Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore

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Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore is the ultimate comfort food. This classic Italian dish features tender chicken thighs simmered in a hearty tomato sauce bursting with flavors of garlic, oregano, and basil. The addition of bell peppers and olives elevates the dish, making it both rustic and elegant. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this recipe is as versatile as it is delicious. Pair it with your favorite pasta, serve it over rice, or enjoy it with crusty bread to soak up every bit of the rich sauce. With the convenience of a slow cooker, you can enjoy this home-cooked masterpiece with minimal effort.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 6 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 bell peppers, sliced (red, yellow, or green)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1/3 cup tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine
  • 1/4 cup olives, pitted and sliced
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 2 teaspoons dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Optional: 1/2 teaspoon crushed red chili flakes

Directions:

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and lightly sear chicken thighs until browned on both sides (about 3-4 minutes per side). Transfer to the slow cooker.
  2. In the same skillet, sauté the onion, bell peppers, and garlic until softened (about 3-4 minutes).
  3. Add the sautéed vegetables to the slow cooker.
  4. Stir together crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken broth, wine, olives, oregano, basil, thyme, sugar, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Pour over the chicken and vegetables.
  5. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and flavors are well blended.
  6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley. Pair with pasta, rice, or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 6 hours (LOW) or 3 hours (HIGH) | Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Kcal: 280 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

Why Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore is a Must-Try Dish

Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore is a timeless Italian recipe with roots steeped in tradition and culinary heritage. The word “cacciatore” translates to “hunter” in Italian, and the dish was originally a hunter’s stew, made with game meat, fresh vegetables, and pantry staples like tomatoes and olives. Over the years, this rustic recipe evolved to feature chicken, making it a household favorite across the globe.

This version, cooked in a slow cooker, brings convenience to the forefront without compromising flavor. By allowing the chicken and vegetables to simmer gently for hours, the slow cooker transforms simple ingredients into a dish rich in flavor and texture. The chicken becomes tender and succulent, while the tomato-based sauce absorbs the earthy essence of herbs like oregano, thyme, and basil.

Why Choose Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore?

  1. Effortless Cooking:
    The beauty of using a slow cooker is the minimal hands-on time. After a quick sauté of the vegetables and searing the chicken, everything goes into the slow cooker, and you can let it do the work. This recipe is perfect for busy individuals or families who want a home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
  2. Packed with Nutrition:
    This dish is as nutritious as it is delicious. Chicken thighs provide a good source of protein and essential nutrients, while the tomato-based sauce offers a wealth of vitamins, antioxidants, and lycopene, which supports heart health. The addition of bell peppers, garlic, and olives ensures you’re getting a variety of vitamins and minerals in every bite.
  3. Incredibly Versatile:
    Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore is a versatile recipe that fits any occasion. Serve it over pasta or rice for a hearty dinner, pair it with roasted vegetables for a low-carb option, or enjoy it with crusty bread for a more rustic, comforting meal. It’s also easy to adapt for dietary preferences—swap the chicken for tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian version, or use gluten-free bread or pasta for those avoiding gluten.
  4. Bursting with Flavor:
    The combination of tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and olives creates a flavor profile that is both comforting and sophisticated. Each ingredient contributes to the dish’s complex layers of taste—the sweetness of bell peppers, the briny tang of olives, and the savory depth of the tomato sauce.

The History Behind the Dish

Chicken Cacciatore has its origins in the Italian countryside, where hunters would prepare meals with whatever ingredients they had on hand after a day of hunting. These meals were typically cooked in a single pot over an open flame, making them simple yet hearty. The inclusion of wine and tomatoes in the sauce reflects the Mediterranean diet’s emphasis on fresh, wholesome ingredients. Today, Cacciatore is enjoyed worldwide and has become a staple in Italian-American cuisine.

What Sets This Recipe Apart?

  1. Slow Cooker Convenience:
    Unlike traditional stovetop or oven methods, this recipe harnesses the power of a slow cooker to deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort. The slow, steady cooking process ensures that the chicken is tender, the sauce is deeply infused with the flavors of herbs and spices, and the vegetables retain their natural sweetness.
  2. A Healthier Comfort Food:
    While many comfort foods are laden with heavy creams or fats, Chicken Cacciatore is naturally light yet deeply satisfying. The use of olive oil, a staple of the Mediterranean diet, adds healthy fats, while the abundance of vegetables makes it a nutrient-rich meal.
  3. Customizable to Your Taste:
    One of the best things about this recipe is its adaptability. You can add mushrooms for an earthy touch, capers for a tangy kick, or even a touch of red chili flakes for heat. It’s also a great way to use up vegetables you have in your fridge, making it a practical and sustainable choice.

Tips for the Perfect Chicken Cacciatore

  • Sear the Chicken: Browning the chicken thighs before adding them to the slow cooker adds an extra layer of flavor. The caramelized crust enhances the taste of the entire dish.
  • Use Fresh Herbs: While dried herbs work perfectly in this recipe, fresh basil and parsley can elevate the flavors even further. Add them just before serving for a burst of freshness.
  • Choose Quality Ingredients: Since this dish relies on simple ingredients, using high-quality tomatoes, olive oil, and chicken can make a big difference in the final taste.

Serving Suggestions

To make the most of this dish, pair it with sides that complement its robust flavors:

  • Pasta: Tagliatelle, penne, or spaghetti are perfect choices to soak up the rich tomato sauce.
  • Polenta: Creamy polenta provides a soft, comforting base that pairs beautifully with the rustic flavors of Cacciatore.
  • Bread: A crusty loaf of Italian bread is perfect for mopping up every last bit of sauce.

Leftovers and Storage

Chicken Cacciatore tastes even better the next day, as the flavors continue to meld and deepen. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze portions for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave until heated through.

The Benefits of Adding Chicken Cacciatore to Your Menu

  1. Family-Friendly:
    This dish is a hit with both kids and adults. The mild yet flavorful sauce appeals to a wide range of palates, making it a great option for family dinners or gatherings.
  2. Budget-Friendly:
    Chicken thighs are an affordable protein option, and the recipe uses pantry staples like canned tomatoes and dried herbs, making it an economical choice without sacrificing taste.
  3. Meal Prep Perfection:
    Chicken Cacciatore is an excellent meal prep recipe. Make a big batch on the weekend, and enjoy it throughout the week with different sides to keep things interesting.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore is the epitome of comfort food done right. Its rich history, nutritional benefits, and incredible flavor make it a dish worth savoring. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight, a casual dinner with friends, or meal prepping for the days ahead, this recipe delivers on all fronts. By combining the timeless flavors of Italian cooking with the convenience of modern appliances, this dish proves that delicious, wholesome meals can also be incredibly easy to make.

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