I still remember the night I stumbled upon this slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe during one of my late-night kitchen experiments! I was craving something cozy but with that bold, satisfying flavor punch I’m all about. Mixing classic Italian vibes with the convenience of a crockpot felt like a total game-changer. As that slow cooker Italian chicken stew bubbled away, the aromas started filling my kitchen, and I just knew this recipe was going to become a new favorite.
When it came time to taste, I swear, it was pure magic—tender chicken soaked in rich tomato sauce with those vibrant herbs and veggies. This healthy slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe isn’t your average slow cooker meal. It’s comfort food with a twist that makes every dinner feel like a celebration. The best part? It’s simple enough for any weeknight and exciting enough to turn heads at potlucks.
If you love slow cooker meals that pack a flavor punch and transform your table, you’re in the right place. I’m super pumped to take you on this flavor adventure with my slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe. So, fellow food lovers, let’s dive into a recipe that promises cozy vibes and bold flavor with every bite!
Ingredients You Need
Here’s the ingredient lineup for this slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe, all about delivering bold flavor that comes together effortlessly!
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (you can swap for chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat)
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced (grab this at your local grocery store — staple stuff!)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced (because garlic is everything)
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced (adds sweetness and color)
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (white or cremini, both work perfectly)
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes (slow cooker chicken and tomato sauce is where the magic starts!)
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste (this thickens and deepens the sauce)
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional – I love the little kick it adds)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons good olive oil (for browning chicken before slow cooking)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (a fresh pop of green makes it look amazing)
No worries if you don’t have oregano or basil dried—fresh works, or try Italian seasoning for a blend that’s just as tasty. This slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe gets its amazing taste from layering those herbs and that vibrant tomato sauce. To save time on busy nights, prep your veggies ahead or grab pre-sliced mushrooms and peppers at the store. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days.
I love adding extra crushed red pepper flakes or a handful of olives for extra depth. This slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe ingredient list is all about bold flavors that actually work together!
Let’s Make Some!
Ready to cook? This slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe is easier than you think, and I’ll be with you every delicious step of the way!
- Start by browning your chicken thighs. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and brown chicken on both sides for 3-4 minutes per side. Browning locks in flavor and adds a lovely depth to your crockpot chicken cacciatore.
- Sauté your onions, garlic, peppers, and mushrooms. Use the same skillet to soften the veggies for 4-5 minutes. This little step boosts flavor big time compared to tossing raw veggies in.
- Layer the ingredients in your slow cooker. Spread the sautéed veggies evenly on the bottom. Place browned chicken thighs on top.
- Add your cans of diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and chicken broth. Sprinkle dried oregano, basil, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper all over.
- Give the sauce a little stir to combine flavors. This is where the magic starts happening!
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. In my kitchen, this slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe usually takes about 7 hours on low—perfect for setting it and forgetting it while you go about your day!
- Last 15 minutes, check sauce consistency. If it looks too watery, remove the lid and let it cook uncovered to thicken, or stir in a cornstarch slurry for a quicker fix.
- Once done, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Your slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe should smell absolutely incredible right now! Don’t worry if your chicken is falling off the bone—that’s the sign of perfectly tender Italian chicken stew.
Pro tip: If you’re short on time, try my shortcut—brown the chicken, toss everything in the crockpot in the morning, and dinner will be waiting for you hot and bursting with flavor. I’ve had readers rave about how this slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe reminds them of classic Italian comfort, only better because it’s effortless!
If you want more cozy slow cooker ideas with bold flavors, check out my favorite spicy twist on classic dips at Grill Drip with this slow-cooker buffalo chicken dip or the crowd-pleasing jalapeno popper chicken wraps for your next game night!
How to Serve Up This!
People literally do happy dances when this slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe hits the table! I love serving it over creamy polenta or fluffy mashed potatoes to soak up all that rich slow cooker chicken and tomato sauce.
For bold flavor pairings, I add a side of garlic roasted green beans or a crisp Caesar salad. It’s a perfect weeknight winner that makes dinner feel special without all the fuss.
This recipe shines at potlucks and family dinners, but it’s just as great for a cozy date night at home. Presentation tip: garnish with fresh parsley and sprinkle some shaved Parmesan right before serving for that wow factor.
Got leftovers? No problem! Turn them into a vibrant chicken cacciatore pasta by tossing with cooked fettuccine and a splash of cream. Or stack it up in warm Italian rolls for a tasty slow cooker chicken cacciatore sandwich the next day. Bonus: your guests will be impressed you fooled them with the same meal twice!
