Simple Steps to Perfect Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand simple, delicious solutions that don’t compromise on flavor, and this slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe delivers exactly what busy home cooks need.

Tender chicken simmering in a rich, aromatic sauce becomes a stress-free meal that practically cooks itself.

Classic Italian ingredients blend seamlessly in this no-fuss dish, creating a comforting meal that feels like a restaurant-quality experience.

Each bite promises deep, robust flavors that develop slowly throughout the cooking process.

The combination of herbs, tomatoes, and perfectly cooked chicken transforms an ordinary evening into a culinary celebration.

You’ll appreciate how effortlessly this recipe comes together with minimal preparation.

Dive into a meal that brings the warmth of traditional Italian cooking right to your dinner table.

Why Chicken Cacciatore Is a Slow Cooker Favorite

• Effortlessly create a delicious meal with minimal prep work and simple ingredients that come together in one pot.
• Slow cooking allows spices and ingredients to blend beautifully, creating a rich, deeply satisfying dish that warms your soul.
• Perfect for busy families, adaptable to different serving styles like rice, pasta, or polenta, making it a go-to recipe for flexible dining.
• Combines protein-rich chicken with hearty vegetables, providing a balanced meal that's both wholesome and incredibly tasty.

What Goes Into Easy Chicken Cacciatore

• Chicken Thighs or Drumsticks: Tender meat that becomes incredibly soft and flavorful during slow cooking.

• Onions, Mushrooms, Carrots: Fresh vegetables that create a rich base and add depth to the dish's overall flavor profile.

• Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Paste: Provides a robust tomato foundation that creates a classic Italian-style sauce.
• Garlic, Dried Parsley: Adds aromatic and herbal notes to enhance the overall taste of the chicken cacciatore.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the chicken and vegetables.

How to Prepare Chicken Cacciatore With Little Effort

Step 1: Prep Vibrant Vegetables

Roughly chop onions, mushrooms, and carrots into bite-sized pieces.

Spread these colorful veggies evenly across the bottom of your slow cooker, creating a flavorful base for the chicken.

• Onions
• Mushrooms
• Carrots

Step 2: Season Chicken Perfectly

Generously coat chicken thighs or drumsticks with salt and pepper.

This simple seasoning will elevate the entire dish’s flavor profile.

Step 3: Create Zesty Tomato Sauce

• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato paste
• Minced garlic
• Dried parsley

Stir the ingredients until well blended, creating a thick sauce that will develop depth during cooking.

Step 4: Layer Chicken and Sauce

Gently place the seasoned chicken on top of the vegetable base.

Pour the prepared tomato sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is completely covered.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low setting for 6-8 hours or on high setting for 4-5 hours.

The extended cooking time allows flavors to meld and chicken to become incredibly tender.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the succulent chicken and rich sauce to a serving platter.

• Rice
• Pasta
• Creamy polenta

Garnish with fresh herbs if desired for an extra touch of freshness.

Tips for Tender Chicken and Flavorful Sauce

• Cut onions, mushrooms, and carrots roughly but evenly to ensure uniform cooking and balanced flavor distribution in the dish.
• Generously sprinkle salt and pepper on chicken thighs or drumsticks to enhance the overall taste profile and create a deeper, more robust flavor.
• Let the chicken cook low and slow for 4-6 hours to allow ingredients to merge, creating a rich, deeply developed taste that makes the meat incredibly tender.
• Choose rice, pasta, or creamy polenta as a base to soak up the delicious sauce and create a hearty, satisfying meal that complements the chicken cacciatore.
• Mix tomato ingredients thoroughly, knowing the cooking process will naturally thin out the sauce as vegetables and chicken release their natural juices.

Best Ways to Store and Reheat This Dish

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the chicken remains fresh and flavorful.
• Transfer cooled chicken cacciatore to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, label with the date, and freeze for up to 3 months. Flat storage saves space and helps prevent freezer burn.
• Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Pour leftovers into a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. Stir occasionally and warm gently for 5-7 minutes until heated completely through.

