Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore

Introduction

Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore is a classic Italian dish that’s simple, flavorful, and perfect for busy days. Made with tender chicken simmered in a rich tomato sauce with bell peppers, onions, garlic, and a mix of aromatic herbs, this dish is an easy and hearty meal that practically cooks itself.

I first made this when I wanted a comforting meal with minimal effort, and it quickly became a favorite in our household. The best part about this recipe is how easy it is to make—just toss everything into the slow cooker, set it, and let it do the work. The chicken becomes perfectly tender, absorbing all the delicious flavors from the sauce.

Serve it over pasta, rice, or polenta for a complete and satisfying meal. This dish is the kind of comforting, flavorful meal that’s perfect for a cozy dinner, and it’s sure to impress without requiring much time or effort!

Perfect for:

• Family dinners
• Weeknight meals
• Meal prepping
• Comfort food lovers
• Italian cuisine enthusiasts

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore

Here’s why Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore will become your go-to dinner:

• Hands-Off Cooking: With the slow cooker, you can set the dish to cook and have a flavorful, tender meal with minimal effort.
• Rich and Savory Sauce: The combination of tomatoes, garlic, and herbs creates a robust sauce that’s perfect for soaking up with bread or serving over pasta.
• Tender Chicken: Cooking the chicken in the crockpot makes it incredibly tender and juicy, falling off the bone with ease.
• Versatile: You can serve this dish over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes, or even enjoy it with a side of crusty bread.
• Healthy & Hearty: Packed with vegetables, lean chicken, and a flavorful tomato sauce, this dish is a wholesome and satisfying meal.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 6 hours (on low)
• Servings: 4-6 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 300-350 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 30g, Carbs: 20g, Fat: 15g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore:

• 4 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 bell pepper, sliced (red, yellow, or green)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (or crushed tomatoes)
• 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for serving, optional)

Ingredient Highlights

• Chicken Thighs (or Breasts): Bone-in, skinless chicken thighs are ideal for this recipe because they stay tender and juicy after slow cooking. Chicken breasts can be used as well but might be a bit leaner.
• Tomatoes: Diced or crushed tomatoes serve as the base for the sauce, creating a flavorful, rich liquid that will infuse the chicken with flavor.
• Bell Peppers and Onion: These vegetables add sweetness, depth, and color to the dish, complementing the tomato-based sauce perfectly.
• Herbs and Spices: The combination of oregano, basil, thyme, and red pepper flakes (if you like heat) creates an aromatic and comforting flavor profile.
• Chicken Broth: Adds depth and richness to the sauce while helping to keep the chicken moist.
• Parmesan: A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before serving adds an extra layer of richness and flavor to this dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps to make Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore:

Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables:

1. Sear the Chicken (Optional): Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then sear them in the skillet for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown. This step adds flavor but can be skipped if you’re short on time.
2. Prepare the Vegetables: While the chicken is searing, slice the onion and bell pepper, and mince the garlic. Set them aside.

Assemble the Ingredients in the Crockpot:

3. Add the Chicken: Place the seared (or raw) chicken thighs into the bottom of the crockpot.
4. Add the Vegetables: Layer the sliced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic over the chicken.
5. Add the Tomatoes and Broth: Pour the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and chicken broth over the chicken and vegetables.
6. Season the Sauce: Sprinkle the dried oregano, basil, thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using) over the ingredients in the crockpot. Stir gently to combine, ensuring the chicken is coated with the sauce.
7. Season with Salt and Pepper: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to your preference.

Cook the Dish:

8. Set the Slow Cooker: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 hours, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through. If you’re short on time, you can cook on high for about 3-4 hours, though the flavors may not be as developed.
9. Shred the Chicken (Optional): Once the chicken is fully cooked, you can either leave the pieces whole or shred the chicken directly in the crockpot for a pulled-chicken texture.

