If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor yet incredibly easy to make, I have just the thing for you: this Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Recipe. It’s one of those meals that feels like a warm, comforting hug on a plate — perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want dinner waiting for you. I absolutely love how this recipe melds tender chicken with rich tomato sauce and vibrant veggies, all cooked low and slow to develop deep, irresistible flavors. Trust me, once you try this, your family will be asking for it again and again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Set It and Forget It: Just toss everything into the slow cooker and come back to a perfectly cooked, flavorful meal.
- Rich, Comforting Flavors: The slow cook method really lets the tomatoes, herbs, and veggies meld beautifully with the chicken.
- Versatile and Family-Friendly: Whether you serve it over pasta, rice, or potatoes, it pleases all tastes.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: It reheats beautifully, making lunches or dinners for days.
Ingredients You’ll Need
I’ve found that using quality fresh vegetables and good canned tomatoes makes a huge difference in this Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Recipe. The combination of fragrant herbs and tender chicken creates a meal that’s hearty without being heavy.
- Chicken thighs or breasts: I prefer thighs for juiciness; breasts work if you want leaner meat, just watch cooking time closely.
- Olive oil: Adds a lovely depth when searing the chicken first, but you can skip if you’re in a rush.
- Yellow onion: Sweetness and texture that blend seamlessly into the sauce.
- Red and green bell peppers: They brighten the dish and add a subtle crunch if not overly cooked.
- Mushrooms: Give an earthy flavor that complements the tomatoes perfectly.
- Garlic: Because no Italian dish is complete without it!
- Crushed tomatoes: The base of your sauce — I always use good quality canned ones for rich flavor.
- Diced tomatoes: Adds a nice texture contrast to the crushed tomatoes.
- Chicken broth: Keeps everything moist and adds umami depth.
- Italian seasoning, basil, oregano: Classic herbs that bring authenticity to the dish.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a gentle kick if you like a little heat.
- Capers: My secret ingredient for that tangy punch!
- Fresh parsley and basil: For a fresh, herbal finish—don’t skip these.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to bring it all together.
Variations
I love customizing this Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Recipe depending on the season and who I’m cooking for—it’s so forgiving and versatile. Feel free to add your own twists to make it your own.
- Make it spicy: I sometimes bump up the red pepper flakes for an extra zing that my husband adores.
- Vegetable boost: Adding zucchini or eggplant chunks stretches it and adds lovely texture.
- White meat only: If you prefer chicken breasts, I recommend reducing the cook time to avoid dryness.
- Gluten-free options: This recipe naturally fits gluten-free diets when paired with rice or gluten-free pasta.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Chicken for Extra Flavor
This step is totally optional, but I swear by it—searing the chicken thighs for 2 to 3 minutes on each side in olive oil adds a golden crust and deepens the flavor. Just season with salt and pepper, heat a skillet over medium-high, and brown your chicken before transferring it to the slow cooker. If you’re in a hurry, don’t worry—you can skip this and still get a delicious meal.
Step 2: Layer the Fresh Veggies in the Slow Cooker
Start by spreading sliced onions, red and green bell peppers, mushrooms, and minced garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker. This layering helps build the base flavor and keeps the chicken elevated so it cooks evenly.
Step 3: Add the Chicken and Pour on the Sauce
Place the seared chicken on top of the veggies. Then mix together crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Pour this mixture over the chicken and veggies gently. This sauce will slowly thicken as it cooks, soaking into the chicken and vegetables beautifully.
Step 4: Cook Low and Slow
Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. You want the chicken so tender it practically falls apart when you poke it with a fork. The low setting is my go-to because it gives the sauce time to develop richer flavors and the chicken comes out extra juicy.
Step 5: Finish With Capers and Fresh Herbs
Once the chicken is cooked, stir in the capers for a burst of tangy brightness that cuts through the richness. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Just before serving, sprinkle fresh parsley and basil over the top to add color and a fresh herbal note that really wakes up the dish.
Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Recipe
- Don’t Skip Searing: It adds a caramelized richness that you’ll notice in every bite.