Serving Sides That Match Chicken Cacciatore

• Pair Boldly with Red Wine: Uncork a medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the rich tomato sauce and savory chicken flavors.
• Serve Over Creamy Polenta: Create a luxurious base that soaks up the delicious sauce, adding a soft, velvety texture that perfectly balances the hearty chicken.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley just before serving to brighten the dish with a pop of fresh herbaceous flavor and vibrant color.
• Complement with Crusty Bread: Add a side of warm, crusty Italian bread to soak up the delectable sauce, turning every bite into a flavor-packed experience.

Chicken Cacciatore Variations to Explore

• Vegetarian Cacciatore: Replace chicken with firm tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken juices for added depth of flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
• Mediterranean Herb Variation: Add fresh rosemary, thyme, and oregano. Include kalamata olives and swap regular tomatoes for fire-roasted varieties to enhance the Mediterranean profile.
• Spicy Kick Version: Incorporate red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or hot paprika. Mix in a splash of sriracha sauce for an extra heat boost that transforms the classic recipe.

FAQs

• Why use chicken thighs or drumsticks for this recipe?

Chicken thighs and drumsticks have more fat and connective tissue, which means they stay juicier and more tender during slow cooking. They won’t dry out like chicken breasts and provide richer flavor to the dish.

• Can I skip browning the chicken before adding to the slow cooker?

Absolutely! This recipe is designed for maximum convenience. The slow cooking process will still develop deep, delicious flavors without the extra step of pre-browning the meat.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, the basic ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check that your tomato paste and other seasonings don’t contain hidden gluten sources if you’re strictly avoiding gluten.

• How spicy is this chicken cacciatore?

This version is mild and family-friendly. If you want more heat, you can add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when mixing the tomato sauce.

Easiest Ever Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Recipe

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4.5 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty slow cooker chicken cacciatore brings rustic Italian flavors straight to your kitchen with minimal effort. Tender chicken simmered in rich tomato sauce and herbs promises a comforting meal you’ll savor from first bite to last.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 4 large or 6 small skinless chicken thighs
• 8 chicken legs

Kosher Salt:

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

Pepper:

• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Vegetables:

• 1/2 large onion, sliced into half moons
• 3/4 cup (180 milliliters) sliced carrots, 1/4 inch thick
• 4 ounces (113 grams) mushrooms, quartered
• 1 red bell pepper, seeded and sliced 1/4 inch thick

Tomato Components:

• 1 (14 1/2 ounces / 411 grams) can diced or crushed tomatoes
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 2 garlic cloves, grated
• 2 teaspoons dried parsley

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Instructions

1. Prepare the aromatic base by roughly chopping onions, mushrooms, and carrots into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. Distribute these vegetables evenly across the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. Season chicken thighs or drumsticks generously with salt and pepper, creating a foundational layer of flavor for the dish.
3. Create a robust sauce by whisking together diced tomatoes, tomato paste, minced garlic, and dried parsley in a mixing bowl. The initial mixture will appear dense, but will naturally thin during the cooking process.
4. Carefully arrange the seasoned chicken atop the vegetable layer, then meticulously pour the tomato sauce over the meat, ensuring complete and even coverage.
5. Secure the slow cooker lid and initiate cooking on low temperature for 4-6 hours or on high for 4 hours. The extended cooking time allows flavors to intensify and develop, resulting in chicken so tender it effortlessly separates from the bone.
6. Once cooking is complete, serve the succulent chicken and rich sauce over accompaniments like rice, pasta, or creamy polenta, transforming this simple dish into a hearty and satisfying meal.

Notes

• Choose bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks for maximum flavor and moisture retention during slow cooking.
• Rinse vegetables thoroughly before chopping to remove any dirt or residue that could affect the dish’s taste.
• For a low-carb version, serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional pasta or rice.
• Enhance the sauce’s depth by adding a splash of red wine or a teaspoon of balsamic vinegar during the mixing stage for extra complexity.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours (on high) or 6 hours (on low)
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 26g
• Cholesterol: 80mg