Easiest Ever Crock Pot Chicken Cacciatore
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction: Easiest Ever Crock Pot Chicken Cacciatore
Fancy a taste of Italy without the fuss? Ever wondered if you could have Chicken Cacciatore Recipes ready with minimal effort? Then, grab your slow cooker, because we're making magic! This crock pot chicken cacciatore is your ticket to a flavour packed, hearty meal that practically cooks itself.
It's all about that rich tomato sauce hugging tender chicken.
Why This Recipe Rocks
This dish has roots in Italian peasant cooking. Cacciatore means hunter, and this Chicken Stew In Crockpot style dish reflects the rustic, resourceful nature of Italian cuisine.
This recipe is dead easy. Prep takes about 20 minutes, and then the slow cooker does the rest. You get 6 generous servings.
Perfect for a family dinner or meal prep.
The Perks of Cacciatore
Healthy Crock Pot Chicken Recipes often focus on simplicity and whole ingredients. This version is no exception. Packed with veggies and lean protein, it's a nutritious and satisfying meal.
And honestly? It's the ultimate comfort food. Imagine coming home to the aroma of simmering tomatoes and herbs after a long day.
This easy crock pot chicken dinner turns any weeknight into a special occasion! What's more? It's a breeze to clean up since it's essentially a one-pot chicken cacciatore .
Let's Talk Ingredients
To get started, you'll need about 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. Why thighs? They stay juicy in the slow cooker.
You'll also need a large onion, bell peppers (red and yellow for extra color), cremini mushrooms, and garlic. Of course, you'll need crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, chicken broth, and some dried oregano.
A splash of dry red wine adds depth, but it's totally optional. And don't forget parsley for garnish. I sometimes add a pinch of red pepper flakes because I like a bit of a kick.
The beauty of this recipe is that it's very forgiving. Want to throw in some olives or capers? Go for it!
Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Crock Pot Chicken Cacciatore
Fancy a comforting Italian dish with minimal effort? Our crock pot chicken cacciatore recipe is your answer. It’s honestly one of the easiest ways to get a flavourful, hearty meal on the table without slaving away.
Let's talk about what you need.
Main Ingredients
First, the stars of the show. We’re using chicken thighs for the ultimate flavour.
- Chicken Thighs: 6 bone-in, skin-on (about 2.5 lbs/1.1kg ). Quality is key here. Look for plump thighs with good colour. Free range are the best, if possible.
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (15ml) . Extra virgin adds more flavour, but regular works too.
Then comes the delicious sauce:
- Onion: 1 large, chopped (approx. 1 cup/150g ). Any kind will do, but yellow onions are a classic.
- Bell Peppers: 2 (1 red, 1 yellow), chopped (approx. 2 cups/300g total). They add sweetness and colour.
- Cremini Mushrooms: 8 ounces/225g , sliced. Adds a delicious earthy flavor.
- Garlic: 4 cloves , minced (approx. 2 teaspoons/10g ). Use fresh for the best aroma!
- Crushed Tomatoes: 1 (28 ounce/794g) can .
- Tomato Sauce: 1 (15 ounce/425g) can .
- Dry Red Wine: ½ cup (120ml) . Totally optional, but adds a lovely depth. I usually use a cheap Merlot.
- Chicken Broth: ¼ cup (60ml) .
- Tomato Paste: 1 tablespoon (15g) .
- Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon (5g) .
- Red Pepper Flakes: ½ teaspoon (2.5g) . Optional, if you want a little kick.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped, for garnish.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon (5g)
- Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon (2.5g)
- Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon (5g)
- Garlic Powder: ½ teaspoon (2.5g)
Seasoning Notes: Aromatic Heaven
This is where the magic happens. Don't skip these!
Italian seasoning, oregano, garlic, and red pepper flakes are essential. Honestly, that blend is pure Italian gold. Feel free to add a bay leaf for extra depth, but remember to remove it before serving.
For a richer flavour, a splash of balsamic vinegar can enhance the tomato base. If you don't have Italian seasoning, mix dried basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme.
Equipment Needed
Keep it simple. Here's what you actually need .
- 6-quart or larger slow cooker (Crock Pot) . It's the MVP.
- Large skillet. For browning the chicken and sautéing the veggies.
- Knife and cutting board. Standard fare, of course.
Don't have a skillet? A large pot will work. No slow cooker? You can adapt this to the oven, but the beauty of this recipe is the hands off cooking.
This slow cooker cacciatore recipe is about ease and flavour. Gather your ingredients, prep your equipment, and get ready for a delicious meal that practically makes itself! For a healthy crock pot chicken recipe this is the way to go.
Plus, with these tips, it is really easy crock pot chicken dinner .
Easiest Ever Crock Pot Chicken Cacciatore (Proper Comfort Food!)
Fancy a proper, hearty meal that practically cooks itself? This Crock Pot Chicken Cacciatore recipe is a winner. It is the definition of set-it-and-forget-it cooking and will leave your kitchen smelling divine.
I always think about the Chicken Cacciatore Recipes when I have friends to host. You know, it's the kind of dish that tastes like you spent all day slaving over a stove, but really, the crock pot does all the hard work.
Prep Steps: Get Your Mise en Place On
Right, first things first: Let's get organised, yeah? -Get your chicken thighs (about 2.5 lbs ) seasoned with 1 tsp salt, 0.
5 tsp pepper, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, and 0.5 tsp garlic powder . -Chop 1 large onion, 2 bell peppers (red and yellow), and slice 8 ounces of cremini mushrooms.
Mince 4 cloves of garlic .
