Crock Pot Chicken Cacciatore

Crock Pot Chicken Cacciatore is a rich, hearty, and comforting Italian dish that brings together tender slow-cooked chicken, tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, and aromatic herbs in a luscious sauce. This classic dish, known as pollo alla cacciatora in Italian, translates to “hunter’s style chicken,” inspired by rustic, home-cooked meals traditionally prepared by hunters using fresh, simple ingredients.

By using a slow cooker, you can achieve deep, complex flavors with minimal effort. The chicken becomes fall-apart tender as it simmers in a flavorful tomato-based sauce infused with garlic, oregano, basil, and red wine. It’s a perfect meal for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or feeding a crowd, as the slow cooker does all the work while you go about your day. Whether you serve it over pasta, rice, polenta, or alongside crusty bread, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

This recipe not only honors the traditional flavors of Italian cuisine but also adds a layer of convenience by letting the slow cooker handle most of the cooking process. The result is a dish that’s bursting with flavor, yet easy enough for any home cook to master.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Cooking: The crock pot allows for a “set it and forget it” approach, making this meal perfect for busy days.
• Incredible Flavor: The slow cooking process allows the sauce to develop deep, rich flavors while keeping the chicken tender.
• Healthy and Nutritious: Made with wholesome ingredients, this dish is naturally high in protein and packed with vegetables.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it over pasta, rice, polenta, or even on its own for a low-carb meal.
• Freezer-Friendly: Make a big batch and freeze portions for quick and easy future meals.
• Authentic Italian Comfort Food: A traditional recipe that brings the comforting taste of Italy straight to your kitchen.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 4 hours (high)
• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Serving Size: 1 cup of chicken cacciatore with sauce

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 340
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Protein: 35g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 9g

Ingredients

For the Chicken Cacciatore:

• 6 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs (or boneless if preferred)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 1/2 cup dry red wine (or chicken broth for non-alcoholic version)
• 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (adds depth of flavor)
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar (balances acidity)
• 1/2 cup sliced black olives (optional, for a Mediterranean touch)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel and season both sides with salt, black pepper, oregano, basil, and crushed red pepper flakes. If desired, sear the chicken in a skillet with 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat for about 3 minutes per side until golden brown. This step adds extra depth of flavor but is optional.

Step 2: Assemble Ingredients in the Crock Pot

In the crock pot, layer the sliced onions, minced garlic, and bell peppers at the bottom. Place the chicken thighs on top of the vegetables.

Step 3: Make the Tomato Sauce

In a large bowl, mix together crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, red wine, chicken broth, balsamic vinegar, smoked paprika, and sugar. Stir well to combine, then pour the sauce over the chicken in the crock pot.

Step 4: Slow Cook the Chicken

Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours. The longer the cooking time, the more tender the chicken will become.

Step 5: Final Touches

Thirty minutes before serving, stir in the sliced black olives if using. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt or herbs if needed.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Serve hot over pasta, rice, or polenta. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of freshness. Enjoy!

Ingredient Background

Chicken Thighs

Chicken thighs are the preferred choice for this dish due to their higher fat content, which keeps them moist and tender during slow cooking. However, chicken breasts can be used for a leaner option.

Bell Peppers

Bell peppers add a natural sweetness and vibrant color to the dish. Using a combination of red and yellow bell peppers enhances the visual appeal and flavor complexity.

Red Wine

Red wine deepens the sauce’s flavor by adding richness and slight acidity. A dry red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot works best. If avoiding alcohol, chicken broth can be used instead.

Technique Tips

• For a thicker sauce, remove the crock pot lid in the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow some liquid to evaporate.
• If you prefer shredded chicken, remove the bones and shred the meat into the sauce before serving.
• To enhance flavors, sauté the onions, garlic, and bell peppers in olive oil before adding them to the slow cooker.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

• Over Garlic Bread: Spoon the chicken and sauce over toasted garlic bread for a unique twist.
• Lettuce Wraps: Serve it in lettuce cups for a low-carb option.
• Stuffed Peppers: Fill halved bell peppers with chicken cacciatore and bake for a creative meal.

Additional Tips for Success

• Use fresh herbs like basil or oregano for an added flavor boost.
• Don’t overcook the chicken on high heat, as it may become dry.
• Adjust the sauce consistency by adding more broth if needed.

Recipe Variations

• Spicy Chicken Cacciatore: Add extra red pepper flakes for a fiery kick.
• Creamy Cacciatore: Stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream or mascarpone at the end for a richer sauce.
• Mushroom Cacciatore: Add 1 cup of sliced mushrooms for extra earthiness.

Freezing and Storage

• To Store: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• To Freeze: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• To Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave.

Healthier Twist Ideas

• Use skinless chicken breast to reduce fat content.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium canned tomatoes and broth.
• Serve with quinoa for added protein and fiber.

Serving Suggestions for Events

• Family Dinner: Pair with a side salad and garlic bread.
• Romantic Dinner: Serve with a glass of red wine and roasted vegetables.
• Potluck Party: Keep it warm in the crock pot and let guests serve themselves.

Special Equipment

• Slow Cooker: Essential for easy, hands-off cooking.
• Tongs: For handling the chicken.
• Whisk: To mix the tomato sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use boneless chicken? Yes, but reduce the cooking time by about an hour.
2. What’s the best wine to use? A dry red like Merlot or Chianti works best.
3. Can I make this in an Instant Pot? Yes, cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
4. Can I make it vegetarian? Substitute chicken with eggplant or chickpeas.
5. What sides go well with it? Pasta, rice, polenta, or crusty bread.

Conclusion

Crock Pot Chicken Cacciatore is a comforting, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that brings the heart of Italian cuisine to your home. Whether you’re feeding your family or preparing a meal for guests, this slow cooker version ensures deep, rich flavors with minimal effort. The tender chicken, infused with garlic, herbs, and tomatoes, creates an irresistible sauce that pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread. Plus, its versatility makes it perfect for meal prep or freezing for future meals. Try this delicious and hearty dish today, and enjoy a taste of rustic Italian cooking with every satisfying bite!

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