I remember when my sister-in-law, Sarah, first asked me for my slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe. She’d just had her third baby and was desperate for easy dinner ideas. “Lyra,” she pleaded, “I need something that practically cooks itself!” I knew exactly what she meant. I’d been there, juggling babies and busy weeknights, always searching for a meal that wouldn’t leave me exhausted. This slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe was my lifesaver then, and it still is now.
What made this particular slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe stick around? Well, it’s the taste, of course! But it’s also the sheer simplicity. You dump everything into the slow cooker, set it, and forget it. The house fills with the most amazing aroma, and hours later, you have a hearty, flavorful dinner that everyone loves. And honestly, seeing my family gathered around the table, enjoying a meal I made without too much fuss is the best feeling.
I’m so happy to share this slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe with you. I think you’ll find that it brings your family together and makes mealtime special. Give it a try – I promise, you won’t regret it!
What You’ll Need
Here’s what you need to create this family-favorite slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe. Trust me, this ingredient list keeps things simple without sacrificing flavor!
- 2.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs: I prefer thighs because they stay so juicy in the slow cooker.
- 1 large onion, chopped: Adds a lovely base flavor to the sauce.
- 2 bell peppers (any color), chopped: I like to use one red and one yellow for a bit of color.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is essential for that authentic Italian taste.
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes: You can also use diced tomatoes if you prefer a chunkier sauce.
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce: This helps to thicken the sauce and add richness.
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms: Adds an earthy flavor to the dish.
- 1/2 cup dry red wine: This deglazes the pan and adds a depth of flavor. (Optional, but highly recommended!)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing the vegetables.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: A classic Italian herb that complements the other flavors perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Another must-have herb for any good cacciatore.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Adjust to your taste.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground is always best.
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley: For garnish.
For the best slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe, I recommend using high-quality canned tomatoes. You’ll find everything you need for this slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe at your regular grocery store.
This slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe is forgiving if you need to swap something out. No red wine? Use chicken broth. Don’t have fresh garlic? Use garlic powder (but fresh is better!). My family prefers when I use chicken thighs in our slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe, but you can also use chicken breasts if you prefer. Just be careful not to overcook them. You can find a lot of great tips at Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore | Easy, Healthy Recipe.
How to Make It
Ready to make this incredibly easy and delicious slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe? Here’s how! I’ll walk you through each step. Don’t worry, it’s simpler than you think.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell peppers and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step is important because it brings out the flavors of the vegetables before they go into the slow cooker.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the red wine (if using) and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. This adds so much flavor to the sauce! Let it simmer for a minute or two until the alcohol evaporates.
- Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker: Transfer the sautéed vegetables to your slow cooker. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, mushrooms, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Add the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs on top of the sauce in a single layer. Make sure the chicken is mostly submerged in the sauce. This helps it stay moist and flavorful.
- Cook on Low: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. Cooking on low is my preferred method because it allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. If you need even more ideas for your new favorite Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore, look here.
- Shred the Chicken (Optional): Once the chicken is cooked through and tender, you can shred it with two forks if you prefer a shredded chicken cacciatore. This is totally optional, but it makes it easier to serve over pasta.
- Serve and Enjoy! Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve over your favorite pasta, rice, or polenta.
This slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe typically takes me about 15 minutes to prep and then the slow cooker does all the work! You’ll know your slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe is ready when the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork. Your kitchen will smell amazing while this slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe cooks – a mix of garlic, herbs, and tomatoes that is simply irresistible!
Don’t worry if your slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe looks a little watery at first. The sauce will thicken up as it cooks. Here’s where I used to mess up my slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe – now I always remember to sauté the vegetables first! It really makes a difference in the overall flavor. While your slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe is cooking, you’ll have time to do other things – help the kids with homework, run errands, or just relax! You can also try this tasty Chicken Alfredo Soup.
Serving Ideas
Serving this slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe is easy and fun! Here are a few ideas to make it a complete meal that your family will love.
My family loves this slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe served over pasta. I usually use spaghetti, but penne, rotini, or even egg noodles work well too. A side of garlic bread or a simple green salad complements the dish perfectly. This goes well with a simple loaf of crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce.
This slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe is perfect for those nights when you want something really satisfying! It’s also great for potlucks or casual get-togethers. Everyone reaches for seconds when this slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe comes out with a big bowl of pasta! For presentation, I like to garnish it with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a drizzle of olive oil.
If there are any leftovers (which is rare!), they are fantastic the next day. The flavors meld together even more overnight. I’ve also tried adding a splash of cream to the sauce for a creamier version – it’s delicious! I once got feedback from a friend who said she added a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick – I tried it, and it was amazing! For another tasty version of the classic recipe, check out Chicken Cacciatore in a Slow Cooker Recipe. You can also make a delicious Chicken Cordon Bleu soup
Your Questions Answered
Here are some common questions home cooks ask about making this slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe, along with my answers based on my experience.
Q: Can I make this slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! In fact, I often make it the day before and reheat it. The flavors meld together even more overnight. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Q: What if I don’t have red wine for my slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe?
A: No problem! You can substitute chicken broth or even a splash of balsamic vinegar. It won’t have the exact same flavor, but it will still be delicious.
Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs in this slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe?
A: Yes, you can. However, chicken breasts tend to dry out more easily in the slow cooker. I recommend cooking them for a shorter amount of time (about 3-4 hours on low) and making sure they are submerged in the sauce.
Q: How do I store leftover slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Q: Can I freeze this slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe?
A: Yes, you can! Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Q: What if my sauce is too thin?
A: If your sauce is too thin, you can thicken it by removing the lid from the slow cooker and cooking it on high for another 30-60 minutes, or until it reaches your desired consistency. You can also mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Q: My family doesn’t like mushrooms. Can I leave them out of the slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe?
A: Of course! Feel free to omit the mushrooms or substitute them with another vegetable, like zucchini or eggplant. If you love the idea of this dish, check out this excellent Chilis Chicken Enchilada Soup Recipe
The Final Word
This slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe has definitely earned its place in my recipe collection. It’s easy, delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s a lifesaver on busy weeknights!
My slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe Tips:
- Don’t skip the sautéing step! It really enhances the flavor of the vegetables.
- Use good quality canned tomatoes. They make a big difference in the taste of the sauce.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with different vegetables. Zucchini, eggplant, or even artichoke hearts would be delicious additions.
I’ve tried a few variations of this slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe with success. I’ve added a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat, and I’ve also tried using different types of mushrooms. My son, Michael, loves it when I add a dollop of ricotta cheese on top before serving. My daughter, Emily, prefers it with a side of steamed broccoli.
I hope you’ll make it your own! Share it with your family and friends. I truly hope your family loves this slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe as much as mine does. Remember, the best meals are the ones that bring us together.
Give this slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe a try – you won’t be disappointed! It’s a simple, delicious way to bring a little bit of Italy to your dinner table.
slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe
This easy slow cooker chicken cacciatore is a comforting and flavorful Italian stew. Tender chicken simmers in a rich tomato sauce with bell peppers, onions, and herbs, making it a perfect weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 360 minutes
- Total Time: 375 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 bell peppers (red or yellow), sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/2 cup dry red wine (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken thighs on both sides.
- Place chopped onion, bell peppers, and minced garlic in the bottom of a slow cooker.
- Add the browned chicken thighs on top of the vegetables.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, red wine (if using), sliced mushrooms, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until chicken is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
- Shred the chicken with two forks. Stir to combine with the sauce.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Serve over pasta, polenta, or rice for a complete and satisfying meal. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.