Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Marinara (Just 5 Ingredients)

This super easy slow cooker chicken marinara recipe with just 5 ingredients is a simple dump-and-go crock pot dinner for busy weeknights.

Turn a jar of marinara and a pack of chicken into an easy dinner that basically cooks itself. This slow cooker chicken marinara is one of those recipes I make when I don't feel like thinking about dinner but still want something warm and satisfying.

It's a true dump dump recipe. No chopping, no pre-cooking, just a few simple ingredients in the slow cooker and you're done. By the time it's ready, the chicken is tender, the sauce is rich, and dinner is handled.

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Ingredients

Here's what you'll need to make this slow cooker chicken.

• Marinara sauce - I use a jar of good quality marinara with no added sugar or processed ingredients, just basics like tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, basil and oregano.
• Frozen pepper and onion blend - A mix of red, yellow, and green peppers with onions that adds sweetness and flavor without any chopping.
• Italian seasoning - I use either a store-bought blend or my homemade herbs de Provence with Mediterranean herbs.
• Chicken - Boneless, skinless chicken thighs make it easy to pull the chicken out and shred it once it's cooked.
• Sea salt - To season the chicken and bring everything together.

Step-by-step instructions

Here's how to make marinara chicken in the slow cooker.

Add the marinara sauce, frozen vegetables, and Italian herb blend to the slow cooker and stir to combine.

Place the raw chicken on top and season with salt. Spoon some of the sauce mixture over the chicken pieces.

Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours.

Remove the chicken to a plate and shred it using two forks or shredder claws.

Stir the shredded chicken back into the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Variations

Here are a few ways to change it up.

• Add heat - Stir in red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce.
• Swap the chicken - Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or a mix of light and dark meat.
• More veggies - Add your favorites like roasted red peppers, olives or artichoke hearts.

How to serve

This is one of those recipes that works with whatever you have on hand.

• Spaghetti squash - Cook a spaghetti squash and spoon the chicken marinara over the strands for a simple, comfort food dinner.
• Zoodles or veggie noodles - Serve it over zucchini noodles for a quick option. Or try carrot, sweet potato, or butternut squash noodles for a hint of sweetness.
• Cassava flour pasta or frozen almond flour gnocchi - If you want something more traditional, these are great options. I like this pasta or this gnocchi.

Optional: top with parmesan or mozzarella and garnish with fresh basil.

Storing

Refrigerator: Let it cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or chicken broth if it seems too thick.

Freezer: Freeze in portions in freezer-safe glass containers for up to 4 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

More slow cooker chicken recipes

If you like this chicken recipe, try these next.

Crock Pot Whole Chicken - A simple way to cook a whole chicken that comes out tender and juicy, with plenty of leftovers for easy meals.

Slow Cooker Chicken Soup - A classic, comforting soup made with simple ingredients that's easy to throw together and great for busy weeks.

Crock Pot Cauliflower Chicken Chili - A hearty chili filled with vegetables that cooks low and slow until everything comes together.

Easy Slow Cooker Pumpkin Chicken Chili - A thick, cozy chili with pumpkin and spices that's easy to prep and let cook all day.