This rustic slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe is a perfect weeknight meal. With just seven ingredients plus herbs and spices, it comes together in a hurry!
This chicken adobo recipe is another easy meal that uses inexpensive chicken thighs.
Slow cooker recipes are such a life saver for busy people, and this recipe is no exception. It’s an easy weeknight dinner that everyone will love.
The slow cooker — brand name crockpot/crock pot — is one of my favorite kitchen appliances for making meals easy.
Chicken Cacciatore in the Slow Cooker
Layers. It’s really that simple. You’ll basically add each ingredient in the order they’re listed, then top with a spiced up tomato sauce. Cooked on low in the slow cooker for six hours or so, the chicken will be fall-apart tender and flavorful.
And don’t forget — if you have an Instant Pot, that bugger likely has a slow cooker feature!
Ingredients
Chicken: This recipe calls for thighs, but there’s plenty of flexibility here. Legs and thighs are the most budget-friendly choices, if you’re buying chicken parts. Skinless chicken thighs or breasts will work just fine, as will using a whole chicken (the least expensive option of all). And opting for boneless chicken thighs is fine, too.
Bell pepper: Opt for a green bell pepper here. In a pinch you could use a red pepper, but it will add a little sweetness to the recipe.
Mushrooms: Common button or cremini mushrooms give this recipe a bit of an earthy flavor and add texture to the sauce.
Crushed tomatoes: Thicker than tomato sauce, using crushed tomatoes adds a bit of texture. You could also use diced tomatoes. Don’t drain off the liquid; add that to the pot!
Garlic: Finely chopped garlic adds that spicy zing we all love so much.
Onion: I like chopped yellow onion for this recipe, but you can use any kind of bulb onion you have on hand.
White wine: This is an optional ingredient that adds a bit of richness to the dish.
Making the Chicken Cacciatore
Start by placing the chicken thighs in the bottom of the slow cooker. Season with salt and pepper.
Add bell peppers, chopped onion, and mushrooms over the chicken.
Combine the tomatoes with the seasonings (and wine, if you’re using it) and pour over everything.
Set the slow cooker to cook on low for six hours, and dinner will be ready when you walk in the door.
In Italian, alla cacciatora means a meal has been prepared “hunter-style.” These recipes were often cooked in an improvised oven (presumably after the hunt) with ingredients like onions, herbs, tomatoes, bell peppers, and wine.
For those of you who are watching carbs, the sauce itself is pretty Keto friendly if you omit the optional white wine and serve over a low carb option like cooked spaghetti squash or zoodles. Or serve it over noodles (try this homemade pasta recipe) if you’re not interested in cutting carbs.
Yes, of course. The ingredients will remain the same, though you’ll need to add a tablespoon or two of olive oil in which to saute the onions. Cooking this chicken cacciatore recipe on the stove top does require you to be an active participant, though. It will need to be stirred every ten to fifteen minutes or so in order to prevent sticking.
★ Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below! ★
Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
For an easy weeknight meal this recipe can't be beat -- just pop the ingredients in the slow cooker ahead of time and the dinner hour will be a snap!
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken thighs
- 2 bell peppers, seeded and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes in puree
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 cup white wine, optional
Instructions
- Place chicken in slow cooker. Season with salt and pepper.
- Top the chicken with bell pepper, onion, and mushrooms.
- In a bowl, combine the crushed tomatoes with the remaining ingredients: garlic, red wine vinegar, and oregano (and wine, if you're using it). Pour over vegetables. Cover with lid and cook on low for 6 hours.
- Serve over pasta, cooked spaghetti squash, or zoodles.
To cook on the stove top
- Combine onions, garlic, bell pepper, and mushrooms in a large stock pot along with 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil. Cook over medium heat until onions are transparent.
- Add remaining ingredients and stir until combined.
- Cook covered, over medium heat for one hour, or until chicken is cooked through and tender.
Notes
If your family prefers white meat, feel free to use chicken breasts instead of thighs.
Serves 4-6, depending on serving size.
Can you make this recipe on the stove top? Yes, of course. The ingredients will remain the same, though you'll need to add a tablespoon or two of olive oil in which to saute the onions. Cooking this chicken cacciatore recipe on the stove top does require you to be an active participant, though. It will need to be stirred every ten to fifteen minutes or so in order to prevent sticking.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 2 thighsAmount Per Serving: Calories: 413Total Fat: 22gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 194mgSodium: 689mgCarbohydrates: 17gFiber: 4gSugar: 9gProtein: 39g
More chicken dinner ideas:
Originally published January 2020; this post has been updated.
Leave a Reply