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Slow Cooker Italian Chicken with Zucchini Noodles

Slow Cooker Italian Chicken with Zucchini Noodles

The ultimate comfort food is here! Slow Cooker Italian Chicken with Zucchini Noodles is a hearty, gluten-free, and low-carb meal that satisfies your cravings. Tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and zesty flavors combine for an easy weeknight dinner. Make it tonight!
Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 7 hours
Total Time 7 hours 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
  • 4 teaspoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 pound chicken breast
  • Salt and pepper Salt and pepper
  • 2 large tomatoes roughly chopped, about 3 cups
  • 2 cups broccoli cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 1/2 cups asparagus about 1 large bunch
  • 1 cup snap peas halved
  • 4 large zucchini spiralized using the 3mm-blade
  • 1/2 cup pesto use your favorite
  • Parmesan cheese for garnish
  • Fresh basil for garnish, chopped

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker
  • Wooden Spoon
  • Chef's Knife
  • Whisk
  • Mixing Bowl

Method
 

  1. In the bottom of your slow cooker (mine is 7 quarts) whisk together the chicken broth, tomato paste, and Italian seasoning. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper and lay them in a single layer in the slow cooker. Add the chopped tomatoes, spreading them in an even layer on top of the chicken. Cover and cook on low heat until the chicken is tender and no longer pink inside. This takes about 5-6 hours. Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and place on a plate. Using a potato masher, mash up the tomatoes inside the slow cooker until they are broken down and form a sauce. Add all the remaining vegetables except the zucchini, and stir to coat in the tomato sauce. Add the chicken breast on top of the veggie mixture and cover. Cook until the veggies are tender, about another 45 minutes to 1 hour. When the chicken is almost done cooking, place the zucchini noodles into a colander set over a large bowl. Sprinkle lightly with salt and toss to coat. Let them sit for 20-30 minutes, tossing occasionally, until they have released some of their water. Spread the zucchini noodles over a large piece of paper towel and pat out as much excess moisture as you can. Then place them into a large bowl and toss to coat evenly with the pesto. Divide the zucchini noodles between 4 bowls and then place a chicken breast on top. Top each bowl with the veggie and tomato sauce. Garnish with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.

Notes

  • Tip 1: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. This dish actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld!
  • Tip 2: You can freeze the cooked chicken and vegetables separately for up to 3 months. Just reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
  • Tip 3: Serve with a light salad or crusty bread to complete the meal. A glass of sparkling water or iced tea pairs nicely too.
  • Tip 4: Always taste your dish at the end of cooking. If needed, adjust the seasoning with more salt or fresh herbs.
  • Tip 5: While the recipe calls for pesto, you can try different sauces like marinara or a creamy garlic sauce for variation.