If you’re craving a hearty, rustic Italian meal that practically cooks itself, you’re going to love this Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore Recipe. I absolutely adore how the slow cooker melds all those rich flavors together, making the chicken incredibly tender while allowing the vegetables and herbs to shine. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become your go-to comfort food for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Prep: Just throw in your ingredients and let the crockpot do all the work for hours.
- Rich, Homemade Flavor: Searing the chicken beforehand amps up the taste—I’ve never skipped this step.
- Versatile Meal: Serve it over pasta, rice, or even mashed potatoes for a satisfying dinner everyone loves.
- Perfect for Busy Days: Prep in minutes and come home to a delicious, warm meal waiting for you.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together to create that classic Italian comfort you want in a Chicken Cacciatore. Each one plays its part—from tender chicken to robust tomatoes and fragrant herbs. When buying, choose fresh veggies and quality canned tomatoes for the best results.
- Boneless & skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Thighs stay juicy and tender, but breasts work well if you prefer leaner meat.
- Olive oil: For searing the chicken and enhancing the flavor; don’t skip this step if you have time!
- Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth once slow-cooked.
- Red and green bell peppers: Give beautiful color and a subtle sweetness.
- Mushrooms: Earthy notes that soak up the tomato sauce wonderfully.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is a must for that signature cacciatore aroma.
- Crushed and diced tomatoes: Together they build a hearty sauce that’s not too chunky or too smooth.
- Chicken broth: Keeps the sauce just right—don’t skip it or your sauce might be too thick.
- Italian seasoning, dried basil, oregano: Classic herbs for that unmistakably Italian flavor.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Adds just a hint of spice if you like a little kick.
- Salt and pepper: Always season to taste throughout the process!
- Capers: They bring a sharp, briny punch that really brightens the dish.
- Fresh parsley and basil: For garnishing and adding fresh, herbaceous notes at the end.
Variations
I love how flexible this Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore Recipe is — you can easily tweak it to suit your taste or dietary needs without losing any of its charm. Feel free to make it your own and enjoy the process!
- Use chicken breasts: If you’re watching fat content, breasts work great, though thighs tend to stay juicier.
- Add olives: I sometimes toss in green or Kalamata olives for extra saltiness and texture.
- Mushroom-free: If mushrooms aren’t your thing, swapping them out for zucchini or eggplant is a fun twist.
- Spicy version: Double up on the red pepper flakes or add a splash of hot sauce for a fiery kick my family actually begs for!
How to Make Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Chicken for Extra Flavor
Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season your chicken with salt and pepper and sear it for 2–3 minutes per side until it’s golden brown. This step isn’t mandatory but trust me, it adds that beautiful depth of flavor you’ll notice the moment you taste it. I used to skip this step, but once I tried it, I never went back.
Step 2: Layer the Vegetables
Place the sliced onion, red and green bell peppers, mushrooms, and minced garlic evenly in the bottom of your slow cooker. These veggies create a flavorful base layer that slowly softens and absorbs the lovely tomato sauce.
Step 3: Add the Chicken and Pour the Sauce
Arrange your seared chicken on top of the vegetables. Then, in a bowl, mix together crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture over the chicken and veggies, making sure everything’s nicely covered.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover your slow cooker and set it to low for 6–7 hours, or if you’re in a rush, high for 3–4 hours. By the time it’s done, the chicken should be so tender that it practically falls apart. I love how the aromas fill my kitchen as it cooks — it’s pure comfort.
Step 5: Finish with Capers and Fresh Herbs
Once cooking is complete, stir in the capers for a punch of bright, salty flavor. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve garnished with fresh parsley and basil, which add a lovely fresh note that brightens the whole dish.
Pro Tips for Making Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore Recipe
- Don’t Skip Searing: Browning the chicken first builds a richer flavor base, making the whole dish taste like it simmered for hours longer.
- Layer Veggies Evenly: Spread veggies in one even layer to avoid sogginess and ensure they cook uniformly.
- Adjust Spice Gradually: Add red pepper flakes a little at a time—you can always add more later to suit your heat preference.
