Slow Cooker Bayonne Ham and Tomato Chicken Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a deeper flavor, you can sauté the onions in a separate pan before adding them to the slow cooker, although this is optional. This extra step helps caramelize the onions, adding a subtle sweetness that contrasts well with the saltiness of the Bayonne ham and the acidity of the crushed tomatoes.

If the sauce appears too thin after the cooking time is complete, you can remove the chicken and simmer the sauce on the stovetop for a few minutes to reduce it to your desired consistency. This simple adjustment ensures the final presentation is professional and the flavors are concentrated to your liking.

Variations

• Mediterranean Style: Add sliced black olives and capers during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a punchy, briny twist that complements the tomatoes and chicken perfectly.
• Spicy Tomato Chicken: Increase the mild chili powder to a hot variety and add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a noticeable increase in heat and intensity.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezer

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Reheat

Reheat gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).

Allow any leftovers to cool for no more than 2 hours before transferring them to an airtight container. This rapid cooling process is vital for maintaining food safety and quality.

Place the sealed container in the refrigerator immediately. The dish will retain its quality for up to three days when stored correctly in the coldest part of the fridge.

This dish is excellent for making ahead of time as the flavors tend to develop further after sitting in the refrigerator. Prepare the recipe as directed, allow it to cool, and store it for up to 48 hours before reheating.

The chicken remains moist, and the tomato sauce becomes even more fragrant upon reheating, making it a perfect candidate for convenient, stress-free meal planning.

Serving ideas

Serve this dish hot, directly from the slow cooker or plated on pre-warmed dinner plates to maintain the temperature.

It pairs beautifully with steamed rice, crusty bread, or a simple green salad, which helps balance the richness of the tomato and ham sauce. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired for a touch of color.

When serving, ensure each portion includes a generous amount of the tomato and ham sauce, as this is where much of the flavor is concentrated.

Using a large spoon to ladle the sauce over the chicken breasts will ensure every bite is moist and flavorful. The simplicity of the dish allows it to fit perfectly into any casual family dinner setting.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Bayonne Ham and Tomato Chicken

Prep 10 minCook 4 hRest 5 minTotal 4 h 15 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces chicken breasts
• 4 oz Bayonne ham, sliced
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 1 tsp mild chili powder
• 15 oz crushed tomatoes

Instructions

1. Place the raw chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker. Arrange the sliced Bayonne ham and onions evenly over the chicken to ensure even flavor distribution during the slow cooking process.
2. Sprinkle the mild chili powder over the ham and onion layer. Pour the crushed tomatoes over the top, covering the ingredients completely. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
3. Check that the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, turn off the slow cooker and allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes before serving on a warm plate.

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

320

Protein

35 g

Carbohydrates

12 g

Fat

14 g

Fiber

2.5 g

Sugar

6 g

Sodium

780 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.