Crock Pot Chicken Cacciatore

This easy Crock Pot Chicken Cacciatore has become one of my favorite set it and forget it dinners for busy weeks. The chicken cooks up tender and juicy as it slowly absorbs all the flavors of classic Italian cacciatore sauce. Perfect for cozy family meals or meal prep for the week.

When I first tried this in my slow cooker on a chilly Sunday, everyone in my house wanted seconds and the leftovers disappeared by lunch the next day.

Ingredients

• Chicken thighs or chicken breasts: The star of the dish Choose bone-in thighs for maximum flavor or boneless for quicker cooking
• Salt and black pepper: Season the meat and balance the sauce I always reach for freshly cracked pepper
• Onion: Adds sweetness and depth Look for a firm medium onion with dry shiny skin
• Red bell pepper: Brings sweetness and color The fresher and firmer the better
• Mushrooms: Earthiness and texture Choose plump mushrooms and wipe them clean
• Crushed tomatoes: The saucy backbone Use canned tomatoes with little to no added sugar for best results
• Tomato paste: Boosts tomato richness Be sure to buy double concentrate for a more robust taste
• Minced garlic: Classic Italian aroma and punch Fresh garlic cloves give best results
• Dried oregano: Brings herby Mediterranean flavor A quality dried oregano matters here
• Pitted olives: Briny contrast and saltiness Kalamata or your favorite green or black variety
• Cooking wine: Layered complexity Use a wine you would actually drink red for deeper or white for lighter sauce
• Fresh parsley or basil optional for garnish: Adds brightness Use just-picked or the next best from your market

Step-by-Step Instructions

Season the Chicken:

Generously season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper. Let it rest for a few minutes while you prep vegetables so those flavors have a chance to sink in

Layer Ingredients in the Crock Pot:

Arrange the seasoned chicken in an even layer at the bottom of your slow cooker. If you need to overlap to fit all the pieces that is fine. Layer the diced onion sliced red bell pepper and mushrooms over the chicken

Add Sauce Elements:

Pour the crushed tomatoes over the vegetables then dollop in the tomato paste and scatter in the minced garlic dried oregano olives and pour in the wine. Stir gently so everything is evenly distributed

Slow Cook:

Secure the lid on your crock pot and cook on low for about four to six hours. The chicken should be cooked through and beautifully tender. For boneless breasts check after three hours on low. High setting can be used for a shorter span but meat will be less juicy

Thicken the Sauce Optional:

If you prefer a thicker sauce mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a splash of cold water and blend into the sauce. Cook for another fifteen minutes on high with the lid back on or simmer the sauce in a separate skillet on the stovetop for a quicker result

Finish and Serve:

Transfer the chicken to a platter and tent with foil to keep warm. Taste the sauce for seasoning and adjust salt if needed. Spoon the sauce generously over the chicken and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley or basil

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One of my favorite touches is the olives They add such a briny pop that my kids loved scooping them out of the pot first. The mix of mushrooms garlic and peppers fills the house with the most comforting aroma all afternoon

Storage Tips

Once cooled leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days The flavors get even better the next day You can also freeze portions for up to three months Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave and add a splash of water if the sauce seems thick

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have chicken thighs boneless skinless chicken breasts also work beautifully For a lighter dish use skinless breast meat If mushrooms are not your thing swap in zucchini or eggplant You can use any color bell pepper or even a blend Green or black olives both give a salty layer

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Serving Suggestions

Serve these saucy chicken pieces over spaghetti rice polenta or even creamy mashed potatoes. I love garnishing with fresh basil or parsley and a shower of grated Parmesan for extra flavor. Roasted broccoli or a green salad are perfect sides

Cultural Historical Context

Chicken cacciatore means hunter style in Italian and was originally a humble peasant dish simmered with whatever vegetables the family had on hand The slow cooking and tomato base reflect traditional Italian methods of building flavor from simple ingredients

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken breasts can be used in place of chicken thighs. Adjust the cooking time as breasts may cook faster than thighs and can dry out if overcooked.

→ What can I serve with this meal?

This dish pairs well with cooked pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. Roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad also make excellent sides.

→ How can I thicken the sauce?

If the sauce is too thin, mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of water, add it to the slow cooker, cover, and cook on high for about 15 minutes, or simmer in a skillet for a few minutes for a thicker consistency.

→ Can I make it spicy?

For extra heat, stir in ½ to 1 teaspoon of red chili flakes with the other ingredients before cooking.

→ Are there alternatives to wine in the sauce?

If you prefer not to use wine, substitute with chicken broth or extra tomato juice for a similar depth of flavor.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. Reheat gently before serving.