Introduction
Oh, the smell of dinner cooking all day long! Doesn’t that just bring back the warmest memories? There’s something incredibly comforting about a meal that simmers away in the background, filling your home with delicious aromas and leaving you with minimal effort. Today, we’re diving into a recipe that’s an absolute game-changer for busy weeknights and cozy weekends alike: Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore. It’s ridiculously simple, incredibly flavorful, and I promise, it will become a new family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast Prep, Slow Cooker Ease: You’ll be amazed at how little time it takes to get this dish ready for the slow cooker.
- Effortlessly Delicious: The slow cooker does all the hard work, transforming simple ingredients into a rich, tender masterpiece.
- Perfect for Gifting: Make a big batch and freeze portions – it’s a thoughtful homemade gift for new parents or friends going through a tough time.
- Guaranteed Crowd-Pleaser: This hearty, flavorful dish is loved by both kids and adults.
Ingredients
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to culinary success! Here’s what you’ll need to create this Italian-inspired delight:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Thighs are fantastic for slow cooking because they stay incredibly moist and tender.
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced: It adds a lovely sweetness and depth of flavor as it cooks down.
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced: For a pop of color and a slightly sweet, vibrant taste.
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced: Adds another layer of flavor and that classic cacciatore look.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Because, well, garlic makes everything better!
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes: The base of our rich sauce.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Helps to create a luscious, saucy consistency.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste: This little powerhouse really intensifies the tomato flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: A quintessential Italian herb that brings so much warmth.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Another herb that just screams Italian comfort food.
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): If you like a little gentle warmth, add these!
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: To bring out all those wonderful flavors.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): A sprinkle of fresh green makes it look as good as it tastes!
How to Make It
Alright, chef, let’s get this cooking! This is where the magic happens, and it’s so simple, you might just giggle with delight.
- Prep the Slow Cooker: First things first, grab your slow cooker. You’re going to place those lovely boneless, skinless chicken thighs right at the bottom.
- Pile on the Veggies: Next, artfully arrange your thinly sliced onion and both the red and green bell peppers right on top of the chicken. They’ll soften beautifully and meld into the sauce.
- Whisk Together the Sauce: In a separate bowl (or even right in the can of diced tomatoes if you’re feeling extra efficient!), stir together the minced garlic, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, and those optional crushed red pepper flakes. Give it a good mix until everything is nicely combined.
- Pour and Season: Pour this flavorful sauce mixture all over the chicken and vegetables in the slow cooker. Now, reach for your salt and freshly ground black pepper. Season generously, tasting as you go if you’re brave enough to try uncooked ingredients (I usually just eyeball it with salt and pepper for this one!).
- Cook to Perfection: Put the lid on your slow cooker. You have two cooking options:
- Low: Set it and forget it on LOW for 6-8 hours. This is my preferred method for the most tender chicken.
- High: If you’re shorter on time, you can cook it on HIGH for 3-4 hours.
Either way, you’re looking for the chicken to be wonderfully tender and falling apart easily.
- Garnish and Serve: Once the chicken is perfectly cooked, give it a gentle stir. Ladle this glorious Chicken Cacciatore into bowls. A generous sprinkle of fresh, chopped parsley on top is the perfect finishing touch – it adds a burst of freshness and color.
Substitutions & Additions
This recipe is fantastic as is, but you know I love to play around in the kitchen! Here are a few ideas to make it your own:
- Chicken: While thighs are my go-to, you could also use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Just be mindful they might cook a little faster and can dry out if overcooked, so check them at the lower end of the time range.
- Veggies: Feel free to add sliced mushrooms, zucchini, or even a diced carrot to the mix.
- Tomatoes: If you have fire-roasted diced tomatoes, they add an extra layer of smoky flavor. A splash of red wine vinegar at the end can brighten things up too!
- Herbs: Fresh herbs are always a treat if you have them! Add a sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme to the slow cooker.
Tips for Success
A few little tricks can make this recipe even more foolproof. These are the things I’ve learned that make a big difference!
- Don’t Overcrowd: Make sure your slow cooker isn’t packed too full. The ingredients need room to cook evenly.
- Taste and Adjust: Seriously, taste your sauce before you add it to the slow cooker. A little extra salt or a pinch of sugar can sometimes make all the difference.
- Prep Ahead: Chop all your veggies the night before and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. In the morning, it’s just a matter of dumping everything in!
- Thickening the Sauce: If your sauce seems a little thin after cooking, you can easily thicken it. Remove the chicken and veggies, then stir in a slurry of cornstarch and water (about 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) into the sauce in the slow cooker. Cook on high for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
How to Store It
Leftovers are a gift from the culinary gods, especially with this dish! Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It reheats beautifully on the stovetop or in the microwave.
You can also freeze portions of this Chicken Cacciatore for a quick and easy meal down the road. Let it cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags. It should last for up to 3 months in the freezer.
FAQs
Q: What should I serve with Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore?
A: This is wonderful served over pasta (like spaghetti or linguine!), rice, polenta, or even mashed potatoes. Crusty bread for dipping is a must!
Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A: Yes, you can! Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work, but they are leaner and can dry out more easily. Cook on low for about 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours, checking for tenderness. They’ll be done when they shred easily.
Q: Do I have to slice the vegetables thinly?
A: Yes, it’s best to slice the onion and peppers thinly. This helps them cook down and soften beautifully in the sauce, blending their flavors together. Thicker slices might remain a bit too firm.
Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
- bowl For whisking sauce
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 medium onion thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper thinly sliced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 0.5 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional
- salt to taste
- freshly ground black pepper to taste
- fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Prep the Slow Cooker: First things first, grab your slow cooker. You're going to place those lovely boneless, skinless chicken thighs right at the bottom.
- Pile on the Veggies: Next, artfully arrange your thinly sliced onion and both the red and green bell peppers right on top of the chicken. They'll soften beautifully and meld into the sauce.
- Whisk Together the Sauce: In a separate bowl (or even right in the can of diced tomatoes if you're feeling extra efficient!), stir together the minced garlic, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, and those optional crushed red pepper flakes. Give it a good mix until everything is nicely combined.
- Pour and Season: Pour this flavorful sauce mixture all over the chicken and vegetables in the slow cooker. Now, reach for your salt and freshly ground black pepper. Season generously, tasting as you go if you're brave enough to try uncooked ingredients (I usually just eyeball it with salt and pepper for this one!).
- Cook to Perfection: Put the lid on your slow cooker. You have two cooking options:
- Low: Set it and forget it on LOW for 6-8 hours. This is my preferred method for the most tender chicken.
- High: If you're shorter on time, you can cook it on HIGH for 3-4 hours.
- Garnish and Serve: Once the chicken is perfectly cooked, give it a gentle stir. Ladle this glorious Chicken Cacciatore into bowls. A generous sprinkle of fresh, chopped parsley on top is the perfect finishing touch – it adds a burst of freshness and color.