Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore is the perfect dish for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Richly flavored and easy to prepare, this chicken cacciatore simmers to perfection in your crockpot. With tender chicken thighs, colorful bell peppers, and a medley of herbs, it fills your home with an inviting aroma that will have everyone eagerly anticipating dinner. Serve it over pasta or rice for a comforting meal everyone will love.

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes (on low) / 3 hours 15 minutes (on high)
Servings: 4
Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving: Approximately 350
Protein: 25 grams
Carbohydrates: 8 grams
Fat: 20 grams
Fiber: 2 grams
Sugar: 3 grams
Sodium: 520 mg

Why Make This Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore

Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore is an excellent choice for several reasons. It requires minimal prep work and brings together fresh ingredients with a handful of spices to create a dish that’s bursting with flavor. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in tender chicken that practically falls off the bone. Not to mention, this dish is very adaptable; you can easily modify the ingredients based on what you have at home. It’s a classic meal that’s sure to please the whole family.

How to Make Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore

Ingredients:

4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
1 bell pepper (sliced)
1 onion (sliced)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Directions:

Step 1: Preparation

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown the chicken thighs on both sides to develop a rich color and flavor, then transfer them to the crockpot.

Step 2: Mixing

Add the sliced bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic to the crockpot, creating a flavorful base for the dish.

Step 3: Cooking

Pour in the diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Sprinkle the mixture with oregano, basil, salt, and pepper, making sure everything is well combined for maximum flavor.

Step 4: Finishing

Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender. Once finished, serve over pasta or rice and garnish with fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness.

How to Serve Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore

Serve your Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore over a bed of steaming pasta or fluffy rice. This dish pairs beautifully with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. A simple side salad featuring greens, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette complements the meal perfectly, offering a fresh contrast to the rich flavors of the chicken.

How to Store Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore

If you have leftovers, cool the chicken cacciatore completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.

Expert Tips for Perfect Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore

Don’t skip browning the chicken: Searing the chicken thighs adds depth to the flavor that enhances the entire dish.
Customize the veggies: Feel free to throw in other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or carrots based on your preference.
Adjust seasoning to taste: Tweak the herbs and spices to match your family’s liking. A touch of red pepper flakes can add heat if desired.
Use chicken breasts if preferred: You can substitute bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for skinless chicken breasts if you’re looking for a lighter option.

Delicious Variations

Mediterranean Style: Add Kalamata olives and capers for a Mediterranean twist.
Spicy Cacciatore: Include red pepper flakes or hot Italian sausage for a spicy kick.
Vegetarian Option: Switch out the chicken for hearty vegetables like eggplant and mushrooms, and use vegetable broth to create a plant-based version.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken thighs. Just ensure to cook them on high for 4-5 hours instead of low.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it the night before and refrigerate it before cooking. Just turn on the crockpot in the morning.
What can I use instead of chicken broth?
Vegetable broth or white wine can work as great substitutes for chicken broth.
How can I thicken the sauce?
To thicken the sauce, mix 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with cold water and stir it in for the last 30 minutes of cooking.
What should I serve with this dish?
It pairs well with pasta, rice, crusty bread, or a fresh green salad.

Conclusion

Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore is an effortless yet satisfying recipe that can be enjoyed any day of the week. With its succulent chicken, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic spices, it’s sure to become a family favorite. We hope you give it a try and enjoy the comforting flavors it brings to your table. Happy cooking!

Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore

Author: mia-harper
Total Time: 375 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: None

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Description

A rich and flavorful chicken cacciatore that simmers to perfection in your crockpot, ideal for busy weeknights and cozy weekends.

Ingredients

Scale

4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
1 bell pepper (sliced)
1 onion (sliced)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown the chicken thighs on both sides, then transfer them to the crockpot.
Add the sliced bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic to the crockpot.
Pour in the diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Sprinkle with oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender. Serve over pasta or rice and garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes

Don’t skip browning the chicken; it adds depth to the flavor. Customize vegetables and adjust seasonings to taste.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 360 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 520mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 70mg