Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore

When I think about comfort food, nothing beats a hearty Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore. It takes me back to cozy family dinners where the aroma of sautéed vegetables and tender chicken filled the air. I remember the excitement of gathering around the table, eagerly waiting for that first bite of savory goodness. This dish embodies the essence of home-cooked meals, filling not just the stomach but also the heart.

Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Shopping List

Choosing the right ingredients is key to making a fantastic Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore. Each ingredient plays a specific role, harmonizing to create a dish that’s both comforting and flavorful. The core components, such as the chicken, tomatoes, and fresh vegetables, come together beautifully, ensuring a nourishing and satisfying meal.

• 10 bone-in skinless chicken thighs, about 5 ounces each, trimmed: The star of the show, these chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful, perfect for slow cooking.
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the flavors of the dish.
• Cooking spray or extra virgin olive oil: Used for browning the chicken and sautéing the vegetables, adding richness.
• 5 garlic cloves, finely chopped or pressed: Garlic adds a wonderful depth of flavor that’s impossible to resist.
• ½ large yellow onion, chopped: This aromatic vegetable provides a sweet and savory base for the dish.
• 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes: The heart of the sauce, creating a rich and tangy flavor.
• ½ medium green bell pepper, chopped: Adds color and a slight sweetness to the mix.
• ½ medium red bell pepper, chopped: Similar to the green bell pepper but with a sweeter profile.
• 8 ounces shiitake mushrooms, sliced: These mushrooms provide an earthy flavor and pleasant texture.
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme: Fresh herbs bring brightness and aromatic qualities to the dish.
• 2 bay leaves: A traditional herb that enhances the overall flavor.
• Fresh parsley for garnish: Not just for decoration, it adds a fresh pop of flavor.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: A delicious topping to serve over the finished dish.

Making This Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore

Preparing Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore is a delightful experience that fills your kitchen with enticing aromas. Here’s how to create this delicious meal in just a few easy steps.

1. Start by generously seasoning the chicken thighs with Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. This step is crucial as it enhances the flavor of the meat. Take a moment to ensure that all sides are well-coated, giving your dish a great foundation of taste.
2. Next, heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Coat the skillet with a light layer of cooking spray or drizzle in some extra virgin olive oil. Once the skillet is hot, add the seasoned chicken thighs. Cook them for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they’re beautifully browned. This browning process adds depth and flavor to the dish.
3. After the chicken is browned, gently transfer it to the slow cooker. This is where the magic happens, so make sure to get every piece of chicken in there!
4. Now, reduce the heat under the skillet to medium and add a bit more cooking spray or olive oil. Toss in the garlic and onion, cooking until they are soft and fragrant—around 3 to 4 minutes. Stir occasionally to avoid burning.
5. Once softened, transfer the garlic and onion mixture to the slow cooker, alongside the chicken.
6. Next, it’s time to add the remaining ingredients to the slow cooker. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, shiitake mushrooms, thyme, and bay leaves. Stir everything together to ensure all the ingredients are well mixed, allowing the flavors to meld.
7. Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook. You have the option of cooking on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours. Whichever you choose, your patience will be rewarded!
8. Once the cooking time is complete, it’s time to finish up. Discard the bay leaves and carefully transfer the chicken to a large plate or cutting board. Pull the meat from the bones, discarding the bones. Shred the chicken and return the meat to the sauce.
9. To serve, stir in some fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor. This dish can be enjoyed over pasta, polenta, or spaghetti squash—each option adds its charm!
10. Finally, top your serving with some grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of richness. Dive in and enjoy your homemade Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore!

Substitutions and Tips

Here are some handy tips and substitutions to help you make the most of your Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore experience.

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Yes, you can freeze the leftovers. Just store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
• Pairing: Serve it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
• Flavor Boost: For a little heat, add crushed red pepper flakes to the slow cooker.
• Vegetable Varieties: Feel free to mix in your favorite vegetables like zucchini or carrots for extra nutrition.

Best Served With

• Over Pasta: Serve over a bed of spaghetti or fettuccine to soak up the delicious sauce.
• With Polenta: Creamy polenta is a fantastic base that pairs well with the chicken and sauce.
• On a Bed of Rice: For a heartier option, serve with rice to complement the flavors.
• With Fresh Bread: Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is perfect for scooping up the sauce.
• As a Meal Prep Option: This dish is great for weekly meal prep, making it easy to portion out lunches for the week.
• During Winter Months: This dish is ideal for cozy winter dinners, bringing warmth and comfort during cold nights.

FAQ

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore is a comforting, flavorful dish that embodies the essence of home cooking. Its rich blend of ingredients creates a hearty meal perfect for any occasion. I encourage you to try this recipe; it’s not just food, it’s a warm hug on a plate. Make this tonight and enjoy the smiles around your table!

Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore

The ultimate comfort food, Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore is a rich and savory dish that brings warmth and joy to any meal. With tender chicken and vibrant vegetables simmered to perfection, it's an easy weeknight dinner your family will love. Make it tonight for a satisfying meal!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine Italian

Servings 9 servings

Calories 370 kcal

Equipment

• Skillet
• Wooden Spoon
• Grater
• Chef's Knife
• Slow Cooker

Ingredients

  

• 10 pieces bone-in skinless chicken thighs about 5 ounces each, trimmed
• to taste Kosher salt for seasoning
• to taste freshly ground black pepper for seasoning
• 1 tablespoon cooking spray or extra virgin olive oil for browning
• 5 cloves garlic finely chopped or pressed
• ½ large yellow onion chopped
• 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
• ½ medium green bell pepper chopped
• ½ medium red bell pepper chopped
• 8 ounces shiitake mushrooms sliced
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 leaves bay leaves
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley for garnish
• to taste grated Parmesan cheese for topping

Instructions

 

• Generously season the chicken thighs with the Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
• Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Coat with cooking spray or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and then add the chicken.
• Cook until nicely browned, about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Transfer to a slow cooker.
• Reduce the heat under the skillet to medium and coat with more cooking spray or another drizzle of olive oil. Add the garlic and onion and cook until soft, about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Transfer to the slow cooker.
• Add the tomatoes, bell peppers, mushrooms, thyme, and bay leaves to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
• Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 8 hours.
• Discard the bay leaf and transfer the chicken to a large plate or cutting board. Pull the chicken meat from the bones, shred the meat and return it to the sauce. Stir in the parsley.
• Serve with pasta, polenta or spaghetti squash topped with Parmesan cheese.

Notes

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Yes, you can freeze the leftovers. Just store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
• Pairing: Serve it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
• Flavor Boost: For a little heat, add crushed red pepper flakes to the slow cooker.
• Vegetable Varieties: Feel free to mix in your favorite vegetables like zucchini or carrots for extra nutrition.

Keyword easy chicken cacciatore, Italian Comfort Food, Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore recipe, slow cooker meals

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Meet Layla Reed

I’m Layla! I am happiest when I’m cooking with ingredients that are fresh from the market and in season. I love creating rustic, wholesome dishes that truly celebrate the natural flavors of the produce. I worked alongside Romina to ensure this recipe feels grounded, authentic, and absolutely delicious. I hope it brings a taste of the season to your home!