Print

Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Recipe

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.4 from 146 reviews

This Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore is a comforting Italian-inspired dish featuring tender chicken thighs simmered in a rich tomato sauce with mushrooms, bell peppers, carrots, and fresh herbs. The slow cooking method allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a hearty and flavorful meal perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 8 boneless skinless chicken thighs (700g/24.7oz)

Vegetables

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, crushed (or 1 tablespoon jarred minced garlic)
  • 250g (8.8oz) mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 small carrot, finely diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped

Tomato Sauce and Seasoning

  • 800g (28oz) chopped tomatoes in rich tomato sauce, canned
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon dried basil
  • Pinch of red pepper (chilli) flakes
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • 1 chicken stock cube (or 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon paste)

Finishing

  • 1 handful fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions

  1. Heat oil and sear chicken: Heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs well on both sides with salt and black pepper. When the oil is hot, add the chicken and lightly sear each side until golden brown. This step locks in flavor and creates a nice crust.
  2. Transfer and combine ingredients in slow cooker: Place the seared chicken thighs into the slow cooker. Add the finely chopped onion, crushed garlic, sliced mushrooms, diced carrot, chopped green bell pepper, canned chopped tomatoes with rich tomato sauce, dried oregano, rosemary, thyme, basil, a pinch of red pepper flakes, tomato paste, red wine vinegar, and the chicken stock cube or bouillon paste. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
  3. Slow cook the dish: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook the mixture on high heat for 3 hours or on low heat for 6 hours. This slow cooking process allows the chicken to become tender and lets the flavors meld beautifully.
  4. Add fresh parsley and adjust seasoning: Once cooking is complete, stir in the fresh chopped parsley. Taste the sauce and season further with salt and black pepper if needed to suit your preference.
  5. Serve and enjoy: Serve the Chicken Cacciatore hot, ideally with a side of pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. Enjoy your hearty slow-cooked meal!

Notes

  • Searing the chicken adds depth of flavor but can be skipped if short on time; just add chicken directly to the slow cooker.
  • You can substitute the chicken thighs with chicken breasts, but thighs are preferred for juiciness and flavor.
  • For a thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow some liquid to evaporate.
  • Add olives or capers for a different variation of the classic cacciatore flavor.
  • Serve with your choice of side such as polenta, pasta, or rice for a complete meal.

Find it online: https://ameliameals.com/slow-cooker-chicken-cacciatore-recipe/