Braised Chicken Thighs with Slow-Cooked Marinara Recipe

This dish is a great way to use less-than-perfect summer tomatoes. A Parmesan cheese rind makes the chunky sauce extra savory and delicious. It is the ideal summer slow cooker meal. Assemble the ingredients and then spend a couple of hours shopping or playing outside. When everyone is hungry, this light but satisfying dish is ready. Here are a few quick tips to keep in mind for a successful slow cooking experience: Slow cooking requires little fat, so trim the excess from meats and poultry. Preserve the flavor of fresh herbs by adding them to the dish once it comes out of the slow cooker. Removing the slow cooker lid while cooking releases valuable heat, so resist the urge to check on the dish as it cooks. There is no need to stir ingredients in a slow cooker unless your recipe calls for it. Slow cooking creates moisture, so you often don't need as much liquid as when you are cooking in an oven. Use only the amount called for in the recipe.