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Easy Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore

A comforting and flavorful slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe that's easy to make with minimal prep time. Perfect for busy weeknights and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Servings 6 servings

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Slow Cooker

Ingredients
  

Main ingredients

  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts Thighs tend to stay more moist, but breasts work wonderfully too!
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil Just a touch to get things started.
  • 1 small yellow onion sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper sliced
  • 8 ounces mushrooms sliced, Cremini are recommended
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes The heart of our delicious sauce.
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes drained
  • 0.5 cup chicken broth Helps create that perfect saucy consistency.
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning A magical blend of herbs!
  • 0.5 teaspoon dried basil A classic Italian herb.
  • 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano Another essential for that authentic taste.
  • 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for a little warmth
  • to taste salt and pepper The essential finishing touches.
  • 2 tablespoons capers These little briny gems add a delightful tang!
  • for garnish Fresh parsley and basil Because presentation matters, and fresh herbs brighten everything up.

Instructions
 

  • Grab a skillet and heat your olive oil over medium-high heat. Add your chicken pieces and sear them until they’re beautifully browned on all sides. This step adds so much depth of flavor! Once browned, set them aside for a moment.
  • Into the same skillet (no need to wash it!), toss in your sliced onion, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Let them cook, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften up, which should take about 5 minutes. Mmm, the smell is already amazing!
  • Now, stir in your minced garlic and let it cook for just about 1 minute more until it’s wonderfully fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
  • Carefully place your seared chicken and the sautéed vegetable mixture into your slow cooker. It’s starting to look like a feast already!
  • Pour in the crushed tomatoes, the drained diced tomatoes, and the chicken broth. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, dried basil, dried oregano, and the red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Give it a good stir to combine everything.
  • Now’s the time to season generously with salt and pepper. Taste a little bit of the sauce (carefully!) and adjust as needed. Remember, the flavors will meld together beautifully as it cooks.
  • Stir in those delightful capers. They add such a unique, zesty flavor that really makes this dish sing!
  • Pop on the lid. You can cook this on the low setting for 4-6 hours, or if you’re in a bit of a rush, on high for 2-3 hours. Either way, you’re looking for the chicken to be perfectly tender and cooked through.
  • Once it’s done, give it a final stir. Ladle this glorious Chicken Cacciatore into bowls and garnish with plenty of fresh parsley and basil. It’s the perfect finishing touch!

Notes

This recipe is super adaptable! Feel free to add zucchini, yellow squash, or artichoke hearts. For spice, add more red pepper flakes or hot sauce. Fresh rosemary or thyme can also be added. Serve over pasta, polenta, mashed potatoes, or with a crusty baguette.