Craving a taste of Italy without spending hours in the kitchen? This Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Recipe is your answer! A classic Italian dish, Cacciatore translates to “hunter” in Italian, and this slow cooker version brings all the rustic, flavorful goodness to your table with minimal effort.
Tender chicken simmers in a rich tomato sauce with onions, peppers, mushrooms, and herbs, creating a symphony of flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.
What is Chicken Cacciatore?
Chicken Cacciatore is a hearty and satisfying Italian stew featuring chicken braised in a flavorful tomato-based sauce. It typically includes vegetables like onions, peppers, mushrooms, and often herbs such as oregano, basil, and bay leaf. The dish is traditionally cooked on the stovetop, allowing the flavors to meld together over time. This slow cooker version offers the same depth of flavor with the convenience of a hands-off cooking approach.
The result is tender, fall-off-the-bone chicken and a rich, savory sauce perfect for serving over pasta, rice, or polenta. The simple ingredients come together to create a comforting and delicious meal that is perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners. So why not bring a taste of Italy to your kitchen tonight? Give this simple slow cooker recipe a try and discover your new favorite way to enjoy Chicken Cacciatore!
Key Ingredients for Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
- Chicken: 2-2.5 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or a mix of thighs and drumsticks)
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Onion: 1 medium, chopped
- Bell Peppers: 2, different colors, seeded and chopped
- Mushrooms: 8 ounces, sliced (cremini or button mushrooms work well)
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
- Canned Crushed Tomatoes: 28 ounces
- Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons
- Dry Red Wine: ½ cup (optional, but adds depth of flavor – use chicken broth if omitting)
- Chicken Broth: ½ cup
- Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon
- Dried Basil: 1 teaspoon
- Bay Leaf: 1
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped, for garnish
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
This Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore recipe is incredibly easy to prepare and delivers a delicious Italian meal with minimal effort. It’s perfect for busy weeknights! Simply brown the chicken, throw everything into the slow cooker, and let it work its magic. The preparation time is about 20 minutes, and the slow cooker does the rest!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Sear the Chicken (Optional, but Recommended)
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Sear the chicken on both sides until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. This step adds flavor and helps the chicken retain moisture.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add chopped onion and bell peppers. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until softened. Add sliced mushrooms and minced garlic. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the mushrooms are tender.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Transfer the sautéed vegetables to the slow cooker. Add the seared chicken on top of the vegetables.
Step 4: Prepare the Sauce
In a bowl, combine crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, red wine (or chicken broth), chicken broth, dried oregano, dried basil, and bay leaf. Mix well.
Step 5: Pour Sauce Over Chicken
Pour the tomato sauce mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the slow cooker. Make sure the chicken is mostly submerged in the sauce.
Step 6: Slow Cook
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
Step 7: Shred Chicken (Optional)
If desired, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the sauce in the slow cooker. This will intensify the flavors even more.
Step 8: Season and Serve
Remove the bay leaf. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Serve hot over your choice of pasta, rice, polenta, it can be with crusty bread for dipping.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
This Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore is a winner for many reasons, but one of the biggest highlights is the incredible flavor! The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, creating a rich and savory sauce that coats the succulent chicken. Plus, making it at home is a huge cost-saver compared to ordering takeout or dining at a restaurant. You can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal for a fraction of the price! The best part? The simple ingredients, especially the fresh herbs and vegetables, add so much depth and freshness to the dish.
If you love Italian comfort food, you might also enjoy our Creamy Tomato Pasta with Sausage, but this chicken cacciatore offers a whole new layer of flavor with its rich, slow-cooked sauce. Ready to experience the taste of Italy? Try making this Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore at home and prepare to be amazed!
What to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore With:
- Pasta: Serve over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti, linguine, or penne.
- Rice: Fluffy white rice or brown rice makes a great base for soaking up the flavorful sauce.
- Polenta: Creamy polenta is a classic Italian side that pairs perfectly with chicken cacciatore.
- Crusty Bread: For dipping into the delicious sauce.
- Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich stew.
- Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted asparagus, broccoli, or green beans for a healthy and balanced meal.
- Red Wine: A glass of Chianti or other dry red wine complements the flavors of the dish.
Top Tips for Perfecting Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
- Sear the chicken: Don’t skip the searing step! It adds a delicious depth of flavor and helps the chicken retain moisture during the slow cooking process.
- Use quality ingredients: The better the quality of your tomatoes, wine (if using), and herbs, the more flavorful your dish will be.
- Adjust the seasonings: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may need to add more salt, pepper, or herbs to suit your preferences.
- Don’t overcook: Chicken thighs are forgiving, but overcooking can make them dry. Cook until they are tender and easily shred with a fork.
- Substitutions: Don’t have red wine? Use chicken broth instead. You can also substitute other vegetables, such as zucchini or eggplant, for the mushrooms or peppers.
- Tomato paste matters: Adding that tomato paste is more important than people sometimes give it credit for! It adds depth and intensifies the sauce’s tomato flavor which makes it even better!
- Spice it up: For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
5 Facts about Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
- “Cacciatore” means “hunter” in Italian, referring to a dish prepared “hunter-style” with vegetables and herbs.
- The dish originated as a rustic, country-style meal using whatever game and vegetables were available.
- Chicken Cacciatore is traditionally made with chicken, but rabbit or other game birds can also be used.
- Regional variations exist across Italy, with some versions including olives, capers, or different types of peppers.
- Slow cooking enhances the flavors of the dish by allowing the ingredients to meld together over time, resulting in a richer and more complex taste.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
Storing:
- Refrigerate: Allow the Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore to cool completely before storing. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- Freeze: For longer storage, transfer the cooled chicken cacciatore to a freezer-safe container or freezer bags. Ensure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating:
- Stovetop: Reheat refrigerated chicken cacciatore in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if the sauce becomes too thick.
- Microwave: Reheat refrigerated chicken cacciatore in a microwave-safe dish, covered, for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. Stir halfway through to ensure even heating.
- Slow Cooker: Reheat frozen chicken cacciatore directly in the slow cooker. Add a cup of chicken broth and cook on low for 2-3 hours, or until heated through.
- Oven: Reheat chicken cacciatore in an oven-safe dish, covered with foil, at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
Final Thoughts:
This Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights. The combination of tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and rich tomato sauce makes it a comforting and satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy.
Plus, the slow cooker does all the work, leaving you with more time to relax and enjoy your evening. So gather your ingredients, throw them in the slow cooker, and let the magic happen!
try also : Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe and find more in pinterest
Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore FAQs:
Q: Can I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts?
A: Yes, you can, but bone-in, skin-on thighs are recommended for the best flavor and moisture. If using chicken breasts, reduce the cooking time as they cook faster.
Q: Can I add other vegetables?
A: Absolutely! Zucchini, eggplant, and olives are all great additions to this dish.
Q: Can I use canned diced tomatoes instead of crushed tomatoes?
A: Yes, but crushed tomatoes create a smoother sauce. If using diced tomatoes, you may want to blend the sauce slightly for a smoother consistency.
Q: Can I make this recipe on the stovetop?
A: Yes, follow the same steps, but simmer the chicken cacciatore in a large pot or Dutch oven over low heat for about 1-1.5 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Q: Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the chicken cacciatore a day ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it before serving. In fact, letting those flavours develop overnight will improve this meal even further!