Chicken Cacciatore Slow Cooker: Easy Recipe & Tips

Chicken Cacciatore Slow Cooker: Imagine coming home after a long day to the aroma of tender chicken simmered in a rich, flavorful tomato sauce, infused with herbs and vegetables. Sounds divine, doesn’t it? This isn’t just a weeknight dinner; it’s a culinary hug in a bowl, and the best part? It practically cooks itself!

Cacciatore, meaning “hunter” in Italian, traditionally refers to a dish prepared “hunter-style” with braised chicken or rabbit, vegetables, and herbs. Its roots lie in the rustic kitchens of rural Italy, where resourceful cooks used whatever ingredients they had on hand to create hearty and satisfying meals. This dish speaks to the resourcefulness and simplicity of Italian cooking, where fresh, seasonal ingredients are allowed to shine.

What makes Chicken Cacciatore Slow Cooker so beloved? It’s the perfect combination of comforting flavors and effortless preparation. The slow cooker transforms simple ingredients into a deeply flavorful and incredibly tender dish. The chicken becomes fall-off-the-bone delicious, and the sauce is rich and complex. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to feed a crowd or have leftovers for lunch. The ease of throwing everything into the slow cooker in the morning and coming home to a ready-made meal is a game-changer for busy weeknights. The savory, slightly sweet, and herbaceous notes of this classic Italian dish are sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Get ready to experience the magic of slow cooking with this incredible recipe!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• Chicken: 2.5 – 3 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (thighs and drumsticks work best for flavor and moisture)
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons, extra virgin
• Onion: 1 large, chopped
• Bell Peppers: 2, any color (I like to use one red and one yellow for visual appeal), chopped
• Mushrooms: 8 oz, sliced (cremini or button mushrooms are great)
• Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
• Canned Tomatoes: 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
• Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons
• Dry Red Wine: 1 cup (such as Chianti, Merlot, or Cabernet Sauvignon – optional, but adds depth of flavor)
• Chicken Broth: 1/2 cup, low sodium
• Dried Oregano: 2 teaspoons
• Dried Basil: 2 teaspoons
• Dried Thyme: 1 teaspoon
• Bay Leaf: 1
• Salt: To taste
• Black Pepper: To taste
• Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional, for a little heat)
• Fresh Parsley: 1/4 cup, chopped (for garnish)
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: For serving (optional)
• Cooked Pasta, Polenta, or Rice: For serving

Preparing the Chicken and Vegetables:

1. Pat the Chicken Dry: This is a crucial step! Use paper towels to thoroughly pat the chicken pieces dry. This will help them brown better when we sear them.
2. Season the Chicken: Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy! This is your chance to build flavor from the very beginning.
3. Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the chicken pieces in the skillet, skin-side down. Sear for about 3-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown. You don’t need to cook the chicken all the way through at this point; we’re just looking for a nice sear to add flavor and texture. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding will lower the temperature of the pan and cause the chicken to steam instead of sear. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet (don’t wipe it out – all those browned bits are flavor!), add the chopped onion and bell peppers. Sauté over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until the onions are softened and translucent and the peppers are slightly tender.
5. Add Mushrooms and Garlic: Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until they are softened and have released their moisture. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute more, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!

Building the Cacciatore in the Slow Cooker:

1. Layer the Ingredients: In the bottom of your slow cooker, spread the crushed tomatoes. Then, stir in the tomato paste, red wine (if using), and chicken broth.
2. Add the Vegetables: Add the sautéed onion, bell peppers, mushrooms, and garlic to the slow cooker. Stir to combine with the tomato mixture.
3. Incorporate the Spices: Add the dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, bay leaf, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the slow cooker. Stir well to distribute the spices evenly.
4. Arrange the Chicken: Nestle the seared chicken pieces into the sauce, making sure they are mostly submerged. The sauce should cover at least two-thirds of the chicken.

Slow Cooking Process:

1. Cook on Low: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours, or until the chicken is very tender and easily falls off the bone. The exact cooking time will depend on your slow cooker, so check the chicken for doneness after 6 hours.
2. Cook on High (Alternative): If you’re short on time, you can cook the Cacciatore on high heat for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through. However, cooking on low heat generally results in more tender and flavorful chicken.
3. Remove the Bay Leaf: Before serving, remove the bay leaf from the slow cooker.
4. Shred the Chicken (Optional): If desired, you can shred the chicken with two forks before serving. This is especially nice if you’re serving the Cacciatore over pasta.
5. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Remember that flavors will intensify as the dish cooks, so it’s best to add salt and pepper gradually.

Serving Suggestions:

1. Serve Over Pasta: Chicken Cacciatore is traditionally served over pasta. I like to use spaghetti, linguine, or penne. Cook the pasta according to package directions and toss it with the Cacciatore sauce.
2. Serve Over Polenta: For a gluten-free option, serve the Cacciatore over creamy polenta.
3. Serve Over Rice: Another great option is to serve the Cacciatore over cooked rice.
4. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese (if desired). Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Chicken Cacciatore:

• Don’t Skip the Searing: Searing the chicken is essential for developing flavor and adding a nice crust. It also helps to render some of the fat from the skin, which adds richness to the sauce.
• Use Bone-In, Skin-On Chicken: Bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces, such as thighs and drumsticks, are the best choice for Chicken Cacciatore. They have more flavor and stay more moist during the long cooking process.
• Use Good Quality Tomatoes: The quality of your canned tomatoes will greatly impact the flavor of the dish. Look for high-quality crushed tomatoes with no added salt or sugar.
• Add Red Wine (Optional): A cup of dry red wine adds depth of flavor to the Cacciatore. If you don’t have red wine on hand, you can substitute with more chicken broth.
• Don’t Overcook: Be careful not to overcook the chicken, as it can become dry and tough. The chicken is done when it is very tender and easily falls off the bone.
• Adjust the Seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Remember that flavors will intensify as the dish cooks, so it’s best to add salt and pepper gradually.
• Make it Ahead: Chicken Cacciatore is a great dish to make ahead of time. The flavors will meld together even more as it sits in the refrigerator. Simply reheat it before serving.
• Spice it Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• Add Other Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the Cacciatore, such as carrots, celery, or zucchini.
• Freeze for Later: Chicken Cacciatore freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Conclusion:

So there you have it! This Chicken Cacciatore Slow Cooker recipe is truly a game-changer. I know, I know, I might be biased, but trust me on this one. The ease of preparation combined with the explosion of flavor makes it a weeknight winner, a weekend crowd-pleaser, and honestly, just a darn good meal any time of the year. If you’re looking for a hearty, comforting dish that practically cooks itself, then look no further. This is it!

Why is this a must-try? Well, let’s recap. First, the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting. You simply toss everything in, set it, and forget it. No babysitting, no constant stirring, just pure culinary magic happening while you go about your day. Second, the flavor profile is incredible. The combination of tender chicken, sweet bell peppers, savory mushrooms, tangy tomatoes, and aromatic herbs creates a symphony of tastes that will have your taste buds singing. And third, it’s incredibly versatile! You can easily adapt it to your liking, adding more vegetables, adjusting the spices, or even using different cuts of chicken.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

Now, let’s talk about how to serve this deliciousness. My personal favorite is ladled over a bed of creamy polenta. The richness of the polenta perfectly complements the savory sauce. But don’t stop there! It’s also fantastic served over pasta – think spaghetti, penne, or even wide egg noodles. For a lighter option, try serving it with a side of crusty bread for soaking up all that amazing sauce. You could also serve it over rice, quinoa, or even mashed potatoes. The possibilities are endless!

Feeling adventurous? Here are a few variations you might want to try:

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little kick.
• Add more veggies: Zucchini, eggplant, or even spinach would be delicious additions.
• Make it creamy: Stir in a dollop of mascarpone cheese or heavy cream at the end for an extra-rich and decadent sauce.
• Use different protein: While this recipe is designed for chicken, you could also use bone-in pork chops or even Italian sausage. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Wine not?: Add a splash of dry red wine to the slow cooker for an even deeper, richer flavor.

I truly believe that this Chicken Cacciatore Slow Cooker recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. It’s easy, delicious, and incredibly satisfying. I’ve made it countless times, and it’s always a hit. I’m so excited for you to try it and experience the magic for yourself.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and get cooking! I promise you won’t be disappointed. And most importantly, don’t forget to share your experience! I’d love to hear how it turned out, what variations you tried, and what your family thought. Leave a comment below, tag me in your photos on social media, or simply tell a friend about this amazing recipe. Happy cooking!