Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore (Printable Version)
Tender chicken in savory tomato sauce with vegetables and herbs simmers to perfection in your slow cooker for an easy Italian-inspired meal.
# What You'll Need:
→ Poultry
01 - 5 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs (approximately 2.5 lbs)
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 large onion, sliced
03 - 2 bell peppers (red and yellow), sliced
04 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
05 - 1 cup button mushrooms, sliced
06 - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
07 - 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
→ Liquids
08 - 1/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
→ Spices & Herbs
09 - 2 tsp dried oregano
10 - 1 tsp dried basil
11 - 1/2 tsp dried thyme
12 - 1/2 tsp salt
13 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
14 - 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
15 - 2 tbsp capers, drained
16 - 1/3 cup pitted black olives, sliced
→ To Finish
17 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
18 - Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
# Method:
01 - Lightly season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides.
02 - In a large skillet over medium-high heat, sear the chicken thighs for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly browned for enhanced flavor.
03 - Place the sliced onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, and garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker.
04 - Arrange the browned chicken thighs on top of the vegetable layer.
05 - Add the diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, white wine (or broth), oregano, basil, thyme, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir gently to distribute evenly.
06 - Scatter the capers and black olives over the mixture.
07 - Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or on HIGH for 3 hours, until the chicken is tender and pulls away from the bone easily.
08 - Taste the sauce and adjust salt, pepper, or herbs if needed before serving.
09 - Garnish generously with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot. Offer freshly grated Parmesan cheese at the table. Serve with crusty bread, polenta, or pasta if desired.
# Chef's Tips:
01 -
- Set it and forget it simplicity that delivers restaurant quality flavor
- The sauce gets richer and deeper the longer it simmers
- Perfect for feeding a crowd with almost zero active cooking time
02 -
- Searing the chicken first is optional but absolutely worth the extra 10 minutes
- The sauce thickens as it sits, so don't worry if it looks thinner than expected right out of the slow cooker
- Boneless breasts work but reduce cooking time by an hour to prevent drying out
03 -
- Sauté the vegetables before adding them to the slow cooker for restaurant quality depth
- Double the capers and olives if you love that briny Mediterranean punch