For a fusion twist, I’ve experimented with adding spicy chorizo or swapping in roasted peppers for a smoky vibe. Both have been massive flavor wins around here. This slow cooker Italian chicken stew recipe is incredibly versatile, and I love mixing it up.
If you’re craving more Italian-inspired slow cooker favorites after this, peek at this delightful slow cooker white chicken chili—comfort food with a twist you don’t want to miss!
FAQs:
Got questions? I’ve got answers from my kitchen to yours about this slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe!
Will kitchen newbies succeed with this slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe?
Absolutely! It’s super forgiving and requires minimal hands-on time. Follow the steps, and the slow cooker does most of the work. Trust your cooker and get ready for delicious magic.
What if I mess up my slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe?
Spoiler: It’ll still taste incredible! Slow cooking makes everything tender and flavorful. If it’s too saucy, thicken it up with a quick cornstarch mix.
Can I use frozen chicken for this slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe?
Yes, but add about an hour to the cooking time and make sure chicken reaches safe temperature. I prefer thawed for even cooking.
How can I prep this slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe for busy weeknights?
Try chopping your veggies the night before or using pre-sliced mushrooms and peppers. Brown the chicken the night before too—prep makes busy days flow smooth.
Is this recipe healthy?
This healthy slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe features lean chicken, lots of veggies, and minimal added fat. Perfect for wholesome comfort food that doesn’t cut flavor.
Can I freeze leftovers?
You bet! Store leftovers in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat for an easy, comforting meal.
Any suggestions for thickening the sauce?
Apart from simmering sauce uncovered to reduce, whisk in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with cold water during the last 15 minutes.
This slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe has passed the family taste test again and again. Readers on WellPlated.com and HealthySeasonalRecipes.com love how easy and flavorful it is, and I’m sure you will too!
Conclusion
Here’s why I’m obsessed with this slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe — it brings comforting, bold flavors to the table without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether it’s a relaxed weekend dinner, a busy weeknight win, or a crowd-pleasing potluck, this recipe shines every single time.
My slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe Flavor Secrets:
- Browning the chicken first for that caramelized flavor boost.
- Layering sautéed veggies for deeper complexity.
- Adding a touch of crushed red pepper for subtle heat.
I’ve tested delicious variations like swapping in smoked sausage for a smoky twist, making a vegetarian slow cooker Italian chicken stew with mushrooms and extra peppers, and even a white wine and herb version for a fancy feel.
Serve the classic slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe for comforting family dinners, the smoky sausage twist for game day feasts, and the lighter veggie-packed version when you want something fresh and healthy.
Fellow food lovers, I’m so excited for you to get cooking and sprinkle your own spin on this recipe. Trust your taste buds, have fun with the flavors, and know that this slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe is your new secret to turning meals into something special.
For more weeknight winners that don’t sacrifice on taste, check out my jalapeno popper chicken wraps or the cozy slow-cooker buffalo chicken dip over at Grill Drip. You’re going to love how easy and fun these recipes make bold, satisfying food.
Happy cooking, and can’t wait to see your delicious creations!
Links you’ll love:
- Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore | Easy, Healthy Recipe at WellPlated for a healthy slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe inspiration.
- Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore – Healthy Seasonal Recipes goes deep on that slow cooker Italian chicken stew comfort.
- The Mediterranean Dish’s Easy Chicken Cacciatore (Stovetop or Crock-Pot) brings classic flavors with flexible cooking methods.
- For more cozy slow cooker meals, try this slow cooker white chicken chili right here at Grill Drip.
- After the cacciatore, get the party started with the spicy slow-cooker buffalo chicken dip or jalapeno popper chicken wraps recipes at Grill Drip.
slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe
This slow cooker chicken cacciatore is a comforting Italian classic featuring tender chicken simmered in a rich tomato sauce with peppers, onions, and herbs. Perfect for an easy, flavorful weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooked
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup dry white wine (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper and brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer to slow cooker.
- Add sliced onions, bell peppers, and garlic to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened. Transfer to slow cooker.
- Pour crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and white wine into the slow cooker. Stir in oregano, basil, thyme, red pepper flakes, and adjust salt and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Before serving, garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot over cooked pasta, rice, or polenta.
Notes
For a richer flavor, use bone-in chicken thighs and sear them well before slow cooking. Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.