Description
A hearty and flavorful Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore recipe featuring tender chicken thighs or breasts slow-cooked with a savory mix of bell peppers, mushrooms, garlic, and a rich tomato sauce infused with Italian herbs. Perfect for an easy, comforting meal served over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless & skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetables
- 1 small yellow onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Tomato Sauce
- 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes, drained
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Finishing Touches
- 2 tablespoons capers
- Fresh parsley and basil for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs or breasts with salt and pepper. Sear the chicken for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until golden brown. This step is optional but enhances the flavor.
- Layer vegetables: Place the sliced onion, red and green bell peppers, mushrooms, and minced garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker, creating an even bed for the chicken.
- Add the chicken: Arrange the seared chicken pieces directly on top of the vegetables in the slow cooker.
- Prepare the tomato sauce: In a large bowl, combine crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes (drained), chicken broth, Italian seasoning, dried basil, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well to blend all ingredients evenly.
- Combine and cook: Pour the tomato mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken is tender and easily pulls apart.
- Finish and season: Stir in the capers and taste the sauce. Adjust salt, pepper, or seasoning as needed to suit your preference.
- Serve: Spoon the chicken and rich sauce over your choice of pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. Garnish with fresh parsley and basil before serving for a vibrant finish.
Notes
- For best flavor, searing the chicken before slow cooking is recommended but not mandatory.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juicier, more tender results; breasts work well for a leaner option.
- Leftovers reheat well and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Pair with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1/6 of recipe)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
