Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore is a classic Italian dish that transforms simple ingredients into a hearty meal perfect for any day of the week. With its tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and rich tomato sauce, this recipe envelops you in warm and comforting flavors, making it ideal for family dinners and gatherings. Using a slow cooker means you can set it and forget it, allowing the ingredients to meld beautifully over hours, so you can enjoy the delicious aromas wafting through your home while the dish cooks to perfection.
Why We Love This Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore Recipe
There’s something truly special about a good chicken cacciatore, particularly when it’s made in a slow cooker. This dish is packed with flavor and is incredibly easy to prepare. You can simply toss the ingredients in your crockpot and let them simmer for several hours. As the chicken cooks, it becomes tender and infused with the rich flavors of tomatoes and spices. The combination of sautéed vegetables adds both color and texture, making every bite satisfying. Families love how you can serve it in different ways, whether over pasta, rice, or simply with some crusty bread. It’s a dish that brings everyone together and guarantees smiles around the table.
Ingredients about Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 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 to taste
- Pepper to taste
How to Make Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore Directions
Start by preparing your chicken. Pat the chicken thighs or breasts dry with paper towels. This will help the seasoning stick better. Generously season both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring they are well-seasoned.
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. If you prefer an extra layer of flavor, you can brown the chicken lightly for about 3-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. This step enhances the dish, adding a nice depth of flavor. After browning, transfer the chicken to your slow cooker. If you choose to skip this step, place the raw seasoned chicken directly into the slow cooker.
Next, using the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the sliced yellow onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Sauté these vegetables for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and release their natural sweetness.
Once the peppers and onions are sautéed, add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Continue to cook for another 3-5 minutes until the mushrooms brown slightly and lose some moisture. Stir in the minced garlic and let it sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
Next, deglaze the skillet by pouring in the chicken broth. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck at the bottom. Let this simmer for about 1-2 minutes to reduce slightly before transferring everything into the slow cooker.
In your slow cooker, carefully add the sautéed vegetable mixture on top of the chicken. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and the drained diced tomatoes. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients, mixing in the Italian seasoning, dried basil, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Make sure everything is well blended.
Before sealing the slow cooker, do a final seasoning check. Add any remaining salt or pepper as needed. Secure the lid on your slow cooker and set it to cook. You can choose to cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. The chicken is done when it’s incredibly tender and easily shreds apart with a fork. Ensure you monitor chicken breasts closely to avoid overcooking.
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker. You can shred it with two forks if desired before returning it to the pot or serve the pieces whole. Before you serve, taste the sauce and adjust seasonings if necessary.
How to Serve Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore
Serving your Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore is where you can get creative. One popular method is to ladle it over your favorite pasta. The rich sauce pairs wonderfully with spaghetti, fettuccine, or any pasta that your family enjoys. For a comforting twist, creamy polenta serves as an excellent base, soaking up all those delicious flavors.
A simple side of rice can also serve as a good accompaniment. The neutral flavor of rice balances the vibrant sauce and chicken. If you want a more rustic feel, crusty bread makes a fantastic option for dipping into the sauce. It’s perfect for scooping up the savory bits and adds a delightful crunch to your meal.
For a complete dinner, consider pairing the dish with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables to round out the meal. You’ll appreciate how versatile this recipe is, making it easy to fit into your family’s preferences and dietary needs.
Expert Tips: Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore
To get the most flavor and tenderness out of your Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore, consider these expert tips. First, don’t skip the browning step unless you’re short on time. Browning the chicken and sautéing the vegetables before adding them to the slow cooker adds significant flavor and richness.
Next, feel free to customize the vegetables according to what you have on hand. Carrots, zucchini, or even eggplant can all work well in this dish, providing variety and additional nutrients.
Cooking times might differ based on the size of your chicken pieces and the specific crockpot model you use. Always check the chicken for doneness; it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety. If you’re using chicken breasts, be extra cautious to avoid dryness.
Finally, don’t hesitate to add more spices if you prefer a bit more heat or depth. Adjusting spices to your liking is part of the cooking experience.
How to Store Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore
Storing your Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore is simple and straightforward. If you have leftovers, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Properly stored in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for up to 4 days.
For longer storage, consider freezing portions of it. Place the cooled Chicken Cacciatore in freezer-safe bags, ensuring you press out as much air as possible before sealing. This way, you can enjoy this delicious meal for up to three months without sacrificing quality.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw the frozen cacciatore overnight in the fridge before reheating. On the stove or in the microwave, gently heat the dish until it’s warmed through. You might want to add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it up again while reheating.
Variation of Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore
While classic Chicken Cacciatore is delightful on its own, exploring variations can add excitement to your dinner table. You can try adding different herbs and spices for a unique twist. For example, incorporating fresh thyme or rosemary can elevate the flavor.
Try including olives or capers for a briny, Mediterranean touch that complements the tomatoes beautifully. Artichoke hearts can also work well if you’re seeking something different.
If you enjoy a creamier version, near the end of cooking, you can stir in a dollop of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream. This can create a rich, luxurious sauce that coats the chicken and vegetables perfectly.
For a heartier dish, consider adding chickpeas or lentils to the mix. They not only increase the protein content but also bring a different texture to the overall dish.
FAQ
What can I serve with Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore?
You can serve it with pasta, rice, or creamy polenta. It also pairs nicely with crusty bread for dipping.
How long does it take to cook Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore?
You can cook it on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours in your slow cooker.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this recipe?
Yes, while chicken thighs provide extra juiciness, chicken breasts can be used as well. Just make sure to monitor their cooking time to avoid dryness.
Can I freeze Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore?
Absolutely! Once cooled, store it in freezer-safe bags for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Is there a vegetarian version of Chicken Cacciatore?
Yes! You can substitute chicken with hearty vegetables such as eggplant, mushrooms, and bell peppers, along with plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh for a tasty vegetarian dish.
Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, sliced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium green bell pepper, sliced
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 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)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- Pat the chicken thighs or breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken lightly for about 3-5 minutes on each side until golden brown (optional).
- Transfer browned chicken to the slow cooker or place the raw seasoned chicken directly into the slow cooker.
- Using the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add the sliced yellow onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook for another 3-5 minutes until browned slightly and moisture is gone. Stir in minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute.
- Deglaze the skillet by pouring in the chicken broth and scraping up any browned bits. Simmer for 1-2 minutes, then transfer everything to the slow cooker.
- Add the sautéed vegetable mixture on top of chicken in the slow cooker. Pour in crushed tomatoes and drained diced tomatoes. Stir in Italian seasoning, dried basil, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Do a final seasoning check and add any remaining salt or pepper as needed.
- Secure the lid on the slow cooker and set to cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker. Shred it with two forks if desired before returning back to the pot.
Serving
- Serve the Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore over pasta, rice, or creamy polenta, or with crusty bread for dipping.
- Pair with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables to complete the meal.
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