If you’re looking for a comforting, hearty meal that practically makes itself, you’re going to adore this Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Recipe. I absolutely love how the slow cooker lets all those Italian flavors meld together slowly, giving you tender chicken, rich tomato sauce, and vibrant veggies without any fuss. When I first tried this recipe, I was hooked on how easy it was to prep and how my family went crazy for every bite. Keep reading, because I’ll share everything you need to nail this dish in your own kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Cooking: Toss everything in your slow cooker and let it do the work while you handle your day.
- Deep, Robust Flavors: Slow simmering melds herbs, tomatoes, and chicken into a mouthwatering sauce you’ll crave.
- Versatile Meal: Serve over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes for different family favorites each time.
- Family Favorite: My crew loves it so much it makes regular appearances on our dinner rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient plays its part in building classic chicken cacciatore magic. I always look for ripe, flavorful tomatoes and fresh herbs to boost the sauce, plus good quality chicken thighs or breasts depending on your preference.
- Boneless & skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Thighs give more juicy richness, breasts are leaner; either works beautifully.
- Olive oil: Adds subtle richness and helps sear the chicken for extra flavor.
- Yellow onion: Provides sweetness and depth once it slowly cooks down.
- Red and green bell peppers: Bring color and a gentle crunch that softens perfectly.
- Mushrooms: Earthy flavor that pairs naturally with Italian herbs.
- Garlic: Aromatic punch to brighten every spoonful.
- Crushed tomatoes: The base of your sauce—choose a quality brand for best taste.
- Diced tomatoes: Adds texture and complements the crushed variety.
- Chicken broth: Keeps the sauce luscious and adds savory depth.
- Italian seasoning, basil, oregano: Classic herb blend tying it all together.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For a subtle kick if you want a little heat.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for balancing all the flavors.
- Capers: My secret zing that perks up the sauce right before serving.
- Fresh parsley and basil: Garnish that makes it look and taste like a pro dish.
Variations
I love encouraging you to make this Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Recipe your own. Over time, I’ve played around with different veggies and spice levels depending on the season or what’s in my fridge.
- Mushroom lovers variation: I sometimes double the mushrooms for an even earthier twist that my family can’t get enough of.
- Spicy kick: Adding extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce amps things up for spice fans in your crew.
- Low-carb option: Skip the pasta and serve over sautéed zucchini noodles or spiralized veggies, still just as satisfying.
- Protein swap: Occasionally, I sub chicken thighs for bone-in pieces or even turkey breasts for a different take.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Chicken for Extra Flavor
This is optional but highly recommended—I learned that a quick sear adds that golden crust which deepens the final flavor beautifully. Heat your olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, season the chicken with salt and pepper, then brown for 2–3 minutes per side until you get a lovely golden color. Don’t worry, you don’t need to fully cook it now because it’ll finish in the slow cooker.
Step 2: Layer the Veggies
Next, spread your sliced onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, and minced garlic evenly on the bottom of your slow cooker. This layering keeps the veggies from overcooking and gives the chicken a flavor-packed base to sit on.
Step 3: Add the Chicken and Tomato Mixture
Place the seared chicken right on top of the veggies. Mix together the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes (drained to avoid excess liquid), chicken broth, and Italian seasoning along with basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Pour this flavorful sauce over the chicken evenly so it’s fully coated and ready to slow cook.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection
Pop the lid on and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is super tender and pulls apart easily. This slow simmer develops those rich, comforting flavors you want in a classic cacciatore.
Step 5: Final Touches Before Serving
Right before serving, stir in the capers for that bright, briny pop that balances out the tomato sauce beautifully. Taste the sauce and add salt or pepper if needed. Finish with fresh parsley and basil for color and freshness that really make the dish shine.
Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Recipe
- Sear if You Can: I used to skip browning, but adding that step truly brings deeper flavor and better texture to the chicken.
