Slow Cooker Chicken Ragu Recipe with Tomatoes and Herbs

This easy slow cooker Chicken Ragu takes just 10 minutes to prep and then simmers all day for a comforting, flavorful dinner. Serve it with pappardelle or creamy cheesy polenta for a satisfying Italian-style meal.

If you enjoy classic slow-cooked ragù, this Slow Cooker Chicken Ragu is an effortless, lighter take that still delivers big flavor. It’s simple to prepare—just layer the ingredients, set the slow cooker, and let time do the work. The result is tender, shreddable chicken in a rich tomato-wine sauce that pairs beautifully with pasta, polenta, or roasted vegetables.

Ingredients

• 1 onion, sliced
• 4 garlic cloves
• 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs, or a mix)
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/4 cup red wine (optional; cabernet, chianti or sangiovese work well)
• 6 oz tomato paste
• 15 oz can diced tomatoes (or 2 cups fresh chopped tomatoes)

Step by step instructions

Start the base. Place the sliced onion, whole garlic cloves and chopped fresh rosemary in the bottom of your slow cooker.

Add the chicken. Season the chicken with salt and pepper and arrange it on top of the onions and garlic.

Make the sauce. In a medium bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, red wine (if using) and tomato paste until smooth. Pour this mixture over the chicken, then add the can of diced tomatoes, distributing them evenly.

Slow cook. Cover and cook on low for 8–9 hours, or on high for 4–5 hours. The chicken will become very tender and easy to shred.

Shred and combine. Use two forks to shred the cooked chicken directly in the slow cooker, mixing it into the sauce so the meat soaks up all the flavor. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Serve. Ladle the ragù over pappardelle, fettuccine, creamy polenta, or roasted spaghetti squash. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan or shredded mozzarella if desired.

Frequently asked questions

• What’s the difference between ragù and bolognese? Ragù is a general term for a meat-based sauce with tomatoes and vegetables. Bolognese is a specific ragù traditionally made with ground beef and a longer, slower cooking process.
• Can you put raw chicken in a slow cooker? Yes. Starting with raw chicken is common for slow-cooker recipes and produces tender, shreddable meat.
• Can you use frozen chicken in a slow cooker? It’s best to thaw chicken before slow cooking. Starting from frozen can lengthen the time it takes for the meat to reach a safe temperature.
• How do I thicken the sauce? To thicken, transfer the ragù to a pot and simmer uncovered over medium-high heat for 10–20 minutes until it reduces to your preferred consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
• Is this dish gluten free? The ragù itself is gluten free, but be sure to check that your chicken broth is labeled gluten free. Serve with polenta or gluten-free pasta to keep the meal gluten free.
• What can I add or substitute? Extra vegetables like diced carrots and celery (soffritto) work well—add about 1/2 cup of each. For heat, add 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes. If you prefer thyme to rosemary, use it instead. If you skip the red wine, replace it with white grape juice or omit it entirely.

How to serve it

• Over creamy polenta — a silky, comforting base that soaks up the sauce.
• With wide pasta — pappardelle or fettuccine are ideal for scooping up the meaty sauce. Top with freshly grated Parmesan or shredded mozzarella.
• In lasagna — swap this chicken ragù into a lasagna for a flavorful twist on the classic.
• Over ravioli — quick store-bought cheese ravioli pair nicely when the sauce is reduced slightly.
• Over spaghetti squash — a lighter, lower-carb option that still feels hearty.

What to serve with it

Keep sides simple and complementary: a crisp green salad, garlic bread or a warm baguette to mop up the sauce, and a roasted vegetable like broccolini or a Caprese-style salad are all excellent choices. If you served wine in the sauce, pairing the same bottle—such as a Chianti or Sangiovese—works well with the finished dish.

• Caesar or mixed green salad
• Warm crusty bread or focaccia
• Roasted garlic broccolini or sautéed greens

More ragu recipes to try

If you enjoy this ragù, try other variations like beef ragù, mushroom ragù, or slow-cooked pork ragù for different flavor profiles and textures. Each version showcases how versatile a slow-simmered meat sauce can be.

More slow cooker recipes

Slow cookers are perfect for hands-off dinners. Explore vegetarian chilis, savory pork chops with gravy, or meatballs for more set-it-and-forget-it meals that make weeknights easier.