Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
A classic Italian dish where chicken is slow-cooked in a rich tomato sauce with bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and aromatic herbs, resulting in tender, flavorful meat that's perfect over pasta or with crusty bread.
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
- Skillet
- Knife
- Cutting Board
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs bone-in chicken thighs, skin removed
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium green bell pepper, sliced
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes optional, for heat
- to taste Salt and black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For Serving
- as needed Cooked pasta, rice, or polenta
- as needed Grated Parmesan cheese optional
- as needed Chopped fresh parsley optional
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken thighs with salt and black pepper, then sear them in the skillet until browned on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer the chicken to the slow cooker.
- In the same skillet, add sliced onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Sauté for 5 minutes until they begin to soften. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Transfer the vegetables to the slow cooker.
- Pour crushed tomatoes over the chicken and vegetables in the slow cooker. Sprinkle dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using) over the top. Gently stir to combine all ingredients.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Before serving, taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt and black pepper if necessary. Serve the chicken cacciatore over cooked pasta, rice, or polenta, and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
For a richer flavor, you can add a handful of pitted black olives or capers to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.