Crock Pot Chicken Cacciatore

This Crock Pot Chicken Cacciatore is a hearty and flavorful recipe, which includes boneless chicken thighs and crushed tomatoes. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner, ready in about 6 hours and 15 minutes.

Crock Pot Chicken Cacciatore Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil plus 2 teaspoons, divided
• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar plus ½ teaspoon, divided
• 1 can crushed tomatoes (28 ounces)
• 1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
• 8 ounces sliced baby bella (cremini) mushrooms
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning

FOR SERVING:

• Whole wheat pasta, brown rice, polenta, rice, zucchini noodles, or baked and shredded spaghetti squash
• Chopped fresh parsley, freshly grated Parmesan cheese

How To Make Crock Pot Chicken Cacciatore

1. Sear the chicken: Lightly coat a large slow cooker with nonstick spray. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then sear for 3-4 minutes per side until browned. Transfer to the slow cooker.
2. Cook the aromatics: Reduce skillet heat to medium and wipe it out with a paper towel. Add 2 teaspoons olive oil. Once hot, add onion and cook until soft, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, cooking until fragrant. Transfer to slow cooker.
3. Add the vegetables and seasonings: Top the chicken with crushed tomatoes, green bell pepper, mushrooms, and Italian seasoning.
4. Slow cook:
   • For chicken breasts: Cook on HIGH for 1½ to 2½ hours or LOW for 4 to 5 hours.
   • For chicken thighs: Cook on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours or LOW for 5 to 6 hours.
     Remove chicken once it reaches 165°F. Shred or chop if desired.
5. Thicken the sauce (optional): Uncover the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 1 hour to let the sauce thicken. Stir in the remaining ½ teaspoon balsamic vinegar. Season with additional salt/pepper to taste. Return chicken to sauce if shredded.
6. Serve: Serve hot over your choice of pasta, rice, or veggie noodles. Garnish with fresh parsley and Parmesan.

Recipe Tips

• Can I use frozen chicken in the crock pot?
  It’s best to use thawed chicken to ensure even cooking and food safety.
• How to thicken the sauce:
  Let the sauce cook uncovered on HIGH for an extra hour for a richer, thicker texture.
• What vegetables can I add?
  Try adding carrots, zucchini, or spinach during the last hour of cooking.
• Can I skip the searing step?
  Yes, but searing adds extra flavor and helps lock in moisture.
• How spicy is this dish?
  It’s mild, but you can add red pepper flakes for heat.

What To Serve With Chicken Cacciatore

This slow cooker chicken cacciatore pairs well with a variety of sides:

• Whole wheat spaghetti or penne pasta
• Creamy polenta
• Steamed brown rice
• Roasted or spiralized zucchini noodles
• Garlic bread or crusty sourdough

How To Store Chicken Cacciatore

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freeze: Freeze in portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Chicken Cacciatore Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 228 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Protein: 32g
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Cholesterol: 73mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 6g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Can I substitute chicken thighs for breasts?
Yes, both work well—thighs are more tender, while breasts are leaner.

Why is my chicken dry?
Overcooking can dry it out. Use a meat thermometer to check for 165°F.

Can I make this without mushrooms?
Absolutely, just leave them out or replace with another veggie like zucchini.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, just serve it with gluten-free pasta or rice.

How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.

Try More Recipes:

• Crock Pot Chicken Broccoli Cheese
• Crock Pot Chicken Barley Soup
• Crock Pot Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole