Name: Slow Cooker Bruschetta Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning; 3/4 tsp. salt; 1/2 tsp. black pepper; 4 cloves garlic, minced & divided; 2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breasts (use small chicken breasts if you want a chicken breast per person); 14.5 oz. can petite diced tomatoes (Italian style with basil and oregano or plain); 4 oz sliced mozzarella; 6 Roma tomatoes; 1 medium shallot; 1/2 cup thinly sliced basil; 1 Tbsp. olive oil; 1 Tbsp. sundried tomato oil; 1 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar; Salt and pepper to taste; Garlic, reserved from above

Jump to Recipe

If you’re looking for a meal that’s easy to throw together yet absolutely packed with bright, Italian-inspired flavors, Slow Cooker Bruschetta Chicken is about to become your new favorite. Tender, juicy chicken breasts slow-cooked in herbed tomatoes, smothered with gooey mozzarella, and topped with a super-fresh, garlicky bruschetta? Yes, please! This recipe takes all the punchy, summery goodness of a classic bruschetta and pairs it with comforting, protein-packed chicken, all with the hands-off magic of your slow cooker. Whether you’re feeding your family or wowing dinner guests, this one’s a winning choice for any night of the week.

Slow Cooker Bruschetta Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed by how a handful of simple ingredients transform into a dish with so much wow factor. Every component—from the herbs to the oils—adds its own savory, juicy, or creamy touch that makes this Slow Cooker Bruschetta Chicken so craveable.

Italian seasoning: Blends dried herbs for instant flavor, making your chicken taste like it’s straight from a rustic trattoria.
Salt: Essential for drawing out flavors from both the chicken and tomato base.
Black pepper: Brings a gentle warmth and depth to every bite.
Garlic (minced & divided): Adds that irresistible aromatic kick to both the chicken and the fresh bruschetta topping.
Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Perfect for soaking up all the seasonings while effortlessly staying tender in the slow cooker.
Petite diced tomatoes (Italian style or plain): Form the saucy, herby base that keeps the chicken juicy and extra flavorful.
Sliced mozzarella: Melts into a creamy, stretchy layer over the chicken—no one’s skipping this step!
Roma tomatoes: Their firm bite and sweet acidity are ideal for that gorgeous, chunky bruschetta topping.
Medium shallot: Provides a milder, slightly sweet oniony note to the bruschetta.
Thinly sliced basil: Fresh basil infuses the whole dish with brightness and that classic Italian aroma.
Olive oil: Brings roundness and fruitiness to the fresh tomato topping.
Sundried tomato oil: Adds a concentrated burst of tomato flavor plus silky richness.
Balsamic vinegar: Balances the freshness of the tomatoes with tangy sweetness.
Salt and pepper to taste: Gives you control over the seasoning for the final, perfect bite.
Reserved garlic: For an extra punch of flavor in the bruschetta.

How to Make Slow Cooker Bruschetta Chicken

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Start by generously sprinkling both sides of those juicy chicken breasts with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. This ensures every bit of chicken is deliciously seasoned and ready to soak up all the goodness in the slow cooker—think of it as building the perfect flavor base before anything else goes in.

Step 2: Layer Tomatoes and Chicken in the Slow Cooker

Pour your can of Italian-style petite diced tomatoes into the base of your slow cooker; this is the saucy, herby cushion for the chicken. Arrange your seasoned chicken breasts on top, then sprinkle half of the minced garlic over everything. The aroma hits you instantly and teases what’s to come!

Step 3: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection

Pop the lid on and set your slow cooker to HIGH for 3.5 hours. This gentle cooking coaxes the chicken into perfect tenderness, letting all those Italian flavors meld together to juicy effect. No need to peek—just let the slow cooker do its cozy magic.

Step 4: Add the Mozzarella

After 3.5 hours, carefully lift the lid and top each portion of chicken with a generous portion of sliced mozzarella. Cover again and let it cook for an additional 30 minutes. The cheese melts into melty, luxurious pools that are incredibly hard to resist.

Step 5: Mix Up the Bruschetta Topping

While your Slow Cooker Bruschetta Chicken finishes up, assemble that vibrant topping. Seed and chop the Roma tomatoes, finely dice the shallot, and slice the fresh basil into thin ribbons. Toss these into a bowl with the remaining garlic, then drizzle over the olive oil, sundried tomato oil, balsamic vinegar, and season with salt and pepper. Toss until every piece is glistening—this is the sparkle that brings your dish to life!

Step 6: Serve with Plenty of Bruschetta

Spoon a generous heap of that fresh, garlicky bruschetta topping over the cheesy chicken, and get ready to dig in. Each bite combines the warmth of slow-cooked chicken with the brightness of the cool bruschetta for the ultimate celebration of Italian flavors.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Bruschetta Chicken

Garnishes

Finish your Slow Cooker Bruschetta Chicken with a dazzling shower of extra thinly sliced basil, a light drizzle of quality olive oil, or a little crack of black pepper. These tiny touches highlight the freshness and make your plate pop with color and aroma.

Side Dishes

What goes better with these Italian-inflected flavors than a simple side of rustic bread or garlic toast? You can also serve this chicken over a bed of fluffy rice, creamy polenta, or even a plateful of al dente pasta. For a little green, a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette is a gorgeous pairing.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, try slicing the cooked chicken thinly and arranging it on a platter, then pile the bruschetta topping down the center for a stunning centerpiece. Or, stuff everything into toasted ciabatta rolls for a gourmet sandwich that’ll turn heads at any lunch table. However you serve it, Slow Cooker Bruschetta Chicken is always a show-stopper.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Slow Cooker Bruschetta Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the chicken and bruschetta topping separate if you can—this keeps the topping from getting too watery and the chicken staying juicy when reheated.

Freezing

Want to meal prep? You can freeze the cooked chicken (minus the fresh bruschetta topping) for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely before wrapping tightly or placing in an airtight container. The bruschetta is best made fresh, but you can always chop and freeze the herbs in advance.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the chicken (with its delicious tomato sauce and melted cheese) in the microwave or gently in a skillet over medium heat. Top with freshly made bruschetta before serving to keep those bright flavors and textures intact.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs turn out even juicier and more flavorful thanks to their higher fat content, so feel free to swap them in using the same method and cook times.

Is it possible to prepare Slow Cooker Bruschetta Chicken with frozen chicken?

It’s best to use thawed chicken for safe, even cooking in a slow cooker. If starting from frozen, thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight first. This helps prevent any food safety issues and keeps your chicken meltingly tender.

What if I don’t have sundried tomato oil?

You can substitute with more olive oil or a splash of plain vegetable oil. The sundried tomato oil just adds a little extra richness and tomato-forward flavor, but your dish will still be delicious without it.

Can I make the bruschetta topping in advance?

Definitely! Prepare the tomato, shallot, basil, and garlic mixture up to a few hours ahead. Just wait to add the oil and balsamic until right before serving to keep everything vibrant and fresh.

Is Slow Cooker Bruschetta Chicken gluten-free?

Yes, as written, this dish is completely gluten-free! Just be mindful with any sides you serve, such as bread or pasta, if you’re cooking for someone with celiac or gluten sensitivity.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something special about digging into a meal that’s as lively and comforting as Slow Cooker Bruschetta Chicken. It’s crowd-pleasing, fuss-free, and brimming with flavor in every tender, cheesy, saucy bite. Go on—give it a try this week and watch it become an instant classic with everyone at your table!

Slow Cooker Bruschetta Chicken Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 21 reviews

Author: Noah
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Slow Cooker Bruschetta Chicken recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines tender chicken with flavorful bruschetta topping.

Instructions

Season the Chicken: Season both sides of chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Prepare the Slow Cooker: Pour can of petite diced tomatoes into the crockpot. Arrange chicken on top of the tomatoes then, top chicken with half of the minced garlic.
Cook the Chicken: Cover and cook on HIGH for 3.5 hours. After 3.5 hours, top each chicken breast with 2 pieces of sliced mozzarella and cook an additional 30 minutes to allow the cheese to melt.
Make the Bruschetta Topping: Seed and chop tomatoes. Dice the shallot and finely chop basil. Add to a bowl with remaining minced garlic. Next, add salt, pepper, olive oil, sundried tomato oil, and balsamic vinegar and stir to combine.
Serve: Serve chicken with a heaping spoonful of the bruschetta on top and enjoy!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Category: Main Dish
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: Italian