Finish and Serve:

10. Garnish: Before serving, sprinkle the dish with fresh chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese for an added burst of flavor and color.
11. Serve: Serve the chicken cacciatore over your choice of pasta, rice, polenta, or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

How to Serve Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore

Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore is incredibly versatile and can be served in different ways:

• Over Pasta: Serve the cacciatore with spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne for a classic Italian meal.
• With Rice: A bed of white or brown rice makes a great pairing for this dish, soaking up the flavorful sauce.
• With Polenta: For a more traditional Italian touch, serve the chicken cacciatore over creamy polenta.
• With Bread: A side of crusty bread or garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the sauce and enjoying every bite.
• As a Standalone Dish: You can also serve it on its own with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a lighter option.

Additional Tips for Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore

Here are some tips to ensure your Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore turns out perfectly:

• Searing the Chicken (Optional): Searing the chicken before adding it to the crockpot will enhance the flavor, but it’s not necessary. You can skip this step to save time.
• Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or carrots, to the dish for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Adjust the Heat: If you like a spicier dish, add more crushed red pepper flakes, or include a fresh chili pepper in the crockpot.
• For a Thicker Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.
• For Extra Richness: Stir in a tablespoon of heavy cream or a dollop of butter at the end of cooking for a creamier sauce.

Recipe Variations for Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore

Here are 10 variations you can try for Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore:

• Chicken Breasts: Substitute bone-in chicken thighs with boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a leaner option.
• Add Mushrooms: Add sliced mushrooms to the sauce for an earthy, savory flavor.
• Spicy Chicken Cacciatore: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a fresh chili pepper for a spicier kick.
• Add Olives: Add a handful of black olives for a Mediterranean touch.
• White Wine Chicken Cacciatore: Add 1/2 cup of white wine to the sauce for extra depth and acidity.
• Slow Cooker Vegetarian Cacciatore: Replace the chicken with chunks of firm tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian version.
• Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore with Potatoes: Add peeled and cubed potatoes to the crockpot for a heartier meal.
• Garlic Butter Chicken Cacciatore: Stir in a couple of tablespoons of garlic butter toward the end of cooking for a richer flavor.
• Balsamic Chicken Cacciatore: Add a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar to the sauce for a tangy twist.
• Cheesy Chicken Cacciatore: Top the finished dish with mozzarella or Parmesan cheese and let it melt before serving.

Freezing and Storage for Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore

• Freezing: To freeze, allow the chicken cacciatore to cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag and store it for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
• Storage: Store leftover chicken cacciatore in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little extra broth or water if needed.

Special Equipment for Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore

Here are some tools to make preparing Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore easier:

• Crockpot (Slow Cooker): A slow cooker or crockpot is essential for this recipe, allowing the chicken to cook low and slow for tender, flavorful results.
• Skillet (Optional): A skillet is needed if you choose to sear the chicken before adding it to the crockpot.
• Measuring Spoons: To ensure accurate seasoning, use measuring spoons for the herbs and spices.
• Wooden Spoon: A wooden spoon is useful for stirring the sauce and breaking up the tomato paste.
• Tongs: Tongs are helpful for handling the chicken when searing or shredding.
• Airtight Containers: For storing leftovers or freezing the dish, airtight containers are ideal for keeping it fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions for Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore

1. Can I use boneless chicken?
   Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. The cooking time may be reduced by about 1 hour.
2. Can I make this dish in the oven?
   Yes, you can cook it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 1.5-2 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
3. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
   Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes, but you’ll need to blanch, peel, and chop them. You may need to adjust the liquid to compensate for the lack of tomato juice in fresh tomatoes.
4. Can I add more vegetables?
   Absolutely! You can add mushrooms, zucchini, carrots, or even eggplant to the dish for extra flavor and nutrition.
5. How do I make the sauce thicker?
   You can thicken the sauce by removing the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking or by stirring in a slurry of cornstarch and water.

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Conclusion

Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore is the epitome of comfort food, combining tender chicken, savory vegetables, and a rich, flavorful tomato sauce. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make in the slow cooker, allowing you to enjoy a homemade Italian meal with minimal effort. Whether served over pasta, rice, or polenta, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

This recipe is as convenient to prepare as it is delicious, making it perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or bringing it to a gathering, Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore will bring a taste of Italy right to your table.

I’d love to see how your Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore turns out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy cooking!