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Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore

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Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore is a rustic Italian dish where chicken slowly simmers in a rich tomato sauce with bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and herbs. The result is tender, flavorful chicken in a hearty sauce that’s perfect over pasta, rice, or polenta.

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs bone-in or boneless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), sliced
  • 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed or diced tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth or dry white wine
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Optional: Brown in a skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat for 2–3 minutes per side to enhance flavor.
  2. Place onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, and garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker.
  3. Add the seasoned or browned chicken on top of the vegetables.
  4. In a bowl, mix crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken broth or wine, Italian seasoning, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Pour the mixture over the chicken and vegetables.
  5. Cover and cook on Low for 6–7 hours or High for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through (165°F/74°C).
  6. Discard the bay leaf. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil before serving. Serve hot with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.

Notes

  • Browning the chicken first deepens the flavor but can be skipped for convenience.
  • For a thicker sauce, remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking.
  • Add olives or capers for a briny twist, or red pepper flakes for spice.
  • Store leftovers for up to 4 days in the fridge or freeze for up to 2 months.
  • Best served with pasta, polenta, or mashed potatoes.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/slow-cooker-chicken-cacciatore-2/