- Low and Slow Wins: Cooking on low hugs the chicken in the sauce, making it tender and flavorful without drying out.
- Taste and Adjust at the End: Capers and herbs give a fresh pop—add them last to keep their brightness intact.
- Avoid Overcooking Chicken Breasts: If you use breasts, check early—they cook faster and can get dry.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Recipe
Garnishes
I usually top mine with freshly chopped parsley and basil—they add just the right touch of freshness and a beautiful burst of color. Sometimes I grate a little parmesan for a cheesy finish that makes everyone happy around the table.
Side Dishes
My go-to sides for this recipe are simple: buttery mashed potatoes soak up all that delicious sauce, or al dente spaghetti that twirls beautifully with the chicken and veggies. Brown rice or creamy polenta are great alternatives, too, depending on your mood and pantry.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I love serving this Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Recipe in individual rustic bowls with a swirl of herbed ricotta on top. It adds a gourmet feel while being simple to prep. You can also add toasted garlic bread on the side to really impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and find they stay fresh for up to 4 days. The flavors actually meld more overnight, so sometimes it tastes even better the next day.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Just cool completely, portion it into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, just thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
I reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much. This keeps the chicken moist and the sauce nice and saucy.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in this Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just keep in mind that chicken breasts cook faster and can dry out more easily, so I recommend reducing the cooking time and checking for doneness earlier if you opt for breasts.
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Do I have to sear the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker?
Searing is optional but highly recommended. It adds a lovely depth of flavor and a beautiful color to the chicken. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step and still get a delicious meal.
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What should I serve with Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore?
This recipe pairs wonderfully with pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or even creamy polenta. I like to keep the sides simple to let the rich sauce shine.
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Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! This dish is naturally gluten-free as long as you serve it with gluten-free sides like rice or gluten-free pasta.
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How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth to keep the chicken moist.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Recipe has become a staple in my household because it’s just so reliable and comforting. I love that it doesn’t require me to hover in the kitchen—just prep in the morning and dinner’s ready when I walk through the door. If you’re looking for a meal that’s easy, full of flavor, and makes your home smell like an Italian trattoria, give this a try. I have no doubt it’ll become one of your favorites, too.
Print
Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore is a hearty and comforting Italian-inspired dish featuring tender chicken thighs simmered in a rich tomato sauce with bell peppers, mushrooms, garlic, and aromatic herbs. Slow-cooked to perfection, it’s an easy, flavorful meal that pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes, perfect for a cozy family dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless & skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetables
- 1 small yellow onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Tomato Sauce
- 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes, drained
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Finishing Touches
- 2 tablespoons capers
- Fresh parsley and basil for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Sear the chicken for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown; this step is optional but adds great flavor.
- Layer Vegetables in Slow Cooker: Add the sliced onion, red and green bell peppers, mushrooms, and minced garlic to the bottom of your slow cooker, creating a flavorful bed for the chicken.
- Add the Chicken: Place the seared (or raw, if skipping searing) chicken thighs or breasts on top of the vegetables in the slow cooker.
- Mix the Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the crushed tomatoes, drained diced tomatoes, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, dried basil, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well to blend all ingredients evenly.
- Pour Sauce Over Chicken and Veggies: Pour the tomato and herb mixture evenly over the chicken and vegetables in the slow cooker, ensuring everything is well coated.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low heat for 6–7 hours, or on high heat for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shreddable.
- Finish with Capers and Seasoning: Stir in the capers, taste the sauce, and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.
- Serve: Serve the chicken and sauce over your choice of pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. Garnish with fresh parsley and basil before serving for a bright, fresh finish.
Notes
- Searing the chicken is optional but enhances the flavor by adding a rich, caramelized crust.
- You can use either chicken thighs or breasts, but thighs typically stay juicier and more flavorful in slow cooking.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control the heat level according to your preference.
- Leftovers taste great the next day and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Make sure to drain the diced tomatoes to avoid excess liquid diluting the sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/6 recipe)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