- Use Fresh Herbs at the End: Adding fresh parsley and basil right before serving keeps their flavors vibrant and fresh.
How to Serve Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore Recipe
Garnishes
I always finish this dish with freshly chopped parsley and basil. It adds a pop of color and freshness that perfectly balances the rich, slow-cooked sauce. If I’m feeling fancy, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan is a nice touch too.
Side Dishes
My favorite way to serve this is over al dente pasta – spaghetti or pappardelle are great choices. But it also pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes or even a bed of fluffy rice to soak up all that savory sauce. Roasted vegetables or a green salad make for perfect sides to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to serve Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore in rustic casserole dishes straight from the oven to the table — it feels cozy and inviting. Alternatively, plating it with a swirl of the sauce around the chicken topped with fresh herbs really elevates the presentation without extra work.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover Chicken Cacciatore in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so it tastes even better the next day — just make sure to let it cool to room temp first before refrigerating to keep everything fresh.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. I portion it into freezer-safe containers, making sure the chicken is fully cooled, and freeze it for up to 3 months. When you want an easy meal, just thaw overnight and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Reheating
I reheat leftovers on low heat in a covered skillet or saucepan with a splash of chicken broth to keep the sauce moist and the chicken tender. If using a microwave, cover loosely to retain moisture and stir halfway through reheating to warm evenly.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in this Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore Recipe?
Absolutely! While chicken thighs stay more tender and flavorful after slow cooking, boneless and skinless chicken breasts work fine too. Just be careful not to overcook them, as they can dry out faster. Sticking close to the recommended cooking times will help.
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Is it necessary to sear the chicken before adding it to the crockpot?
It’s optional but highly recommended. Searing the chicken first browns the outside and builds deeper flavor in the final dish. I’ve found it really elevates the taste, making the whole meal feel more homemade and satisfying.
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Can I make this Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore Recipe spicy?
Definitely! Adding extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce can give a nice subtle heat. I usually add some red pepper flakes and let everyone add more at the table if they want. It’s an easy way to customize the spice level.
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What are some good side dishes to serve with Chicken Cacciatore?
Pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice all pair perfectly to soak up the savory sauce. For veggies, roasted carrots, sautéed greens, or a crisp salad balance the meal nicely.
Final Thoughts
When I first tried this Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore Recipe, I immediately fell in love with how effortlessly it simmered into a deeply flavorful and comforting meal. It’s been a favorite in my kitchen ever since, especially for days when I want dinner ready without fuss. I encourage you to give it a try—you’ll enjoy the rich, tender chicken and vibrant sauce as much as my family does. It’s the kind of dish that just feels like a warm hug after a busy day.
Print
Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A comforting and flavorful Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore recipe that features tender chicken thighs simmered with fresh vegetables, tomatoes, and Italian herbs. This easy slow cooker dish is perfect for a hands-off dinner, delivering rich, savory flavors with minimal prep time.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless & skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetables
- 1 small yellow onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Tomato Sauce
- 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 and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons capers
Garnish
- Fresh parsley and basil for garnish
Instructions
- Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then sear it for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. This step is optional but adds extra flavor.
- Prepare Vegetables in Slow Cooker: Add sliced onion, bell peppers, mushrooms, and minced garlic to the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Layer the Chicken: Place the seared (or raw if skipped searing) chicken on top of the vegetables in the slow cooker.
- Mix Tomato Sauce: In a large bowl, combine crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, dried basil, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir well to blend the flavors.
- Pour Sauce Over Chicken: Pour the tomato mixture evenly over the chicken and vegetables in the slow cooker.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easy to pull apart.
- Add Capers and Season: Stir in the capers, then taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve: Serve the chicken and sauce over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. Garnish with fresh parsley and basil before serving.
Notes
- Searing the chicken is optional but highly recommended for added depth of flavor.
- Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful results; chicken breasts work well too for a leaner dish.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level or omit for mild flavor.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and freeze nicely for up to 2 months.
- For a thicker sauce, remove the lid of the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/6 of the recipe)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
