Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore – This easy comforting, flavorful dish perfect for any night of the week. With tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a rich tomato-based sauce, it’s an effortless way to enjoy a classic Italian favorite.
What is Chicken Cacciatore?
“Cacciatore” means “hunter” in Italian, and this rustic dish is a nod to hearty, simple meals prepared by hunters using ingredients readily available—usually chicken, tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, and herbs. Cooking this dish in a crockpot takes the traditional method to the next level, ensuring tender, juicy chicken and a rich, melded sauce.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore
- Brown the Chicken First (Optional): While not essential, searing the chicken in a hot skillet before adding it to the crockpot enhances the flavor by creating a caramelized crust.
- Use Bone-In Chicken: Bone-in, skinless thighs or drumsticks offer the best flavor and remain tender during the slow cooking process.
- Layer Ingredients Strategically: Place vegetables like onions and peppers at the bottom of the crockpot, then layer chicken on top. This ensures even cooking and prevents soggy vegetables.
- Season Generously: Don’t skimp on salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. The long cooking time can mellow out flavors, so seasoning well ensures a robust final dish.
- Low and Slow is Best: Cooking on low heat for 6–8 hours allows the flavors to fully develop.
Recipe Variations for Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore
- Protein Swaps:
- Replace chicken with turkey thighs or even pork chops for a unique twist.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with portobello mushrooms or eggplant slices.
- Add More Veggies:
- Include zucchini, mushrooms, or even olives for extra depth and variety.
- Make it Spicy:
- Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or diced chili for a spicy kick.
- Wine and Dine:
- Deglaze your pan with a splash of dry red wine or white wine for added richness before adding the ingredients to the crockpot.
How to Serve Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore
- Over Pasta: A bed of al dente spaghetti or penne is a classic pairing.
- With Rice or Polenta: Spoon the cacciatore over creamy polenta or fluffy white rice for a hearty meal.
- Crusty Bread: Serve with thick slices of crusty bread to mop up every last drop of the flavorful sauce.
- Low-Carb Option: Pair with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly meal.
How to Store and Reheat Chicken Cacciatore
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge.
- Freezing: This dish freezes beautifully! Portion leftovers into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm in a saucepan over medium heat or microwave until heated through. If frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Recipe FAQs
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs? Yes, but be aware that chicken breasts can dry out more easily in the slow cooker. Opt for skinless, boneless thighs for juicier results.
2. Do I need to cook the vegetables first? Not necessary! The crockpot will soften the vegetables beautifully over the cooking period.
3. What kind of tomatoes should I use? Canned crushed tomatoes or diced tomatoes work best. You can also use fresh tomatoes, but you’ll need to peel and chop them.
4. Can I skip the wine? Absolutely. Substitute the wine with chicken broth or even water with a splash of balsamic vinegar for depth.
5. Can I make this in an Instant Pot? Yes! Use the sauté function to brown the chicken and soften the vegetables, then cook on high pressure for 10–12 minutes with a quick release.
Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore
Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore - This easy comforting, flavorful dish perfect for any night of the week. With tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a rich tomato-based sauce, it’s an effortless way to enjoy a classic Italian favorite.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, or to taste
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 carrot, peeled and diced
- 1 cup diced onion
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- ½ cup dry white wine, like sauvignon blanc
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 8 chicken thighs (bone-in), skin removed
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, quartered
- 2 tablespoons chopped Italian parsley
- 28 ounce can San Marzano crushed tomatoes, or other high quality tomato
- 8 ounces cooked pasta or 2 cups cooked rice, for serving
- shredded Parmesan cheese, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the carrot, onion, and garlic for 4–5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in tomato paste, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1–2 minutes to toast the spices.
- Add the wine to the skillet, bringing it to a simmer. Let it cook for a minute.
- Place the chicken thighs in your crockpot. Spoon the skillet mixture over the chicken, then pour in the crushed tomatoes.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours, until the chicken is tender.
- Stir in mushrooms and parsley. Cook for another 30–60 minutes on LOW until the mushrooms are softened.
- Serve over cooked pasta or rice, garnished with Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 991Total Fat 45gSaturated Fat 12gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 32gCholesterol 334mgSodium 998mgCarbohydrates 69gFiber 8gSugar 15gProtein 73g
All Chicken Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore is the ultimate blend of convenience and flavor. With minimal prep and maximum taste, it’s a dish that fits seamlessly into busy weeknights or leisurely family dinners. The aroma of simmering tomatoes, garlic, and herbs will have everyone at the table before you even call them.
Try these other chicken recipes: