This Slow Cooker Chicken Legs With Canned Diced Tomatoes recipe is a humble, comforting dinner that proves you don't need a long ingredient list to make something delicious. Tender chicken legs slowly cook with juicy diced tomatoes, garlic, Italian seasoning, and onion until the meat is flavorful and easy to pull from the bone.
It is an affordable family meal that requires very little preparation, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want a warm homemade dinner waiting for you.
Ingredients
- 8 chicken legs or drumsticks
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Legs
1. Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken legs dry with paper towels and season them lightly with salt and black pepper. Arrange the chicken legs in an even layer in the bottom of your slow cooker.
2. Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings
Pour the canned diced tomatoes over the chicken legs. Add the sliced onion, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning.
The tomatoes create a simple cooking sauce as the chicken slowly releases its juices, while the garlic and herbs add savory flavor.
3. Slow Cook
Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or on HIGH for 2½–3½ hours, until the chicken is tender and reaches at least 165°F (74°C) internally.
Cooking time can vary depending on the size of the chicken legs and your slow cooker.
4. Serve
Carefully remove the chicken legs from the slow cooker and spoon some of the tomato mixture over the top. Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes.
For crispier skin, transfer the cooked chicken legs to a baking sheet and place them under a hot broiler for a few minutes, watching carefully.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Chicken Legs
Do not overcrowd the slow cooker. Keeping the chicken in a relatively even layer allows it to cook more consistently.
For a richer tomato flavor, use diced tomatoes with their juices. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you enjoy a little heat.
If you prefer more sauce, add another small can of diced tomatoes. The flavorful tomato mixture is delicious spooned over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes.
What to Serve With Tomato Chicken Legs
These tender chicken legs pair beautifully with simple comfort-food sides. Serve them with mashed potatoes, white rice, buttered noodles, roasted potatoes, green beans, or crusty bread.
The tomato sauce is especially good with rice because it soaks into the grains and adds extra flavor to every bite.
How to Store Leftovers
Allow leftover chicken to cool before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.
Store the chicken together with some of the tomato sauce to help keep it moist. Reheat gently in the microwave or covered in the oven until heated through.
Cooked chicken can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken legs?
Yes. Bone-in chicken thighs are an excellent substitute and work well with the tomato-based cooking sauce. Adjust the cooking time as needed.
Can I use fresh tomatoes?
Yes, although canned diced tomatoes are convenient and provide consistent flavor and moisture. If using fresh tomatoes, make sure they are ripe and juicy.
Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely. Bell peppers, carrots, mushrooms, or zucchini can be added to make the meal even more substantial.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Chicken Legs With Canned Diced Tomatoes recipe is the kind of simple dinner that earns a permanent place in your weekly rotation. Tender chicken, juicy tomatoes, onion, garlic, and Italian seasoning create a flavorful meal with very little effort. It is affordable, comforting, and easy to serve with pantry-friendly sides, making it a dependable choice whenever you need a humble homemade dinner that is always a yes.
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