Hearty Slow Cooker Chicken & Veggie Delight
This hearty slow cooker dish features tender chicken or pork and colorful vegetables simmered in a savory sauce. It's an easy and delicious meal perfect for a weeknight.
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Slow cooker
- Small bowl
- Whisk
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or pork tenderloin cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 large onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 red bell pepper chopped
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes undrained
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
- 1 tbsp brown sugar or maple syrup for a refined sugar-free option
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- red pepper flakes optional, for a kick
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Garnish (Optional)
- Fresh cilantro or parsley chopped (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds for garnish, optional
Instructions
Preparation
- Pat the chicken or pork dry, sear it for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly browned, then transfer to a slow cooker. This step is optional but adds flavor.
- Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and red bell pepper to the slow cooker over the protein.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the diced tomatoes, broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Pour this mixture over the ingredients in the slow cooker.
- Season generously with salt and black pepper, then stir gently to combine everything.
Cooking
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the protein is fork-tender and vegetables are soft.
Serving
- Stir well, taste, and adjust seasonings as needed. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley and sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, consider adding a bay leaf to the slow cooker during cooking. This dish pairs well with rice, quinoa, or crusty bread for a complete meal.