If you’re craving something hearty and comforting but want to keep things easy, this Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Recipe is absolutely where it’s at. It’s one of those dishes I love cooking on a busy day because you just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic. When I first tried this recipe, I was blown away by how tender and flavorful the chicken became—plus the rich, savory tomato sauce makes it feel fancy without any fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Set It and Forget It: Just prep, add to the slow cooker, and come back to an amazing meal.
- Deep, Slow-Cooked Flavor: The long cooking time means the tomatoes, herbs, and chicken develop beautiful and rich flavors.
- Family Favorite: My family pretty much goes crazy every time this hits the dinner table, and I’m sure yours will too.
- Versatile Serving Options: It pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or even mashed potatoes, so you can mix it up when you want.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients in this Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Recipe all come together beautifully to give you a tomatoey, herbaceous sauce and tender chicken that melts in your mouth. Shopping tips? Look for good quality canned tomatoes and fresh herbs for the best flavor.
- Boneless & skinless chicken thighs or breasts: I prefer thighs for juiciness, but breasts work well if you want leaner meat.
- Olive oil: Just a touch for searing the chicken; it adds flavor and texture.
- Yellow onion: Brings sweetness and depth when it cooks down slowly.
- Red and green bell peppers: They add color and a mild crunch that complements the sauce.
- Mushrooms: I like cremini or button mushrooms for their earthiness that balances the tomato.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic makes a huge difference here.
- Crushed tomatoes: The base of that rich sauce everyone will love.
- Diced tomatoes (drained): Adds texture without making the sauce too watery.
- Chicken broth: Keeps the sauce flavorful and moist.
- Italian seasoning, dried basil, dried oregano: Classic herbs that make this a true cacciatore.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): I usually add these for just a tiny kick, but skip if you’re serving kids.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, of course!
- Capers: I discovered they add a wonderful tangy pop that brightens the dish.
- Fresh parsley and basil: For garnish and fresh herb flavor at the end.
Variations
One of my favorite things about this Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you want it dairy-free, spicier, or loaded with more veggies, it’s super forgiving and flexible.
- Use chicken breasts: If you want a leaner option, breasts work great—just watch the cooking time so they don’t dry out.
- Add olives: I sometimes toss in Kalamata olives for a salty punch that pairs beautifully with the capers.
- Make it vegetarian: Skip the chicken and add extra mushrooms, zucchini, and eggplant for a hearty veggie version.
- Spice it up: Add extra red pepper flakes or a diced chili pepper if you like it hotter.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Chicken for Extra Flavor
Heat the olive oil over medium-high in a skillet. Season your chicken lightly with salt and pepper, then sear it for about 2-3 minutes per side until it’s golden brown. I always skip this step when I’m in a hurry, but honestly, that little bit of browning adds such a lovely depth that’s worth the extra few minutes.
Step 2: Layer Your Veggies
Toss the sliced onion, red and green bell peppers, mushrooms, and minced garlic into the slow cooker first. This creates a flavorful bed for the chicken to sit on and lets the veggies soak up that delicious tomato sauce all day long.
Step 3: Add the Chicken on Top
Place the seared chicken pieces right on top of your veggies. This layering helps the flavors meld while the chicken stays tender and juicy.
Step 4: Mix and Pour Your Sauce
In a bowl, combine the crushed tomatoes, drained diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and all your herbs and spices—Italian seasoning, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir it up until blended, then pour this beautiful sauce over the chicken and veggies.
Step 5: Let It Cook Low and Slow
Cover your slow cooker and set it on low for 6 to 7 hours, or high for 3 to 4 hours if you’re short on time. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is tender enough to easily pull apart with a fork—which is my absolute favorite part!
Step 6: Stir in Capers and Adjust Seasoning
Once cooking is finished, stir in the capers for a bright, salty burst. Then taste and add more salt or pepper if you think it needs it. The capers truly lift this dish, so I don’t skip them.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Serve your slow cooker chicken cacciatore over your favorite carbs—pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes all soak up the sauce wonderfully. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and basil for that perfect finishing touch.
Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Recipe
- Sear for Superior Flavor: Don’t skip browning the chicken if you can—it’s a small step that adds up big in flavor complexity.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Make sure the chicken pieces aren’t stacked too tightly so the heat circulates evenly and cooks everything well.
- Use Fresh Herbs For Garnish: Even if you use dried herbs in the sauce, fresh parsley and basil at the end breathe life into the dish.
- Taste Before Serving: Always taste after adding capers and adjust salt and pepper—sometimes that little tang shifts the whole flavor balance.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping this chicken cacciatore with fresh parsley and basil—they add a lovely pop of color and fresh herbal notes right before serving. Sometimes I throw on a little parmesan too if we’re feeling indulgent.
Side Dishes
My go-to sides are creamy mashed potatoes or simple pasta tossed with butter or olive oil so they don’t compete with the rich sauce. Steamed green beans or a crisp salad are nice to balance the plate with some freshness and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, I sometimes serve this in individual casserole bowls with a sprinkle of mozzarella or provolone cheese melted on top under the broiler for a couple of minutes. It’s a cozy presentation that feels extra comforting and impressive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and usually eat them within 3-4 days. The flavors actually deepen after sitting, so you’ll find leftovers even more delicious—if there are any left!
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Just cool it completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. It’s perfect for meal prep or busy weeknight dinners when you want a quick heat-and-eat meal.
Reheating
I like to reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to keep the chicken tender and sauce smooth. If you’re in a hurry, zap individual servings in the microwave for a minute or two, then stir and heat some more if needed.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen chicken for this Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but I recommend thawing it first if you have time. Cooking from frozen might increase the cooking time and can sometimes cause uneven cooking in a slow cooker, so thawing ensures the best results.
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Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot instead of a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Use the sauté function to sear the chicken, then add all ingredients, seal the lid, and cook on high pressure for about 15 minutes. Don’t forget to let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before quick releasing the rest for best texture.
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What can I substitute for capers if I don’t have any?
If you don’t have capers, you can substitute with chopped green olives or a splash of lemon juice to add that tangy, briny flavor that capers provide. Each option will give a slightly different twist but still enhance the dish wonderfully.
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Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! It’s fantastic for meal prep because it stores well, freezes nicely, and tastes even better the next day. Portion it into containers with your favorite sides and you’ve got ready-to-go lunches or dinners.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Recipe is one of my absolute favorites for busy nights when I still want something cozy and satisfying on the table. It feels like a special dinner but without the stress, and I love how the slow cooker helps bring out those rich, vibrant flavors every single time. I hope you give it a try—you really can’t go wrong with this one. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll go back to again and again, trust me.
Print
Slow Cooker 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
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore is a comforting Italian classic made easy with tender chicken thighs cooked low and slow in a rich tomato sauce loaded with bell peppers, mushrooms, and aromatic herbs. Perfect for a hands-off meal that fills your home with irresistible aromas and delivers a hearty, flavorful dish ideal served over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
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
Finishing Touches
- 2 tablespoons capers
- 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 for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. This step is optional but adds great flavor.
- Prepare the slow cooker base: Add the sliced onion, red and green bell peppers, mushrooms, and minced garlic to the bottom of your slow cooker, creating a flavorful vegetable bed.
- Layer the chicken: Place the seared or raw chicken thighs or breasts evenly on top of the vegetables in the slow cooker.
- Mix the tomato sauce: In a large bowl, combine crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir well to blend all ingredients thoroughly.
- Combine and cook: Pour the tomato sauce mixture evenly over the chicken and vegetables in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours until the chicken is tender and easily pulls apart.
- Finish with capers and seasoning: Stir in the capers, then taste and adjust the salt and pepper if needed to balance flavors.
- Serve: Serve the chicken and rich tomato sauce over cooked pasta, rice, or creamy mashed potatoes. Garnish generously with fresh parsley and basil for a pop of color and fresh herb flavor.
Notes
- Searing the chicken before slow cooking is optional but enhances flavor and texture.
- Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful results; breasts work as a leaner substitute.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control the spice level, or omit for milder flavor.
- This dish pairs beautifully with any pasta shape, polenta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/6th of recipe)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
