Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Recipe

If you’re craving a cozy, Italian-inspired dinner that practically makes itself, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Recipe. I absolutely love how this dish combines tender chicken with a rich, flavorful tomato sauce that’s bursting with veggies and herbs. When I first tried this, I was amazed at how simple it was to prep, yet the slow cooking made all the flavors meld together beautifully—making it a family favorite that gets requested over and over. Stick around because I’m going to share all my secrets to help you nail this recipe every single time!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Recipe come together to create a savory, saucy dish that’s loaded with Italian flavors and fresh veggies. When I shop for this, I look for ripe tomatoes and fresh bell peppers to really make the sauce pop.

• Boneless & skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Thighs stay juicy, but breasts work fine if you prefer leaner meat.
• Olive oil: A good quality olive oil adds richness when searing the chicken.
• Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and body to the sauce as it cooks down.
• Red and green bell peppers: Bring color, crunch, and natural sweetness.
• Mushrooms: They soak up the flavors and add earthiness.
• Garlic: Minced fresh garlic gives that signature Italian kick.
• Crushed tomatoes: A rich base for our sauce, full of natural sweetness and acidity.
• Diced tomatoes: Adds nice texture alongside the crushed ones.
• Chicken broth: Keeps everything moist and adds savory depth.
• Italian seasoning, dried basil, oregano: Classic herbs that deliver bold, authentic flavor.
• Red pepper flakes (optional): Just a touch of heat—skip if you don’t like spice.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for balancing flavors.
• Capers: These tangy little bites brighten the whole dish.
• Fresh parsley and basil: Ultimate fresh garnishes that make this recipe pop.

Variations

I love how adaptable this Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Recipe is! You can easily tweak it to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are a few of my favorite ways to customize it.

• Variation: I’ve swapped chicken breasts for turkey thighs in the past to make a leaner version—still juicy and flavorful!
• Vegetarian twist: Try it with hearty vegetables like eggplant and zucchini instead of chicken for a meat-free option.
• Spicy kick: Add extra red pepper flakes or even a splash of hot sauce if you want to turn up the heat.
• Herb swaps: Fresh rosemary or thyme can replace the Italian seasoning for a slightly different herbaceous touch.

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Recipe

Step 1: Sear Your Chicken for Maximum Flavor

I used to skip searing the chicken, but then I discovered it makes a world of difference! Heat your olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, season the chicken with salt and pepper, and brown it for 2–3 minutes per side until golden. This only takes a few extra minutes but adds a fantastic depth of flavor to the final dish. Don’t worry if you skip this step—it’ll still be delicious, just a little less rich.

Step 2: Layer the Veggies and Chicken in the Slow Cooker

Start by tossing your sliced onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, and minced garlic into the bottom of the slow cooker. Then gently place your seared chicken right on top of those veggies. The layering helps the chicken stay moist while the veggies slowly soften and release their flavors into the sauce.

Step 3: Mix Your Tomato Sauce and Pour It Over

In a large bowl, combine crushed tomatoes, drained diced tomatoes, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), plus salt and pepper. Give it a quick stir so everything’s blended. Pour this vibrant sauce over the chicken and veggies, making sure it’s evenly coated. This sauce is the heart of the Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Recipe, so don’t skimp on quality canned tomatoes—they make all the difference.

Step 4: Let It Cook Low and Slow

Cover and set your slow cooker to low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours. Patience here pays off: the chicken will become so tender it practically falls apart, and the sauce thickens into a rich, hearty masterpiece. If you can, I recommend the low-and-slow option for the best texture and flavor.

Step 5: Finish with Capers and Fresh Herbs

Stir in about two tablespoons of capers toward the end to add a tangy, briny pop that balances the sweetness of the tomatoes. Then taste and adjust your salt and pepper seasoning. Just before serving, sprinkle fresh parsley and basil on top for brightness and that restaurant-quality finish you’ll love.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh parsley and basil are my must-have garnishes—they add such a fresh, vibrant punch that lifts the whole dish. I sometimes throw on a few slivers of Parmesan cheese too, especially when serving over pasta. It’s those little touches that make it feel extra special.

Side Dishes

I love serving this chicken cacciatore over wide egg noodles or spaghetti to soak up all that amazing sauce. Creamy mashed potatoes work beautifully too—perfect if you want something comforting and cozy. For a lighter side, a simple garlic bread or a crisp green salad balances the richness nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I sometimes plate individual servings on a bed of herb-infused polenta, topped with an extra drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh basil. It’s such a great way to elevate this homey favorite and impress your guests without extra effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge, and they keep really well for 3 to 4 days. The flavors actually seem to deepen overnight, making for an even tastier lunch the next day. Just make sure it’s cooled completely before refrigerating to keep everything fresh.

Freezing

This Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Recipe freezes beautifully—just portion it out into freezer-safe containers or bags. I like to freeze it without garnishes and add fresh herbs after reheating. It’s a lifesaver for busy weeks when you want a hearty meal waiting in the freezer.

Reheating

I usually reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just cover the dish to lock in moisture. Adding a splash of water or chicken broth during reheating helps keep the sauce lovely and silky.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Recipe has truly become one of my go-to meals when I want something satisfying but effortless. It’s the kind of dish that warms you up inside, makes your house smell amazing, and turns into tasty leftovers you look forward to. I hope you enjoy making and eating it as much as my family and I do—give it a try, and I promise you’ll be hooked!

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