Whenever my mama made a load of this recipe, it was gone in just a couple of days.

Chicken Bolognese is a delightful twist on the traditional Italian meat sauce, often made with beef or pork. This recipe, adapted for the slow cooker, offers a lighter yet incredibly flavorful version suited to modern tastes. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a rich and satisfying sauce perfect for a busy household. Anyone looking to enjoy a healthy and hearty meal with minimal effort will find this recipe a treasure.

Chicken Bolognese pairs wonderfully with classic spaghetti, penne, or even a more robust pappardelle. For a lighter option, consider serving it over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. A crisp green side salad with a tangy vinaigrette and garlic bread or a rustic baguette will round out the meal perfectly, providing a balance of flavors and textures that everyone at the dinner table will appreciate.

Servings: 6

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 carrots, finely chopped
2 celery stalks, finely chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 pound ground chicken
1/4 cup tomato paste
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil, for garnish

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

2. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

3. Add the ground chicken and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.

4. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes.

5. Transfer the mixture to the slow cooker and add the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, whole milk, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.

6. Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the sauce is thickened and flavors have melded.

7. Before serving, stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh basil.

For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine while cooking the ground chicken. You can also swap out the ground chicken for ground turkey or a mixture of ground chicken and turkey. For a dairy-free version, use coconut milk instead of whole milk. For an extra boost of veggies, add some finely chopped mushrooms or bell peppers during the initial sautéing step.