Craving a comforting, hearty meal that will transport you straight to Italy? Look no further than this mouthwatering Slow Cooker Chicken Ragu! With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can set this dish to cook while you go about your day, filling your home with the irresistible aroma of simmering tomatoes and tender chicken. This recipe not only yields a generous six servings but also promises to impress your family and friends with its rich flavors and delightful textures. Ready to dive into a culinary adventure that will have everyone asking for seconds? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken thighs
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pasta, for serving
- Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken thighs by patting them dry with paper towels and seasoning generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Chop the onion finely and mince the garlic cloves. Place them at the bottom of the slow cooker to create a flavorful base for the sauce.
- Carefully place the seasoned chicken thighs on top of the onions and garlic in the slow cooker.
- Pour the entire can of crushed tomatoes over the chicken, ensuring the meat is well-covered.
- Sprinkle dried basil and dried oregano evenly across the top of the sauce, distributing the herbs for maximum flavor.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low heat for 6 hours. The slow, low-temperature cooking will help tenderize the chicken and develop rich flavors.
- After 6 hours, carefully remove the chicken thighs and use two forks to shred the meat, discarding any bones or excess fat.
- Return the shredded chicken to the sauce and stir to combine, allowing the meat to absorb the sauce's flavors.
- Cook your preferred pasta according to package instructions while the ragu finishes.
- Serve the chicken ragu over hot pasta, garnishing with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and additional herbs if desired.
Tips
- Choose the Right Cut: Opt for bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for maximum flavor and tenderness. If you prefer a leaner option, boneless, skinless thighs work well too.
- Season Generously: Don’t skimp on the salt and pepper when seasoning the chicken. A well-seasoned base enhances the overall flavor of the ragu.
- Layering is Key: Start with the onions and garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker to create a flavorful foundation. This ensures they cook down properly and infuse the sauce with their essence.
- Let it Simmer: Resist the urge to lift the lid during cooking. Keeping the lid on allows the chicken to steam and the flavors to meld beautifully over the six-hour cooking period.
- Shred with Care: After cooking, use two forks to shred the chicken gently. This helps maintain a nice texture and allows the meat to soak up the sauce.
- Pasta Pairing: Serve this ragu over your favorite pasta. Wide noodles like pappardelle or fettuccine are perfect for holding onto the rich sauce.
- Garnish for Greatness: Don’t forget to top your dish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for an extra burst of flavor and a beautiful presentation.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 145mg