- Drain the Diced Tomatoes: This prevents the sauce from becoming too watery—something I learned after a slightly soggy first attempt!
- Layer Veggies on the Bottom: It keeps them from turning to mush and helps distribute flavors evenly.
- Add Capers Last: Adding them too early softens their zing, so wait until the end to keep that perfect pop.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Recipe
Garnishes
I always sprinkle fresh parsley and basil on top just before serving—they add that vibrant, herbaceous note and a pretty finish that really makes the dish look inviting and fresh.
Side Dishes
This pairs beautifully with simple pasta like spaghetti or pappardelle to soak up all that sauce. I’ve also served it over creamy mashed potatoes and even garlic quinoa for healthier options that catch compliments every time.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties, I like to plate the chicken over a nest of buttered noodles, drizzle a little extra sauce around the edges, and add some shaved Parmesan and fresh basil leaves on top—it looks elegant and tastes divine.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually cool leftovers completely, then store them in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen overnight and make for fantastic next-day lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
Freezing this chicken cacciatore works really well. Just portion into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. When I do this, I sometimes leave out fresh herbs until reheating for better freshness.
Reheating
I reheat leftovers gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally, adding a splash of chicken broth if the sauce thickened too much. This keeps the chicken moist and the sauce silky.
FAQs
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Can I use bone-in chicken for this Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Recipe?
Yes! Bone-in chicken works great and can add extra flavor, but it may require a slightly longer cooking time—just keep an eye on tenderness. You may also want to check for doneness earlier if your slow cooker runs hot.
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Is it necessary to sear the chicken before slow cooking?
Not strictly, but I highly recommend it. Searing locks in juices and creates flavorful browned bits that make your sauce taste richer. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step and still end up with a tasty meal.
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How do I prevent the sauce from getting too watery?
Drain the canned diced tomatoes before adding them and avoid adding extra broth beyond what the recipe calls for. Layering veggies on the bottom helps them cook evenly without releasing too much liquid.
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Can I make this Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Recipe in advance?
Absolutely! It actually tastes better the next day once the flavors have melded fully. Make it the day before and simply reheat on the stove or microwave before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Recipe is a true gem in my recipe arsenal—simple, satisfying, and consistently delicious. I love sharing it with friends because it’s one of those dishes that feels fancy but couldn’t be easier to make. Give it a try on your next cozy night in, and I bet it’ll become a staple in your family rotation too!
Print
Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A comforting and flavorful Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore featuring tender chicken simmered in a rich tomato sauce with bell peppers, mushrooms, and Italian herbs. This slow-cooked dish offers a hearty Italian classic that’s easy to prepare and perfect served over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless & skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetables
- 1 small yellow onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Tomato Sauce
- 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes, drained
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Finishing Touches
- 2 tablespoons capers
- Fresh parsley and basil for garnish
Instructions
- Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs or breasts with salt and pepper, then sear each side for 2–3 minutes until golden brown. This step is optional but enhances flavor by adding delicious browning.
- Prepare Vegetables in Slow Cooker: Place the sliced onion, red and green bell peppers, mushrooms, and minced garlic at the bottom of your slow cooker, creating a flavorful base for the chicken.
- Layer the Chicken: Arrange the seared chicken pieces on top of the vegetables inside the slow cooker.
- Mix Tomato Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the crushed tomatoes, drained diced tomatoes, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, dried basil, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well to blend all the seasonings evenly.
- Cook the Cacciatore: Pour the tomato mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
- Finish with Capers and Seasoning: Stir in the capers, then taste and adjust the seasonings if necessary to your preference.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the chicken and sauce over your choice of pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. Garnish with fresh parsley and basil for a bright, herbal finish before serving.
Notes
- Searing the chicken is optional but adds extra depth of flavor to the dish.
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for more tender and juicy results; breasts work well too but may be slightly leaner.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to let some liquid evaporate.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level or omit if you want it mild.
- This dish freezes well; store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Serve with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/6 of recipe)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
