The best kind of meals are the ones that feel like they’ve been simmering away for hours, filling your home with a warm, inviting aroma. Chicken cacciatore is the perfect example of that. With tender chicken, a rich tomato-based sauce, and a medley of herbs and vegetables, this slow cooker version of the classic Italian dish is both simple and satisfying.
Let your slow cooker do the heavy lifting in this recipe—just add the ingredients, set it, and forget it. The chicken becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender as it soaks up the flavors of garlic, onions, tomatoes, and Italian spices. When you pull it out at the end of the day, you’ll be greeted with a hearty, comforting meal that’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep for the week.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
This recipe has everything you need for a satisfying, flavor-packed meal. Here’s why you’ll want to try it:
- Tender, Juicy Chicken – The slow cooking process makes the chicken so tender, it practically falls off the bone.
- Bold, Savory Sauce – A mix of tomatoes, herbs, and red wine creates a sauce that’s both rich and tangy.
- Effortless – Simply toss the ingredients into the slow cooker and let it do the work. Minimal prep, maximum flavor.
- Great for Meal Prep – This dish holds up wonderfully in the fridge and tastes even better the next day.
It’s everything you want in a weeknight dinner: hearty, flavorful, and effortless. Plus, it pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or even a crusty loaf of bread to soak up all that amazing sauce.
Key Ingredients for Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
A few simple ingredients come together to make this hearty, flavorful dish:
- Bone-in Chicken – Thighs or drumsticks work best, as the bone-in meat holds up well and adds extra flavor.
- Canned Tomatoes – A can of crushed tomatoes gives the sauce a rich, tangy base.
- Bell Peppers and Onions – These vegetables provide sweetness and texture that balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Garlic – Fresh garlic adds a savory depth to the sauce.
- Herbs and Spices – Dried oregano, basil, and thyme give the dish its classic Italian flavors.
- Red Wine – Adds richness and depth to the sauce, making it even more savory.
These ingredients combine to create a flavorful, comforting dish that will make you want to dig in right away.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
Making this chicken cacciatore is easy, and the slow cooker does most of the work for you. Here’s how to make it:
- Brown the Chicken – In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Brown the chicken pieces on both sides until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. This step helps build flavor.
- Prepare the Sauce – In the same skillet, sauté onions, bell peppers, and garlic for about 5 minutes until softened. Add the crushed tomatoes, red wine, and the herbs, then bring to a simmer for about 3-4 minutes.
- Slow Cook – Transfer the chicken to the slow cooker. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken, and cover. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or high for 4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Shred the Chicken – Once the chicken is done, remove it from the slow cooker. Shred the chicken using two forks and return it to the sauce. Stir well and let it cook for an additional 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Your chicken cacciatore is ready to serve! It’s as easy as that.
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
This chicken cacciatore is delicious on its own, but pairing it with a few sides can turn it into a full meal:
| Side Dish | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Spaghetti | The rich sauce pairs perfectly with a classic pasta. |
| Rice | Serve the chicken and sauce over fluffy rice for a filling meal. |
| Garlic Bread | The buttery bread is perfect for dipping into the savory sauce. |
| Roasted Vegetables | Roasted carrots, zucchini, or broccoli add a light crunch to balance the dish. |
| Caesar Salad | A crisp salad with tangy dressing provides a refreshing contrast. |
How to Store and Reheat Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
This dish makes fantastic leftovers and is perfect for meal prepping. Here’s how to store and reheat:
How to Store Leftovers
- Let the stew cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
- Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How to Reheat
- Stovetop: Reheat in a pot over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a bit of water or chicken broth if the sauce is too thick.
- Microwave: Reheat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until fully heated.
- Slow Cooker: Reheat on low for about 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from burning.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
Follow these tips to make your chicken cacciatore even better:
- Brown the chicken first to develop a deep, savory flavor.
- Use bone-in chicken for the best flavor and texture. Thighs or drumsticks work best.
- Add a splash of balsamic vinegar to the sauce for an extra layer of flavor and depth.
- Use fresh herbs when you can, but dried herbs work perfectly fine if you’re in a pinch.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
While bone-in chicken adds more flavor, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs if preferred. Just reduce the cooking time to 4-6 hours on low.
2. Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes! You can add mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for extra veggies and texture.
3. Can I use a slow cooker insert to brown the chicken?
Some slow cookers have a browning function, but if yours doesn’t, you can always use a skillet. Browning the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker adds richness and depth to the dish.
4. Can I freeze chicken cacciatore?
Yes, you can freeze it! Let the stew cool completely and transfer it to an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat it in the microwave or stovetop when you’re ready to enjoy.
5. How can I make this dish spicier?
If you want to add more heat, try adding a chopped jalapeño or a dash of red pepper flakes to the sauce. This will give it a spicy kick without overpowering the flavors.
This slow cooker chicken cacciatore is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly delicious.
Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
Equipment
- Large Skillet For browning chicken and sautéing vegetables
- Slow Cooker For slow cooking the chicken
- Wooden Spoon For stirring
Ingredients
- 2 pounds bone-in chicken thighs skin-on or skinless, your choice
- 1 large onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup red wine dry, such as Cabernet or Merlot
- 2 cups crushed tomatoes canned
- 1 cup beef broth or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the chicken thighs for about 3-4 minutes on each side. Transfer the chicken to the slow cooker.
- In the same skillet, sauté the onion and garlic for about 5 minutes until softened. Add the red wine and simmer for 2 minutes.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well and pour the sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Once the chicken is tender, remove it from the slow cooker and shred the meat using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the sauce and stir well.
- Serve the chicken cacciatore over your favorite pasta or with a side of crusty bread.
Notes
- For added richness, stir in a little **heavy cream** towards the end of cooking.
- If you prefer a spicier version, add a **pinch of red pepper flakes** to the sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to **3 days** and make great meal prep for the week.
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