Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is effortless, flavorful, and perfect for busy days. The slow cooker does all the work, infusing the chicken with a rich, rustic sauce that’s both comforting and elegant. It’s perfect served over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Chicken thighs or drumsticks

• Bell peppers (red and green)

• Onion

• Garlic

• Crushed tomatoes

• Tomato paste

• Italian seasoning

• Bay leaf

• Salt and pepper

• Olive oil

• Optional: mushrooms, olives, red pepper flakes

Directions

1. Sear the Chicken (Optional):
   Heat oil in a skillet and brown the chicken pieces on both sides for extra flavor.

2. Prepare the Vegetables:
   Slice bell peppers and onions. Mince the garlic.

3. Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker:
   Place chicken in the slow cooker. Add peppers, onions, garlic, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.

4. Cook:
   Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until chicken is tender and cooked through.

5. Finish and Serve:
   Remove the bay leaf, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve hot over your favorite side.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 to 6 servings

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes

• Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)

• Total Time: Approximately 6 hours and 15 minutes

Variations

• Add Mushrooms: For an earthy depth, add sliced mushrooms at the beginning.

• Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or a diced chili pepper.

• Boneless Chicken: Use thighs or breasts for easier eating.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container.

• Reheating: Warm gently in a saucepan or microwave until hot.

FAQs

What does “cacciatore” mean?

It means “hunter-style” in Italian, typically referring to braised meat with vegetables and herbs.

Can I use chicken breasts?

Yes, but thighs stay juicier during slow cooking.

Do I need to brown the chicken first?

It’s optional but adds flavor and a richer color to the dish.

Can I add wine to the sauce?

Yes, a splash of red wine adds depth to the sauce.

Can I make this dairy-free?

The dish is naturally dairy-free.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, just ensure your tomato products and seasonings are gluten-free.

What sides go well with this?

Pasta, mashed potatoes, polenta, or crusty bread.

Can I cook this on the stovetop?

Yes, simmer everything in a covered pot for 45 minutes to an hour.

Can I add olives?

Absolutely—black or green olives add a briny touch.

Will the vegetables get too soft?

No, they hold their shape well in the slow cooker.

Conclusion

Slow cooker chicken cacciatore is a cozy, flavorful meal that brings Italian comfort to your table with minimal effort. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it dinner that will leave your kitchen smelling amazing and your family satisfied.

Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore

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Slow cooker chicken cacciatore is a rustic Italian classic made easy. Tender chicken slow-simmered in a tomato-based sauce with bell peppers, onions, garlic, and herbs delivers deep, comforting flavor with minimal effort. This hearty dish is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends—just set it and forget it.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15min
• Cook Time: 6–8 hours
• Total Time: ~6 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 to 6 servings
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Chicken thighs or drumsticks

Bell peppers (red and green), sliced

Onion, sliced

Garlic, minced

Crushed tomatoes

Tomato paste

Italian seasoning

Bay leaf

Salt

Black pepper

Olive oil

Optional: Sliced mushrooms, olives, red pepper flakes

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Instructions

• Sear the Chicken (Optional):
  Heat olive oil in a skillet and brown chicken on both sides for added flavor.

• Prep the Vegetables:
  Slice the bell peppers and onion. Mince the garlic.

• Add to Slow Cooker:
  Layer chicken in the bottom of the slow cooker. Top with bell peppers, onions, garlic, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.

• Cook:
  Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until chicken is cooked through and tender.

• Finish:
  Remove the bay leaf, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve hot over pasta, rice, polenta, or crusty bread

Notes

• For a deeper flavor, don’t skip browning the chicken.

• Add red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.

• Stir in olives or mushrooms at the beginning for variation.

• Boneless thighs or breasts can be used for easier serving.

• Leftovers taste even better the next day.