Slow cooker chicken cacciatore is my secret weapon when life gets a little too wild. Last week, with school pickups running late and a hungry crew eyeing the clock, I needed a dinner plan that didn’t involve juggling five frying pans. That’s when the magic of this dish really shines—just a few minutes of prep, and suddenly the house starts smelling like you’ve been simmering all day.
Also, there’s something so comforting about knowing your meal is bubbling away in the background while you tackle the chaos. I’ll be honest, sometimes I toss in the ingredients with a prayer that I remembered everything (oops, forgot the parsley once—still delicious!). So, whether it’s a chilly fall night or a random Tuesday in June, slow cooker chicken cacciatore always brings a little calm to the dinner rush.
Personal Anecdote
First, let me tell you, my relationship with slow cooker chicken cacciatore started out of pure desperation. One snowy evening, I realized I’d forgotten to defrost anything for dinner. The fridge was a puzzle—some chicken thighs, a lonely bell pepper, and a can of tomatoes. So, I tossed everything into my crockpot (after a quick Google to double-check I wasn’t making some wild flavor mistake). Hours later, the aroma pulled everyone to the kitchen like moths to a lamp. Even my picky eater asked if I’d ordered takeout!
Then, after that first success, I started playing with the recipe. Sometimes I swap in different veggies, or I serve it over polenta when I’m feeling fancy. Honestly, it’s become a go-to for those “please let dinner cook itself” nights. And if you’re looking for other family-friendly chicken ideas, I highly recommend checking out this Best Easy Chicken Piccata Meatballs Family Approved Dinner Recipe—another dinner lifesaver in my book.
Why This Recipe is Special
So, what makes slow cooker chicken cacciatore such a winner? For starters, it’s the perfect dinner when you want something hearty but don’t have time to hover over the stove. Also, it’s super forgiving—forgot the broth? No biggie. Only have one pepper? Still fantastic. This flexibility means you can whip it up even when the pantry’s looking sparse. Finally, it’s a dish that works for cozy family dinners or even a casual get-together. If you’re planning a dinner that needs to impress with minimal fuss, this recipe delivers every time. Oh, and if you love easy, cozy dinners as much as I do, you’ll want to peek at this Best Easy Mississippi Chicken Recipe For A Cozy Family Dinner for your next meal plan!
Ingredients breakdown
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken thighs | 4 |
| Diced tomatoes, with juice | 1 can (14 oz) |
| Bell pepper, sliced | 1 |
| Onion, sliced | 1 |
| Garlic, minced | 3 cloves |
| Dried oregano | 1 tsp |
| Dried basil | 1 tsp |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
| Vegetable broth (optional) | 1/2 cup |
| Fresh parsley, for garnish | |
| Cooked pasta or polenta, for serving |
Utensils and substitutions
First, you’ll need a slow cooker or crockpot for this slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe. I always reach for my trusty wooden spoon for stirring and a sharp knife to slice the veggies. If you don’t have chicken thighs, you can swap in chicken breasts, but keep an eye on the cooking time so they don’t dry out.
Sometimes, I use whatever color bell pepper I have on hand, and it still turns out delicious. If you’re out of vegetable broth, water works fine, though the broth adds a nice depth. For serving, pasta is classic, but polenta gives a cozy, rustic twist. If you love easy family-friendly recipes, you might also enjoy my Best Creamy Ranch Chicken Dinner Easy Kid Friendly Family Approved or this Best Easy Chicken Burrito Bowl For A Healthy Family Dinner for another night.
Also, it’s always smart to check the safety of your ingredients and slow cooker. For more tips on food safety at home, the FoodSafety.gov website is packed with helpful advice. Finally, don’t forget a ladle for serving—trust me, you’ll want every drop of that tomatoey sauce!
