Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore is a classic Italian dish that is perfect for a comforting and hearty meal. This recipe takes all the traditional flavors of Chicken Cacciatore and simplifies the cooking process by using a slow cooker. The result is tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and a rich tomato sauce that is perfect for serving over pasta or rice. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a delicious meal without a lot of fuss.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 1/2 cup dry red wine (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Cooked pasta or rice, for serving
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook until browned on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer the chicken to the slow cooker.
- In the same skillet, add the onion, bell peppers, and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes. Add the dried oregano, basil, thyme, and red pepper flakes and cook for another minute.
- Transfer the vegetable mixture to the slow cooker. Add the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and red wine (if using) to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Serve the chicken cacciatore over cooked pasta or rice, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.
About the Main Ingredients:
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are used in this recipe for convenience. They become tender and flavorful after cooking in the slow cooker.
- Bell Peppers: Red and yellow bell peppers add sweetness and color to the dish. They are thinly sliced so that they cook evenly in the slow cooker.
- Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes and tomato paste are used to create the rich tomato sauce. The acidity of the tomatoes helps to tenderize the chicken as it cooks.
- Herbs and Spices: Dried oregano, basil, thyme, and red pepper flakes add depth and flavor to the sauce. Fresh parsley is added at the end for a burst of freshness.
- Wine (optional): Dry red wine adds richness and depth of flavor to the sauce. If you prefer not to use wine, you can omit it and add a splash of balsamic vinegar for acidity instead.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore over cooked pasta or rice, garnished with chopped fresh parsley. The tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and rich tomato sauce make this dish a hearty and satisfying meal. Enjoy!
Tips for Making Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore:
- For added depth of flavor, you can brown the chicken and vegetables before adding them to the slow cooker. This step is optional but can enhance the overall taste of the dish.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of water and stir it into the sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. The slow cooker does all the work for you, so you can enjoy a flavorful meal with minimal effort. Serve this dish to your family and friends and watch as it becomes a new favorite!
