Okay, friend, gather ’round! Let’s talk about one of my all-time favorite, ultimate comfort food dishes: slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe. Seriously, just the smell of it simmering away in the crockpot all day…it’s pure magic. I still remember the first time I made this. I was trying to impress my (then new!) in-laws, and I thought, “Italian… everyone loves Italian, right?” I found a slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe online, but it was… well, a disaster. The sauce was watery, the chicken was dry-ish, and it tasted bland. I almost gave up!
But, being the stubborn cook I am, I refused to be defeated by chicken cacciatore! I tweaked, I tasted, I experimented (much to my family’s amusement, and sometimes, their slight dismay!). And finally, after countless versions, I landed on what I think is the PERFECT slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe. It’s rich, flavorful, the chicken falls right off the bone, and the sauce is so good you’ll want to drink it.
This slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe has become a staple in our house. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you just don’t have the time to stand over the stove. I can throw everything in the crockpot in the morning, and by dinnertime, the house smells amazing, and dinner is ready! Plus, it’s a total crowd-pleaser. My kids love it, my husband loves it, and even my super picky Aunt Carol asks for the recipe every time I make it. And because it’s such a flexible recipe, I can often use whatever veggies I have on hand. You know what I mean?
I truly believe that cooking should be fun and not stressful. This slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe embodies that philosophy. It’s simple, straightforward, and the result is absolutely delicious. So, grab your slow cooker, and let’s get cooking! I promise, you’re going to love this one. And if you like the flavors of this recipe, you should definitely check out my Turmeric Chicken Soup.
What You’ll Need for This slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe
Okay, let’s talk ingredients! Here’s what you’ll need to make this amazing slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe. Don’t worry; it’s all pretty basic stuff.
- 3 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs: I always use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for my slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe. They stay so moist and flavorful in the slow cooker. You can also use bone-in chicken breasts, but I find they tend to dry out more easily.
- 1 large onion, chopped: Yellow or white onion works great. I always buy a big bag of onions at the beginning of the week; it saves me so much time!
- 2 bell peppers (any color), sliced: I love using a combination of red and yellow bell peppers for a pop of color and sweetness in my slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe.
- 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced: You can use any kind of mushrooms you like, but I find cremini mushrooms have the best flavor.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: I’m a garlic lover, so I never skimp on the garlic. Feel free to adjust the amount to your liking.
- 28 oz crushed tomatoes: I always use good-quality crushed tomatoes for my slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe. It makes a big difference in the flavor of the sauce.
- 15 oz tomato sauce: This adds extra richness and depth to the sauce.
- 6 oz tomato paste: The secret ingredient to a thick, flavorful sauce!
- 1 cup dry red wine: This adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the sauce. If you don’t want to use wine, you can substitute chicken broth.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing the vegetables.
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano: A classic Italian herb that adds a delicious aroma and flavor to the slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Another essential Italian herb.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For a little kick!
- Salt and pepper to taste: Don’t be shy with the seasoning!
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a pop of freshness and color.
When making this slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe, you can often find the best prices on canned tomatoes at your local grocery store or even online. Also, I’ve learned the hard way: always double-check that you have enough tomato paste! I ran out once and had to run to the store mid-recipe, which was not fun. As for storing the leftovers, I put it in an airtight container for about 3-4 days. Here’s a slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe trick I learned from my grandma: add a pinch of sugar to the sauce to balance the acidity of the tomatoes!
Let’s Make This slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe Together
Alright, friend, let’s get to the fun part: making this incredible slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe! Don’t worry, it’s super easy, and I’ll walk you through every step.
- Prep the Veggies: First, chop the onion, slice the bell peppers, and slice the mushrooms. Mince the garlic. I like to get all my veggies prepped ahead of time, so I’m not scrambling when I’m ready to cook. This is a great time-saver when making this slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe, especially on busy weeknights.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the bell peppers and mushrooms and cook until tender, about 5-7 minutes more. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Don’t worry if your slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe vegetables get a little browned; it just adds more flavor!
- Transfer to Slow Cooker: Transfer the sautéed vegetables to your slow cooker.