Step-by-step method for a slow cooker chicken cacciatore
Step 1
First, place the boneless, skinless chicken thighs in your slow cooker. Then, add the diced tomatoes with their juice, sliced bell pepper, sliced onion, and minced garlic. Sprinkle in the dried oregano and basil, along with salt and pepper to taste. If you want a bit more sauce, pour in the vegetable broth.
Step 2
Next, stir everything gently but thoroughly to combine all the flavors well. Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. This slow cooking process makes the chicken tender and infuses it with the rich, comforting flavors of the sauce.
Step 3
Finally, serve the slow cooker chicken cacciatore over a bed of cooked pasta or creamy polenta. Garnish with fresh parsley to add a touch of color and freshness. This meal works perfectly for a cozy dinner that the whole family will enjoy.
Tips and tricks to make this Dinner recipe shine
Also, using a crockpot for this slow cooker chicken cacciatore lets you come home to a delicious, ready-to-eat meal. For a richer flavor, try adding extra garlic or a pinch of red pepper flakes. Moreover, don’t hesitate to experiment with different vegetables if you like more variety. If you want more hearty dinner ideas, check out the Best Cozy Merry Me Chicken Pasta For A Hearty Family Dinner or the Easy Dump Go Marry Me Chicken Best 5 Star Dinner Recipe. Both recipes share that comforting, home-cooked feel that makes dinner time special.
What to serve with this Dinner recipe
Slow cooker chicken cacciatore pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. First, try serving it over a bed of creamy polenta or your favorite pasta to soak up that rich tomato sauce. Also, a simple green salad or steamed vegetables add a fresh contrast to the hearty flavors.
For more delicious chicken dinner ideas, check out our Best Easy Mediterranean Chicken Piccata For A Healthy Dinner Tonight and Easy Lemon Spinach Parmesan Chicken Healthy Dinner Recipe Youll Love. Both recipes complement the comforting vibe of this slow cooker meal.
How to store and reheat
After enjoying your slow cooker chicken cacciatore, store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Also, this dish freezes well for up to 2 months, perfect for busy weeknights.
When reheating, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat or microwave in short bursts to maintain moisture. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating and avoid drying out the chicken.
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken in the slow cooker?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it will increase the cooking time. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
Is it possible to make this recipe without a crockpot?
Absolutely! You can cook chicken cacciatore on the stovetop or in the oven. Just simmer the ingredients in a covered pan until the chicken is tender.
What can I substitute for mushrooms?
If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, try adding bell peppers or zucchini for extra texture and flavor.
Can I add extra vegetables to the recipe?
Definitely! Ingredients like olives, carrots, or artichoke hearts can enhance the dish and add more nutrients.
Print
slow cooker chicken cacciatore
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes (low) or 3 hours 10 minutes (high)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Mediterranean Diet Recipes
Description
A comforting and flavorful slow cooker chicken cacciatore made with tender chicken thighs, tomatoes, bell pepper, and aromatic herbs. Served over pasta or polenta, this dish is perfect for an easy Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
1 bell pepper, sliced
1 onion, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 cup vegetable broth (optional)
Fresh parsley, for garnish
Cooked pasta or polenta, for serving
Instructions
1. Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker. Add the diced tomatoes with their juice, bell pepper, onion, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and vegetable broth if using.
2. Stir everything together to combine well.
3. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is tender.
4. Serve over cooked pasta or polenta and garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
Use bone-in chicken thighs for extra flavor.
Vegetable broth can be replaced with chicken broth if preferred.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently to maintain moistness.
Add sliced mushrooms for additional texture and taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 7 hours (low) or 3 to 4 hours (high)
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 430 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
Thanks for spending time with me in the kitchen today! Slow cooker chicken cacciatore is such a comforting, flavorful meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, and that it brings smiles around your dinner table.
Don’t forget to explore other tasty dinner options like our Mediterranean Chicken Piccata or the Lemon Spinach Parmesan Chicken. And if you love collecting recipe ideas, be sure to follow us on Pinterest for even more inspiration!