Easy Chicken Cacciatore (Slow Cooker Recipe)
Slow cooker chicken cacciatore is an easy comfort food dinner made with tender chicken simmered in a rich tomato sauce with peppers, onions, mushrooms and Italian seasonings. This hearty crockpot meal practically cooks itself so dinner is ready and waiting when the day is done.
Servings: 6
Calories: 275kcal
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion peeled & sliced
- 1 red bell pepper sliced
- 1 green bell pepper sliced
- 8 oz baby bella mushrooms sliced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes drained
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional
- salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp capers
- fresh parsley and basil for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly season the chicken with salt and pepper, then sear for 2–3 minutes per side just until golden.1 tbsp olive oil, 2 pounds boneless
- Add the sliced onion, bell peppers, mushrooms, and garlic to the bottom of your slow cooker. Place chicken on top of the vegetables.1 small yellow onion, 1 red bell pepper, 1 green bell pepper, 8 oz baby bella mushrooms, 3 cloves garlic
- Into a large bowl combine the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to combine. Pour over the chicken.1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes, 1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes, 1/2 cup chicken broth, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, 1/2 tsp dried basil, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes, salt and pepper
- Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours, or high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Stir in capers. Adjust salt and pepper, to taste.2 tbsp capers
- Serve over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. Garnish with fresh parsley and basil.
Notes
- While browning the chicken adds extra flavor, you can skip it if you are short on time. It'll still be delicious.
- If the sauce is too thin at the end, take the lid off the slow cooker and let it cook on high for 15 to 20 minutes uncovered.
- For a smoky flavor, you can use crushed fire roasted tomatoes.
- Add or substitute whatever veggies you like for the mushrooms. Eggplant and zucchini are both good choices. Or make it Mediterranean style by adding artichoke hearts and sun dried tomatoes.
- A splash of red wine will make the sauce richer.
- Stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream at the end of cooking for a creamy sauce or add an extra sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for spicy cacciatore.
- Turn it into a cheesy pasta bake by serving it over pasta, topping it with mozzarella and broiling it until it's bubbly.
Nutrition
Calories: 275kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 37g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 97mg | Sodium: 509mg | Potassium: 1360mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 1143IU | Vitamin C: 63mg | Calcium: 101mg | Iron: 4mg