Time Saving Tip: Chop all your veg the night before. That way, you can just chuck it all in when you're ready.
step-by-step to Slow Cooker Cacciatore Bliss
- Brown the Chicken: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Brown the chicken on both sides for about 3- 4 minutes per side. This step locks in the flavour, trust me.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, sauté the onion and bell peppers until soft. Add mushrooms and garlic. Cook for a few more minutes.
- Build the Sauce: Transfer the sautéed veg to the slow cooker . Pour in 1 (28 oz) can of crushed tomatoes, 1 (15 oz) can of tomato sauce, 0.5 cup red wine (optional), 0.25 cup chicken broth, 1 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp oregano, and 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes (optional) .
- Combine & Cook: Nestle the browned chicken thighs into the sauce.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6- 8 hours or on HIGH for 3- 4 hours . Make sure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165° F . This is the perfect Easy Crockpot Chicken Dinner .
Pro Tips for Chicken Stew In Crockpot Perfection
- Don't skip browning the chicken! It makes a world of difference. This is a crucial step to get that deep flavour that makes all the difference.
- make-ahead option: You can sauté the vegetables and brown the chicken the day before and store them in the fridge. Then, just dump everything into the slow cooker in the morning.
Common mistake to avoid: Don't open the lid too often. You'll lose heat and moisture. Then, you can enjoy the delicious Slow Cooker Italian Chicken Thighs .
Honestly, this Crock Pot Chicken Cacciatore is proper lush, and it’s one of my go-to Healthy Crock Pot Chicken Recipes .
So, give it a whirl, and let me know what you think!
Recipe Notes: Tweak It 'Til You Make It!
Right, so you’re about to dive into making crock pot chicken cacciatore , yeah? Ace choice, mate! Before you get going, let's chat about a few bits and bobs that can make your life easier and the whole shebang even tastier.
What's For Dinner? Serving Suggestions
Alright, presentation time! I reckon this chicken stew in crockpot looks amazing piled high on a bed of pasta. Think spaghetti, penne, or even rigatoni.
Proper Italian style, innit? Or, if you’re feeling fancy, creamy polenta works a treat. Fancy a side? Crusty bread is essential for soaking up all that lush sauce.
Maybe a nice ciabatta? Garnish with a sprig of parsley to be super extra. And don’t forget a decent glass of red wine.
After all, we are cooking slow cooker mediterranean chicken .
Storing the Goods: Storage Tips
Now, leftovers. Because let's be honest, there will be leftovers. Unless you have a family of ravenous wolves, yeah? The chicken cacciatore recipes keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Just pop it in an airtight container. Want to freeze it? Absolutely! It will happily sit in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Make sure to thaw it completely before reheating it in a pan or the microwave. Reheat until piping hot, temperature 165° F / 74° C .
Mix It Up: Variations
Feeling adventurous? You can totally tweak this recipe to suit your needs. Want a bit of a kick? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Sorted! For a veggie version, swap out the chicken for cubed eggplant. Boom! Or firm tofu works too. If you don't have a bell pepper in your fridge, use a zucchini.
The best healthy crock pot chicken recipes are the ones you can adapt!
All That Good Stuff: Nutrition Basics
Okay, so let's talk a bit about what you’re getting from this easy crockpot chicken dinner . Each serving of this crock pot chicken with tomatoes has a whack of protein, essential for keeping you going.
Plus, you've got your vitamins from the tomatoes, peppers, and all those lovely herbs. It's a proper balanced meal. Remember, I'm only giving estimates, innit? I'm not a dietician, so get the real information from a pro!
Honestly, making slow cooker Italian chicken thighs is dead easy. Don't be scared to experiment and make it your own. You got this! Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs for crock pot chicken cacciatore?
While you can use chicken breasts, keep in mind that they tend to dry out more easily in the slow cooker than chicken thighs. If you opt for breasts, reduce the cooking time and keep a close eye on them.
Bone-in, skin-on thighs give a far richer flavour and stay much juicier, making them ideal for this sort of slow cooked recipe. Think of it like choosing between a Sunday roast chicken (thighs all the way!) or a quick chicken salad sandwich (breasts!).
My crock pot chicken cacciatore sauce is too thin. How do I thicken it?
No worries, this is a common fix! The easiest way is to mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to make a slurry. Stir this into the slow cooker during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking on high until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
Alternatively, you can simmer the sauce on the stovetop after it's finished in the slow cooker to reduce and thicken it naturally. Just keep an eye on it like you would your favourite cuppa!
How long can I store leftover crock pot chicken cacciatore?
Leftover chicken cacciatore can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. It's also great for freezing! Store it in a freezer safe container for up to 2-3 months. Just be sure to let it cool completely before refrigerating or freezing, similar to storing leftovers from a Sunday roast.
Is there a vegetarian version of chicken cacciatore I can make in the crock pot?
Absolutely! You can easily adapt this recipe for a vegetarian version. Simply substitute the chicken with cubed eggplant, firm tofu, or even hearty chunks of butternut squash. The rest of the recipe remains the same, allowing all those lovely Italian flavours to infuse the vegetables.
It's a great way to have a 'Meat Free Monday' with all the flavour and comfort of the original!
Can I add other vegetables to my crock pot chicken cacciatore?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with different vegetables to tailor the dish to your taste. Good additions include carrots, zucchini, or even a handful of spinach stirred in during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Just remember to chop them into similar sizes so they cook evenly.
It’s like adding extra veg to your favourite shepherd's pie the more the merrier!
Easiest Ever Crock Pot Chicken Cacciatore
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 3g |