Garlic
- Soy sauce
- Brown sugar
- Worcestershire sauce
- Olive oil
- Pepper
Once the chicken is done cooking, you can shred it or leave it as-is. It’s great to serve over rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a delicious and hearty dinner. To add a little more flavor, squeeze some fresh lemon over top! That touch of acid from the lemon brings out the flavors from the sauce and Sweetpops tomatoes.
Substitutions
- Chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs. Chicken breasts don’t have as much flavor as chicken thighs, so if you make this substitution consider adding a bit more sauce.
- Don’t have Sweetpops tomatoes? Grape tomatoes are an easy replacement, also feel free to use Roma tomatoes or even cherry tomatoes. If you use bigger tomatoes, I recommend slicing them into wedges.
Can you cook this slow cooker meal on high instead of low?
Yep! The typical rule of thumb is that if you are switching to cooking on high in a slow cooker, that your meal will be ready in 4 hours instead of 8 hours. I have found that cooking on high in the slow cooker tends to dry out the meats, so you may want to shred the chicken before serving so it soaks up the juices from the sauce and tomatoes.
What if the chicken is frozen? Can you put frozen chicken into the slow cooker?
Sure can! I do it all the time. If you are adding frozen chicken into the crockpot, I recommend cooking it on low for the full 8 hours. Always make sure the chicken is cooked thoroughly before serving.
Nutrition Tip: Tomatoes are not only high in vitamin C but also high in potassium, a mineral that’s considered a “nutrient of concern” because most kids (and adults) don’t get enough.
Serving Suggestions: Pairing Your Slow Cooker Chicken And Tomatoes
This Slow Cooker Chicken dish is incredibly versatile and can be paired with a variety of sides to make a complete and satisfying meal. For a classic combination, serve the chicken over a bed of fluffy white rice or nutrient-packed quinoa. The rice or quinoa will soak up the flavorful juices from the chicken and tomatoes, making every bite delicious. For a lower-carb option, try serving the chicken with roasted vegetables like broccoli, zucchini, or asparagus. The tender, juicy chicken and the bright, acidic tomatoes pair perfectly with the slight char and crunch of roasted veggies.
Storing and Reheating: Making the Most of Your Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers of this Slow Cooker Chicken And Tomatoes, you’re in luck! This dish keeps well in the refrigerator and can be easily reheated for a quick and tasty meal later. To store, transfer the chicken and tomatoes to an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, simply spoon the desired portion into a microwave-safe dish and heat in the microwave until warmed through, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. Alternatively, you can reheat the chicken and tomatoes in a covered skillet on the stovetop over medium-low heat until heated through.
Mix It Up: Variations on Slow Cooker Chicken And Tomatoes
While this Slow Cooker Chicken recipe is delicious as written, there’s plenty of room for customization based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Try adding different herbs and spices to the dish, such as dried oregano, basil, or smoked paprika, to change up the flavor profile. If you prefer bone-in chicken pieces, feel free to use those instead of boneless thighs – just keep in mind that the cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly. You can also incorporate other vegetables into the dish, such as sliced bell peppers or zucchini, to boost the nutritional content and add some extra color and texture.
The Benefits of Slow Cooking: Why Use a Slow Cooker?
Using a slow cooker to make dishes like this offers several benefits that make mealtime easier and more convenient. One of the main advantages is the hands-off cooking process – simply add your ingredients to the slow cooker, set it, and let it do the work for you. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights or days when you don’t have time to stand over the stove. Slow cookers are also energy-efficient, as they use less electricity than an oven or stovetop. Plus, they’re great for making large batches of food, which can be used for meal prep throughout the week or frozen for later use. With a slow cooker, you can come home to a delicious, home-cooked meal that’s ready to eat whenever you are.
Slow Cooker Chicken and Tomatoes can be part of a healthy diet. Tomatoes are high in vitamin C and potassium, which are important nutrients. However, the dish does contain some added sugar and sodium, so it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Slow Cooker Chicken and Tomatoes
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 2 small sweet onions sliced
- 1 pint Sweetpops™ tomatoes
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Place chicken, onions and tomatoes in slow cooker.
- Whisk garlic, soy sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, olive oil and pepper in small bowl. Pour over chicken.
- Cover slow cooker and cook on high 4 hours or low 6-8 hours.
- Serve with salad.
