Okay, fellow comfort seekers, let’s chat about a dinnertime win that’s saved my sanity more times than I can count: the slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe. Seriously, this dish is like a warm hug on a plate, and it practically cooks itself. Remember the first time I tried it? My oldest was going through a “chicken nuggets only” phase, and I was desperate for a meal the whole family would enjoy.
I stumbled upon a version of this slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe online, tweaked it to my family’s preferences, and crossed my fingers. Guess what? Clean plates all around! It was a miracle, and I knew this slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe would become a staple in our house.
This isn’t just any recipe; it’s a comforting solution for those busy weeknights when you need a delicious meal without the fuss. If you’re like me, juggling school drop-offs, after-school activities, and everything in between, this slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe is your new best friend. Let’s get started creating some simple comfort together!
INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this comforting slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe. Don’t worry; the ingredient list is simple, because busy moms need comfort without complexity!
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs: (Chicken breasts work too, but I find thighs stay more moist in the slow cooker.)
- 1 large onion, chopped: (Adds a sweet and savory base.)
- 2 bell peppers (any color), chopped: (Adds color and a bit of sweetness. I often use whatever’s on sale!)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: (Garlic is a must for that classic Italian flavor.)
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes: (The base of our delicious sauce.)
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce: (Adds richness and depth.)
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained: (Adds texture and a bit of tang.)
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms: (My family gets extra comfort when I add mushrooms, but they’re optional.)
- 1/2 cup dry red wine: (Adds a depth of flavor. Chicken broth works just fine if you prefer! This slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe works great either way.)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: (For sautéing the veggies. You can also use avocado oil.)
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning: (The secret weapon for that authentic Italian flavor.)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: (Adds an earthy note.)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: (Adjust to taste.)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: (Adjust to taste.)
- Optional: Red pepper flakes: (For a little kick.)
Trust me, this slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe proves delicious doesn’t mean expensive. You can find these simple ingredients at your regular grocery store.
Comfort-focused ingredient swap: No dry red wine? No worries if you don’t have wine – I use chicken broth for extra comfort in my slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe and it still brings a depth of flavor.
Let’s Make it Happen!
Ready to transform these simple ingredients into a comforting meal? Let’s do it! Here are the step-by-step instructions for this delicious slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe:
- Sauté the veggies: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell peppers and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Here’s a slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe comfort hack: if you’re short on time, you can skip the sautéing and just add the veggies directly to the slow cooker.
- Transfer to the slow cooker: Pour the sautéed vegetables into the slow cooker. This is where I used to struggle with my slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe – make sure to use a large enough slow cooker! Learn from my experience.
- Add the remaining ingredients: Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, mushrooms (if using), red wine (or chicken broth), Italian seasoning, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the slow cooker. This slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe smells amazing at this point.
- Nestle in the chicken: Place the chicken thighs on top of the sauce, making sure they are mostly submerged. Don’t worry if your slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe looks a little messy at this point; it will all come together beautifully.
- Cook on low: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. In my busy kitchen, this comforting slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe usually takes about 7 hours on low.
- Shred the chicken (optional): Once the chicken is cooked through and tender, you can shred it with two forks if desired. This step is optional, but I find it makes the dish even more comforting. This easy chicken cacciatore recipe makes shredding a breeze!
- Serve and enjoy! Serve hot over pasta, rice, polenta, or mashed potatoes. Perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch while your slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe is simmering.
While your slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe is cooking, take a moment to appreciate creating comfort for your family! This Italian chicken stew is a family favorite!
How We Love to Eat This!
Now for the fun part: serving this comforting slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe! My family has a few favorite ways to enjoy it, and I’m excited to share them with you.
The kids devour this comforting slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe when I serve it with:
- Pasta: A classic pairing! We love it with penne, rotini, or farfalle pasta. Chicken Cacciatore Recipe with Farfalle Pasta
- Rice: A great gluten-free option. Brown rice or white rice both work well.
- Mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are the ultimate comfort food side dish.
- Crusty bread: Perfect for soaking up all that delicious sauce.
This slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when we need comfort food fast! It’s also fantastic for:
- Potlucks: Easy to transport and always a crowd-pleaser.
- Family gatherings: A hearty and comforting meal for everyone to enjoy.
- Meal prepping: Make a big batch on Sunday and enjoy it throughout the week.
Presentation tips that make food appealing to families: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil adds a pop of color and freshness.
Leftover ideas (because we always have them!): Use leftover slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe to make sandwiches, wraps, or even a quick pasta bake.
The family loves it when I pair the slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe with a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette. For more simple comfort food ideas for busy families, check out this recipe for Chicken Parmesan Soup.
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
I know you probably have some questions about this slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe, so I’ve gathered some of the most common ones and answered them for you.
Final Thoughts:
- Prep the veggies ahead of time: Chop the onions, peppers, and garlic on Sunday so they’re ready to go on a busy weeknight.
- Use pre-cooked chicken: If you’re really short on time, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. Just shred it and add it to the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking.
- Double the recipe: Make a big batch and freeze half for later.
- Spicy: Add extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Creamy: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese before serving.
- Vegetarian: Use chickpeas or lentils instead of chicken.
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slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe
Enjoy a classic Italian dish with minimal effort using this slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe. Tender chicken simmers in a rich tomato sauce with bell peppers, onions, and herbs for a comforting and flavorful meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 360 minutes
- Total Time: 380 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 bell peppers (red, green, or yellow), chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/2 cup dry red wine (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 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.
- Place chopped onion, bell peppers, and minced garlic in the bottom of a slow cooker.
- Arrange browned chicken thighs on top of the vegetables.
- In a bowl, combine crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, sliced mushrooms, red wine (if using), oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Pour the sauce over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until chicken is very tender and easily pulls away from the bone.
- Shred the chicken with two forks.
- Serve chicken cacciatore over cooked pasta or polenta. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
For a richer flavor, add a bay leaf to the slow cooker while cooking and remove it before serving. Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.