Tuscan Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs
Tuscan Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs are a flavorful and hearty Italian-inspired dish featuring juicy chicken thighs simmered with garlic, fresh herbs, and sun-dried tomatoes. This easy one-pot recipe slow cooks the chicken to tender perfection, making it a perfect family-friendly meal for busy weeknights or relaxing weekends.
- Author: Lilly
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Chicken and Main Ingredients
- 6–8 chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on
- 4–5 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Parmesan cheese, optional for serving
- Brown the Chicken Thighs: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then sear them skin-side down until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per side. This step locks in flavor and adds beautiful color.
- Prepare the Slow Cooker Base: In the slow cooker, combine minced garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh rosemary sprigs, dried oregano, and chicken broth. This mixture infuses the chicken with deep Tuscan flavors.
- Add Chicken to the Slow Cooker: Place the browned chicken thighs on top of the slow cooker ingredients, skin-side up. The slow cooker will gently simmer the thighs, blending the aromatic elements.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through. The meat should easily pull away from the bone and the skin appear golden.
- Final Touches: Remove rosemary sprigs. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve immediately with your favorite sides and a sprinkling of freshly grated Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Don’t skip browning the chicken; it enhances flavor and texture.
- Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs to retain moisture and add richness.
- Fresh rosemary and garlic dramatically elevate the dish’s aroma and taste.
- Cooking low and slow ensures tenderness and deep flavor development.
- This recipe is naturally gluten-free and suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: Tuscan chicken, slow cooker chicken thighs, Italian chicken recipe, gluten free chicken, easy slow cooker dinner