Healthy Slow Cooker Bruschetta Chicken is a vibrant, Italian-inspired crockpot meal that delivers bold summer flavor with minimal effort. Tender chicken breasts or thighs are slow-cooked in a garlicky tomato and olive mixture, then topped with fresh basil, melty mozzarella, and a drizzle of balsamic for a dish that’s as light as it is satisfying. Perfect for warm-weather dinners, this recipe keeps things fresh, hearty, and delightfully Mediterranean.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bruschetta Chicken takes all the classic elements of your favorite Italian appetizer and transforms them into a slow-cooked, protein-rich entrée. Here’s why it works beautifully:

Packed with fresh summer flavors — tomatoes, basil, garlic, and balsamic
Simple slow cooker method — minimal prep and hands-off cooking
Light yet satisfying — perfect for low-carb, gluten-free, or Whole30-style eating
Ideal for meal prep or family dinners
Melty mozzarella gives it that comforting finish without being heavy

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1 cup fresh tomatoes, diced
1/2 red onion, finely chopped
1 tablespoon garlic, minced
1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped (plus more for garnish)
2 tablespoons kalamata olives, chopped
15.5 oz canned tomatoes with garlic
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar (plus more for drizzling)
1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded or fresh balls)
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of a slow cooker and season generously with salt and pepper.
In a separate bowl, combine the diced fresh tomatoes, canned tomatoes, red onion, garlic, olives, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar.
Pour the bruschetta mixture over the chicken.
Cover and cook on low for 5–6 hours or high for 2.5–3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
In the final 10–15 minutes, sprinkle the mozzarella over the chicken. Cover and cook just until the cheese is melted.
Before serving, top with fresh chopped basil and an extra drizzle of balsamic vinegar if desired.

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 5 hours (low)
Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories per Serving: 360 kcal

Variations

Add Greens: Serve over baby spinach or arugula for a warm salad-style plate.
Serve with Grains: Pair with quinoa, farro, or brown rice for added fiber.
Vegan Version: Substitute chickpeas or white beans for chicken and use a plant-based cheese.
Extra Flavor: Add sun-dried tomatoes or a pinch of red chili flakes for heat.
Cheese Options: Use goat cheese or burrata instead of mozzarella for a tangy or creamy twist.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in a microwave or skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth if needed to maintain moisture.
This dish is not ideal for freezing due to the fresh tomato and cheese elements, which can change texture upon thawing.

FAQs

Can I use canned diced tomatoes instead of fresh?

Yes, but fresh tomatoes help give this dish a brighter, summery flavor. Use both for best results, as in the recipe.

Can I make this without cheese?

Absolutely — it’s still delicious and flavorful without the mozzarella, especially if you’re dairy-free.

What type of chicken works best?

Chicken breasts give a leaner result, while thighs offer more flavor and tenderness. Both work well in the slow cooker.

Is this dish low-carb?

Yes, it’s naturally low in carbs and great for keto or paleo lifestyles (just omit the cheese for strict paleo).

Can I prep this the night before?

Yes. Assemble the chicken and bruschetta mix in the slow cooker insert, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Start cooking the next day.

Is it gluten-free?

Yes, all ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free.

What sides go best with bruschetta chicken?

Try garlic roasted potatoes, a crisp green salad, cauliflower rice, or crusty gluten-free bread.

Can I use cherry tomatoes?

Yes, cherry or grape tomatoes can be halved and used instead of diced tomatoes for a sweeter, burstier texture.

Does this dish freeze well?

The chicken itself can be frozen, but the fresh tomatoes and cheese may lose texture after thawing. Best enjoyed fresh.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, simply ensure your slow cooker has enough room for even cooking and increase cooking time slightly if needed.

Conclusion

Healthy Slow Cooker Bruschetta Chicken brings bold, Italian-inspired flavors to your table with the ease of a crockpot. Light, fresh, and satisfying, it’s a standout summer dish that’s perfect for casual weeknight meals or elegant entertaining. With just a few wholesome ingredients and simple steps, this dish proves that healthy eating can still feel indulgent — especially when mozzarella and balsamic are involved.

Healthy Slow Cooker Bruschetta Chicken

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Healthy Slow Cooker Bruschetta Chicken is a vibrant, Italian-inspired dish made effortlessly in the crockpot. Tender chicken is slow-cooked with tomatoes, garlic, basil, and olives, then topped with melty mozzarella and a balsamic drizzle. This light and flavorful one-pot meal is perfect for summer and packed with Mediterranean goodness.

Author: Asma
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 hours
Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Course / Slow Cooker / Healthy Meals
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired / Mediterranean
Diet: Gluten Free

Instructions

Place chicken in the bottom of the slow cooker. Season with salt and pepper.
In a bowl, combine fresh diced tomatoes, canned tomatoes, red onion, garlic, olives, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar.
Pour the bruschetta mixture over the chicken.
Cover and cook on low for 5–6 hours or high for 2.5–3 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
In the final 10–15 minutes, sprinkle mozzarella over the top. Cover and cook until cheese is melted.
Before serving, garnish with fresh chopped basil and drizzle with additional balsamic vinegar as desired.

Notes

Serve over quinoa, cauliflower rice, or crusty bread for a complete meal.
For dairy-free, simply skip the mozzarella or use a plant-based option.
Add crushed red pepper for a spicy kick.
Make it ahead and reheat gently for easy meal prep.