Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
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This Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore brings a taste of Italy right into your kitchen, blending succulent chicken, rich tomatoes, and earthy mushrooms into a hearty, comforting meal. It’s the perfect set-and-forget recipe, ensuring a deliciously satisfying dinner every time.
Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
This Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore is like your weeknight dinner hero. It’s super easy – just throw chicken, peppers, and a few spices into the slow cooker, and let it do its thing. You end up with tender chicken and a tasty, herby tomato sauce that’s just perfect over rice or pasta. It’s a no-fuss, big-flavor meal that’s perfect for busy folks who still want a home-cooked dinner.
- Chicken Thighs: I used chicken thighs because they’re juicy and more tender but you can substitute these with chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat.
- Salt and Pepper: To season to taste.
- Olive Oil: Adds a bit of richness and helps to meld the flavors. Feel free to substitute with any other neutral oil such as vegetable or canola.
- Onion: Brings a subtle sweetness and depth to the dish. If onions aren’t your thing, try shallots for a milder flavor.
- Bell Peppers: They add a lovely color and a sweet, slightly tangy taste. No bell peppers? Try using carrots or celery for a different twist.
- Garlic: It’s all about that punchy aroma and depth of flavor. You can quickly substitute garlic powder in a pinch.
- Crushed Tomatoes: This creates the base of our sauce, offering a rich and tangy tomato flavor. If you don’t have crushed tomatoes, you could use diced tomatoes, though expect a chunkier sauce.
- Chicken Broth: I prefer to use a low sodium or no sodium added. If you’re out of chicken broth, you can use vegetable broth as a great alternative.
- Dried Oregano and Basil: These herbs bring in classic Italian flavors. No dried herbs? You can use fresh herbs; just remember to add them towards the end of cooking.
- Red Pepper Flakes: For those who like a bit of heat. If you’re not a fan of spice, feel free to skip it.
- Mushrooms: They add a nice earthy flavor and texture. If you’re not into mushrooms, try zucchini or eggplant for a different veggie touch.
- Capers: These little guys add a tangy, briny flavor. If you don’t have capers, olives can be a good substitute.
- Fresh Parsley: It’s for garnish, adding a fresh, herby touch to the dish. No parsley? Try using basil or even a sprinkle of chives.
Whipping up this Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore is a breeze – it’s straightforward, relaxing, and oh-so-rewarding. Let’s go through the steps:
Kick things off by seasoning your chicken thighs with a bit of salt and pepper. Once they’re ready, lay them in the slow cooker. Now, add in the sliced onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic for that fantastic flavor base. Finish by pouring in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth, and sprinkling the dried oregano, basil, and some red pepper flakes if you’re up for a bit of spice.
Set your slow cooker to low and let it work its magic for about 4-6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. Here’s a pro tip for making sure your chicken is perfectly cooked: use a meat thermometer. Around the 4-hour mark, check the chicken’s internal temperature. You’re aiming for 165°F (74°C). If it’s not there yet, just let it cook a bit longer. This way, you ensure your chicken is not only tender but also safely cooked through.
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, stir in the capers if you’re using them. They add that final burst of flavor. At this point you can also taste for seasoning and adjust with salt and pepper. Garnish with some fresh parsley and enjoy over pasta or rice!
Slow Cooker I Use
Crock-Pot 6 Quart Cook & Carry Programmable Slow Cooker with Digital Timer, Stainless Steel
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Chicken Cacciatore with chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! If you prefer chicken breasts, go ahead and use them. Just keep in mind that chicken breasts can be a bit leaner, so they might not be as tender as thighs after slow cooking. But they’ll still be delicious!
How can you tell when the chicken is cooked through?
The best way to ensure the chicken is fully cooked is by using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). Besides temperature, you can also check if the chicken is done by observing its texture. It should be tender and easily pull apart with a fork. If the chicken still feels firm or rubbery, it likely needs more cooking time.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! This recipe is quite versatile. Feel free to add other veggies like carrots, zucchini, or spinach. Just keep in mind the cooking times may vary slightly depending on what you add.
How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too runny?
If you find the sauce too thin for your liking, you can thicken it at the end of cooking. Mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water to make a slurry, then stir it into the slow cooker. Let it cook for an additional 30 minutes, and it should thicken up nicely.
Expert Tips
- Use Bone-In Chicken Thighs for More Flavor: If you don’t mind a bit more work, using bone-in chicken thighs can add an extra depth of flavor to your Chicken Cacciatore. The bones contribute to a richer, more complex taste in the sauce.
- Deglaze After Searing: If you decide to sear your chicken before adding it to the slow cooker, deglaze the pan with a bit of the chicken broth and pour those delicious browned bits into the slow cooker. This step will enhance the sauce with an incredible depth of flavor.
- Add Fresh Herbs at the End: If you’re using fresh herbs in addition to or in place of dried, add them towards the end of cooking. Fresh herbs can lose their potency if cooked for too long in a slow cooker.
- Adjust the Thickness of the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water and stir it into the slow cooker about 30 minutes before the end of the cooking time. For a thinner sauce, add a bit more chicken broth.
Storage
Leftover Chicken Cacciatore keeps really well. Just let it cool down, then pop it into an airtight container and store it in the fridge. It should be good for up to 3-4 days or up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat it slowly over low heat.
Discover Other Slow Cooker Recipes
- Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo
- Crockpot Chicken Alfredo
- Slow Cooker Sausage And Peppers
- Crockpot Steak And Gravy
- Slow Cooker Pepper Steak
- Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
- Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken
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Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
Video
Ingredients
- 6 chicken thighs (boneless, skinless)
- salt and pepper (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion (sliced)
- 2 medium bell peppers (sliced, any color)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes (1 can)
- ½ cup chicken broth (low sodium)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 8 ounces sliced mushrooms
- ¼ cup capers (drained)
- fresh parsley (chopped)
Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.
Instructions
- Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides and add it to the slow cooker.
- Add the olive oil, onion, bell peppers, garlic, crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes and mushrooms to the slow cooker. Gently toss.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- About 30 minutes before serving, add the capers (if using) to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve the chicken cacciatore garnished with fresh parsley. Serve over pasta or rice.
Equipment
Notes
- Adjusting Sauce Acidity: If you find the tomato sauce a bit too acidic, a small sprinkle of sugar can balance it out. Just add it gradually and taste as you go until you reach the perfect balance.
- Cooking Time Variability: Keep in mind that the cooking time might vary slightly based on your slow cooker model. Start checking the chicken for doneness around the 4-hour mark.
- Freezing and Reheating: This dish freezes really well. Cool it completely and store in freezer-safe containers. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave for a quick, delicious meal.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve over your choice of pasta, rice, or even mashed potatoes. For a low-carb option, try serving it over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
Nutrition Information
Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.
