Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Recipe
This Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore is a tasty Italian dish that combines tender chicken with a rich tomato sauce, bell peppers, and herbs. It’s a good meal for busy days, as it requires minimal prep and lets the slow cooker do the work.
With its hearty ingredients and comforting flavors, this recipe is good for family dinners and can be served over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.
Ingredients That Shine
The foundation of a good chicken cacciatore lies in its ingredients. This dish features skinless, boneless chicken thighs, which become very tender as they cook.
Going with the chicken are bright bell peppers, adding both color and sweetness to the sauce. Onions and garlic provide a savory base, while dried oregano and basil fill the dish with classic Italian flavors. A splash of chicken broth ties everything together, making sure you get a rich, cohesive sauce that clings well to the pasta.
Preparation Made Simple
Preparing this dish is straightforward and requires minimal effort. Start by seasoning the chicken thighs with salt and pepper to make their natural flavor better.
Next, slice the onions and bell peppers, and mince the garlic. Cooking these aromatics in olive oil brings out their sweetness and depth, creating a fragrant base for the sauce.
Once softened, these ingredients are layered over the chicken in the slow cooker, along with diced tomatoes and herbs, setting the stage for a slow, tasty simmer.
Slow Cooking for Maximum Flavor
One of the best things about this recipe is the slow cooking process. Cooking on low for 6-8 hours lets the flavors blend well, resulting in a sauce that is both rich and comforting.
The long cooking time makes sure that the chicken becomes fork-tender, making it easy to shred if desired. For those in a hurry, the dish can also be cooked on high for 3-4 hours, though the low setting is recommended for optimal flavor development.
Serving Suggestions
Once the chicken is cooked, it can be served over a bed of pasta, rice, or even alongside crusty bread. The warm colors of the sauce and vegetables create an inviting presentation, good for family dinners or gatherings.
Garnishing with fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness, making the overall appeal of the dish better.
Nutritional Benefits
This hearty meal not only satisfies the palate but also offers nutritional benefits. Each serving has about 320 calories, making it a balanced option for dinner.
With 30 grams of protein per serving, it provides a good source of nourishment, while including vegetables adds important vitamins and minerals. The dish is relatively low in carbohydrates, making it suitable for various dietary preferences.
Creating a Cozy Atmosphere
Chicken cacciatore is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. The aroma coming through your home as it cooks creates a cozy atmosphere, inviting everyone to gather around the table.
Pairing this dish with a simple salad or a glass of wine can make the dining experience better, making it feel special. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this dish should bring warmth and comfort to any occasion.
Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
This chicken cacciatore features chicken thighs simmered in a savory sauce made with tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, and Italian herbs. The dish takes about 6-8 hours to cook on low and serves 4-6 people.
Ingredients
- 4-6 chicken thighs, skinless and boneless
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 bell pepper (red or green), sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prep the Ingredients: Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Slice the onion and bell pepper, and mince the garlic.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and bell pepper, and sauté until softened (about 5 minutes). Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Combine in Slow Cooker: Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker. Pour the sautéed vegetables over the chicken, then add the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, oregano, and basil.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Serve: Once cooked, shred the chicken if desired and serve over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread. Garnish with fresh parsley if using.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Total Time: 6-8 hours 15 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4-6 servings
- Calories: 320kcal
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Recipe
Ingredients
- 4-6 chicken thighs skinless and boneless
- 1 can 14 oz diced tomatoes
- 1 medium onion sliced
- 1 bell pepper red or green, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish optional
Instructions
- Prep the Ingredients: Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Slice the onion and bell pepper, and mince the garlic.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and bell pepper, and sauté until softened (about 5 minutes). Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Combine in Slow Cooker: Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker. Pour the sautéed vegetables over the chicken, then add the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, oregano, and basil.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Serve: Once cooked, shred the chicken if desired and serve over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread. Garnish with fresh parsley if using.
