Slow cooker chicken cacciatore is a hearty and flavorful Italian dish that’s perfect for busy days. This recipe features tender chicken simmered in a rich tomato sauce with bell peppers, onions, garlic, and olives. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully while you go about your day.
It’s a versatile dish that pairs wonderfully with pasta, polenta, or crusty bread. With minimal prep and wholesome ingredients, chicken cacciatore is a comforting and satisfying meal that’s easy enough for weeknights yet impressive enough for guests.
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Why This Recipe Works
This recipe works because the slow cooker allows the chicken to cook gently, resulting in tender, fall-off-the-bone meat. The combination of crushed tomatoes, garlic, and herbs creates a flavorful, aromatic sauce that enhances the dish. Browning the chicken before slow cooking adds a depth of flavor that takes this dish to the next level.
Another reason to love this recipe is its simplicity and versatility. It requires just a few basic ingredients and minimal effort, making it ideal for busy schedules. You can customize it with extra vegetables or omit the olives if you prefer. The result is a restaurant-quality meal that’s both comforting and nutritious, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Chicken Thighs or Drumsticks – The main protein, tender and flavorful when slow-cooked. Substitute with chicken breasts or boneless thighs if preferred.
Crushed Tomatoes – Forms the rich base of the sauce. Substitute with diced tomatoes or tomato sauce if needed.
Bell Peppers – Add sweetness and texture. Use any color, or substitute with zucchini or mushrooms for variety.
Onion – Adds depth and savory flavor. Shallots or leeks can be used as substitutes.
Olives – Bring a tangy, briny flavor. Substitute with capers or omit if not preferred.
Tips
- Brown the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker for extra flavor.
- Use fresh herbs like basil or parsley for garnish to brighten the dish.
- Stir occasionally if your slow cooker allows to evenly distribute the sauce.
- Add mushrooms or carrots for extra vegetables and flavor.
- Taste the sauce before serving and adjust the seasoning if needed.
How to Serve
Chicken cacciatore is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for family dinners or entertaining. The rich tomato sauce pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides to create a complete meal.
- Serve over pasta or polenta to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Pair with crusty bread for a simple, rustic meal.
- Serve alongside a fresh green salad for a lighter option.
Similar Recipes
Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
Ingredients
- 6 chicken thighs or drumsticks
- 1 can 28 oz crushed tomatoes
- 2 bell peppers sliced
- 1 medium onion sliced
- ½ cup pitted black or green olives
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup chicken broth or red wine optional
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for browning
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken on both sides, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer to the slow cooker.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, bell peppers, onion, olives, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine.
- Pour in chicken broth or wine if using for added depth of flavor.
- Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender.
- Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with your favorite sides.
Nutrition
Notes
• Use fresh herbs like basil or parsley for garnish to brighten the dish.
• Stir occasionally if your slow cooker allows to evenly distribute the sauce.
• Add mushrooms or carrots for extra vegetables and flavor.
• Taste the sauce before serving and adjust the seasoning if needed.
This Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore is the perfect set-it-and-forget-it dinner for weeknights.