- Brown the Chicken (Optional): This step is optional, but I highly recommend it for added flavor. In the same skillet, brown the chicken thighs on all sides. This will help to render some of the fat and give the chicken a beautiful color. I learned the hard way with slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe that browning the chicken really does make a difference in the overall flavor.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Place the browned chicken thighs on top of the vegetables in the slow cooker. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and red wine (or chicken broth). Sprinkle with oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. In my kitchen, this slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe usually takes about 7 hours on low to reach that perfect fall-off-the-bone tenderness.
- Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked through and tender, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the sauce.
- Serve: Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
While the slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe is cooking, I usually get caught up on laundry, help the kids with their homework, or maybe even sneak in a little nap (don’t tell anyone!). Your slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe should smell like a warm, comforting Italian restaurant! The aroma will fill your kitchen and make everyone’s mouths water. Remember, you can adjust the cooking time depending on your slow cooker. The most important thing is that the chicken is cooked through and tender. The anticipation is part of the fun.
If you want more information on different cooking techniques, check out this slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe for more tips. You should also try my other recipe for Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip.
How I Love to Serve This slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe
Okay, so the slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe is done, and it smells amazing! Now, let’s talk about how to serve it. My family loves this slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe when I serve it over pasta. Any kind of pasta will do, but I especially like penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti. You can also serve it over polenta, mashed potatoes, or even rice. And don’t forget a big hunk of crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce!
- Garlic bread: A classic Italian side dish that’s always a hit.
- A simple green salad: A refreshing contrast to the rich, savory sauce.
- Roasted vegetables: Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus are all great choices.
- Steamed green beans: A simple and healthy side dish.
This slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner, a potluck, or even a casual get-together with friends. It’s also a great dish to bring to someone who’s just had a baby or is going through a tough time. It’s a comforting and nourishing meal that’s sure to bring a smile to their face. As for presentation tips, I always like to garnish the slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley. It adds a pop of color and freshness. You can also add a dollop of ricotta cheese or a drizzle of olive oil.
If you have extra slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe, you can use it to make sandwiches, quesadillas, or even pizza toppings! I’ve also added it to a baked potato with some cheese for a super filling lunch. In the fall, I sometimes add a little butternut squash to the slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe for a seasonal twist. Friends always ask for this slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe, and I’m always happy to share it! It’s just one of those recipes that everyone loves.
Your slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe Questions Answered
Okay, I know you probably have some questions about this slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe, so let’s get to them! I’ve rounded up some of the most common questions I get from my family, friends, and readers.
My Final Thoughts on This slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe
This slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe is more than just a recipe to me; it’s a symbol of comfort, family, and love. It’s a dish that I can always rely on to bring a smile to everyone’s faces. And it’s a recipe that I’m proud to share with you.
- Don’t skip browning the chicken! It really does make a difference in the flavor.
- Use good-quality crushed tomatoes. It’s worth the extra few cents.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with different vegetables.
Over the years, I’ve tried so many variations of this slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe. My son loves it with olives, and my daughter insists on adding a little bit of cream cheese at the end to make it extra creamy. My husband loves it spicy, so I always add a generous pinch of red pepper flakes just for him.
I truly hope you’ll give this slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe a try. And I hope that it brings as much joy and comfort to your family as it has to mine. And if you want to try another version of slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe, check out this one. Feel free to check out my other recipes like Parmesan Mushroom Chicken Soup! Remember, cooking is all about experimenting and having fun. Don’t be afraid to put your own spin on this recipe and make it your own. And most importantly, enjoy the process!
Happy cooking! I know this slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe will be a success.
\n \n Print
slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe
Enjoy a classic Italian comfort food with this easy slow cooker chicken cacciatore. Tender chicken simmers in a rich tomato sauce with vegetables and herbs, perfect for a hands-off 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, yellow, or orange), sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (4 ounce) can sliced mushrooms, drained
- 1/2 cup dry red wine (optional)
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked pasta or polenta, for serving
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown chicken thighs on both sides (about 3-4 minutes per side). This step adds flavor.
- Transfer chicken to a slow cooker.
- In the same skillet, sauté onion and bell peppers until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- Pour crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, mushrooms, and red wine (if using) into the skillet. Stir in Italian seasoning, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker.
- 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 the shredded chicken back into the sauce.
- Serve over cooked pasta or polenta. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
For a richer flavor, add a tablespoon of tomato paste to the sauce when sautéing the vegetables. Serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.