Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore

Looking for a delicious and easy dish to impress your guests or simply enjoy a comforting meal at home? Look no further than this Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore recipe. Packed with savory flavors and tender chicken, this dish is perfect for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

1. The rich flavors of the balsamic vinegar, tomatoes, and Italian seasoning combine perfectly for a mouthwatering taste.
2. With minimal prep time, you can set it and forget it in the slow cooker, making it ideal for busy days or meal prep.
3. Versatile serving options allow you to pair it with your favorite side dishes for a complete meal.

Ingredient Notes:

• Extra-virgin olive oil: Adds richness and flavor to the dish.
• Chicken breasts or thighs: Provides protein and a hearty texture.
• Yellow onion and garlic: Aromatic ingredients that enhance the overall taste.
• Balsamic vinegar: Adds a tangy sweetness to the sauce.
• Crushed tomatoes: Creates a rich and flavorful base for the dish.
• Green bell pepper and cremini mushrooms: Adds depth and texture to the cacciatore.
• Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that elevates the dish’s Italian flavors.
• Serving options: Choose from pasta, rice, polenta, or zucchini noodles to customize your meal.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet and brown the chicken with salt and pepper.
2. Saute onions, garlic, and bell pepper before transferring everything to the slow cooker.
3. Add balsamic vinegar, crushed tomatoes, mushrooms, and Italian seasoning to the slow cooker.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until chicken is tender.
5. Serve over your choice of side dish and garnish with parsley and Parmesan cheese.

Helpful Tips:

• For a richer flavor, sear the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker.
• Use bone-in chicken for even more flavor and juiciness.
• Swap out the vegetables with your favorites like carrots or celery for a unique twist.

Expert Tips for the Best Results:

1. Add a splash of red wine for an extra layer of flavor.
2. Finish the dish with a drizzle of high-quality olive oil before serving for a gourmet touch.

Serving Suggestions:

Pair this Chicken Cacciatore with a side of crusty bread, a fresh green salad, and a glass of red wine for a complete Italian-inspired meal.

Storage and Reheating Tips:

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? Yes, chicken thighs will add extra flavor and tenderness to the dish.
2. Can I freeze the leftovers? Yes, this dish freezes well for up to 3 months.
3. Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot? Yes, you can adapt the recipe for an Instant Pot by adjusting the cooking time.
4. Can I omit the mushrooms? Absolutely, feel free to customize the dish to suit your preferences.

Conclusion:

With its irresistible flavors and easy preparation, Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore is a must-try recipe for any home cook. Give it a whirl and let us know how it turns out!

Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

This Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with a rich tomato sauce, bell peppers, and mushrooms. It’s a comforting meal that is perfect for busy weeknights.

• Author: Touria Elkoudssi
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 6-8 hours
• Total Time: 6 hours 15 mins – 8 hours 15 mins
• Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
• Category: Main-course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil plus 2 teaspoons, divided
• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 medium yellow onion chopped
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar plus 1/2 teaspoon, divided
• 1 can crushed tomatoes 28 ounces
• 1 medium green bell pepper chopped
• 8 ounces sliced baby bella cremini mushrooms
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning

For Serving:

• Whole wheat pasta, brown rice, polenta, rice, zucchini noodles, or baked and shredded spaghetti squash
• Chopped fresh parsley, freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Season the chicken: Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
2. Sear the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet and sear the chicken until browned on both sides.
3. Prepare the slow cooker: Place the onions, garlic, balsamic vinegar, crushed tomatoes, bell pepper, mushrooms, and Italian seasoning in the slow cooker.
4. Add the chicken: Place the seared chicken on top of the vegetable mixture in the slow cooker.
5. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
6. Serve: Serve the chicken cacciatore over your choice of accompaniment and garnish with parsley and Parmesan cheese.

Notes

• You can use either chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe based on your preference.
• Feel free to add extra vegetables like carrots or celery for more flavor and nutrition.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg