Name: Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 10 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 chicken thighs or breasts; 1 onion, sliced; 1 bell pepper, sliced; 1 cup mushrooms, sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can crushed tomatoes (about 14 oz); 1 tsp oregano; 1 tsp basil; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp pepper

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If you adore hearty, comforting meals with vibrant, rustic Italian flavors, then you’re going to fall in love with this Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Recipe. This dish brings together tender chicken slow-cooked to perfection with a medley of tomatoes, peppers, mushrooms, and fragrant herbs, creating a rich, flavorful stew that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s the perfect balance of savory, tangy, and aromatic, making it an effortless crowd-pleaser any day of the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two sections: on the left, clear glass bowls and a jar are arranged on a white marbled surface, containing bright red chopped onion, raw light pink chicken, chopped red bell pepper, a jar of red sauce, brown liquid in a small pitcher, dark red wine, orange chunks of squash, green chopped celery, minced garlic, fresh chopped herbs, white mushrooms, and small bowls with green dried herbs and white salt and pepper mix; on the right, a black slow cooker sits on the same white marbled surface filled with layers of diced orange carrots and red bell peppers at the bottom, topped with white mushrooms and a thick layer of bright red textured sauce. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the key to elevating this Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role — fresh vegetables for texture and color, herbs for depth, and juicy chicken that soaks up every bit of that delightful sauce.

4 chicken thighs or breasts: Choose bone-in for juicier meat or boneless for quick serving, both absorb flavors beautifully.
1 onion, sliced: Adds natural sweetness and a soft base to the stew.
1 bell pepper, sliced: Offers a subtle crunch and vibrant color that brightens the dish.
1 cup mushrooms, sliced: Boosts umami notes, creating a rich, earthy dimension.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings aromatic warmth and a punch of flavor.
1 can crushed tomatoes: The heart of the sauce, it provides tanginess and luscious texture.
1 tsp oregano: Classic Italian herb adding a savory, slightly peppery touch.
1 tsp basil: Sweet herb that complements the tomatoes perfectly.
1/2 tsp salt: Enhances and balances all the flavors.
1/2 tsp pepper: Just enough spice to lift the dish without overpowering.

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetable Base

Start by layering the sliced onions, bell pepper, mushrooms, and minced garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker. This foundation not only adds incredible flavor but also soaks up juices from the chicken, ensuring every bite is bursting with savory goodness.

Step 2: Add the Chicken

Place your chicken thighs or breasts gently over the vegetables. Dust the chicken evenly with oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. These herbs bring that signature Italian flair, permeating the chicken as it cooks slowly.

Step 3: Pour on the Tomatoes

Pour the crushed tomatoes over the chicken and vegetables, creating a vibrant stew that will meld the flavors together as it cooks. The acidity from the tomatoes balances the richness of the chicken perfectly.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Set your slow cooker to low for 6 to 7 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. This gentle cooking method ensures the chicken turns tender while the sauce thickens beautifully. By the end, you’ll have a robust and comforting dish that tastes like it simmered all day.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Recipe

A large black pot filled with a rich red tomato sauce as the base layer, dotted with green herbs and small capers. Six golden-brown cooked chicken pieces are partially submerged in the sauce, arranged evenly on top. Mixed in the sauce around the chicken are sliced brown mushrooms and chunks of red bell pepper, adding more layers of texture. The surface shows a glossy, slightly oily shine, with scattered bits of fresh green parsley sprinkled on top. The pot sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For a finishing touch, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil over the top to add a pop of color and fresh herbaceous notes. A few slices of black olives can also be scattered on for a traditional taste that pairs marvelously with the tomato sauce.

Side Dishes

This Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Recipe pairs wonderfully with hearty sides like creamy polenta, buttery mashed potatoes, or simply over your favorite pasta. Rice or crusty Italian bread also work beautifully to soak up every bit of that luscious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Take your presentation up a notch by serving the chicken on a bed of sautéed greens or spiralized zucchini noodles for a lighter option. You can also dish it into rustic ramekins and top with grated Parmesan for an elegant, comforting dinner.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making your second serving even more delicious.

Freezing

This Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Recipe freezes beautifully. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers, and it will keep well for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the chicken and sauce in a saucepan over medium-low heat until steaming, stirring occasionally. Microwaving works too; just cover and heat in short bursts to avoid drying out the chicken.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Both chicken breasts and thighs work well in this recipe. Thighs tend to stay juicier with slow cooking, but breasts are a leaner choice and will still soak up all the wonderful flavors.

Do I need to brown the chicken before slow cooking?

No need to brown the chicken beforehand unless you want added depth of flavor. The slow cooker does all the work, and the slow simmer creates tender, flavorful meat without extra prep.

Can I add olives or capers to the recipe?

Definitely! Adding olives or capers gives a deliciously briny punch that complements the tomato sauce and herbs perfectly. Just toss them in along with the other ingredients before cooking.

What if the sauce is too thin after cooking?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, simply transfer it to a saucepan and simmer on the stove for 10-15 minutes until it reduces to your desired consistency. This step intensifies the flavor even more.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free and gluten-free?

Yes! This Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Recipe is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free. Just be mindful of the side dishes if you’re serving pasta or bread containing gluten, and opt for gluten-free options if needed.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so satisfying about coming home to a kitchen filled with the aromas of this Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Recipe simmering away. It’s an effortless, flavorful dish that will quickly become a staple in your meal rotation. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends, this recipe brings the comforting tastes of Italy right to your dinner table with zero fuss. Give it a try; you won’t be disappointed!