Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
This Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore is the epitome of effortless weeknight cooking. With a blend of tender chicken thighs, savory vegetables, and an aromatic herb-infused tomato sauce, it’s a dish that satisfies on every level.
The slow cooker does all the work, melding the rich flavors of fire-roasted tomatoes, beef broth, and Herbs de Provence into a comforting meal. Each bite offers juicy chicken, earthy mushrooms, and perfectly cooked potatoes.
Ideal for busy evenings, this one-pot wonder delivers hearty goodness with minimal effort. Just set it, forget it, and enjoy the delicious aroma filling your kitchen as it cooks!
Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Ingredients
The foundation of this dish begins with tender chicken thighs, bringing richness and juiciness to every bite. Fire-roasted tomatoes create a smoky, robust sauce that perfectly complements the herbs de Provence, infusing the dish with aromatic, earthy flavors.
A medley of colorful vegetables, including carrots, potatoes, and yellow peppers, provide sweetness and texture, while the earthy baby portobello mushrooms offer depth. Black olives add a briny contrast, and a touch of garlic and onion powder rounds out the savory profile, ensuring every forkful is packed with flavor.
Recipe Tips for Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
- Searing the Chicken
Searing the chicken thighs before adding them to the slow cooker is a crucial step for enhancing the flavor. This caramelization locks in the natural juices and creates a crispy outer layer that adds depth to the overall dish. While you don’t need to cook the chicken through, ensure you sear both sides for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. - Layering Ingredients Properly
When adding the ingredients to the slow cooker, start with the tomatoes and broth at the bottom, followed by the vegetables and seared chicken. This helps ensure that the chicken stews evenly in the flavorful sauce and that the vegetables cook to perfection without becoming mushy. Layering ingredients correctly also promotes better heat distribution. - Adjusting Cooking Time
While this recipe recommends 8 hours on low or 4 hours on high, every slow cooker can vary slightly in temperature. If you’re unsure, it’s best to check the chicken’s internal temperature or ensure that the vegetables are fork-tender. For a more intense flavor, let the dish cook the full 8 hours on low.
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
- Crusty Bread
Serve this dish with a hearty loaf of crusty bread to soak up the rich, herb-infused tomato sauce. A warm baguette or rustic sourdough will do wonders for mopping up every last bit of sauce, creating the perfect bite alongside the tender chicken and vegetables. - Simple Green Salad
A light, crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs beautifully with the savory richness of Chicken Cacciatore. Opt for fresh greens like arugula or spinach, and toss in a few sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and a squeeze of lemon for a refreshing contrast to the hearty main dish. - Garlic Mashed Potatoes
If you’re looking to add extra comfort to your meal, garlic mashed potatoes are a perfect choice. Their creamy, buttery texture complements the rustic flavors of the chicken cacciatore, and the garlic adds a subtle depth that enhances the overall dining experience.
FAQ about Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
- Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
While chicken breasts can be substituted, chicken thighs are recommended for their juiciness and rich flavor. If using breasts, reduce the cooking time to prevent them from drying out. - Can I use other vegetables in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute or add vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or even peas. Just ensure that the new additions have similar cooking times to avoid overcooking. - Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, this recipe can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Simply reheat the dish on the stove or in the microwave before serving. - Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Yes, you can freeze this chicken cacciatore after it has cooled completely. Store it in an airtight container or freezer bags, and it will last up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and heat on low in a saucepan until warmed through.
Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
This Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore, bathed in a fragrant herbed tomato sauce, is the perfect option for a quick and flavorful weeknight meal. With juicy chicken thighs, hearty vegetables, and a savory broth, it’s simple to prepare and incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless chicken thighs
- 1 28 oz can crushed fire roasted tomatoes
- ¾ cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Herbs de Provence
- 1 pound baby red potatoes quartered
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 large carrots peeled and sliced
- 1 yellow pepper chopped
- 8 oz sliced baby portobello mushrooms
- ½ cup black olives chopped
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle the seasoning mix generously over both sides of the chicken thighs.
- Heat olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Add the chicken thighs and sear them for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, just until browned. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
- Lightly grease the interior of a 6 or 7-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. Pour the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and Herbs de Provence into the base of the slow cooker, stirring to combine.
- Layer the quartered potatoes, chopped onions, sliced carrots, and yellow pepper on top of the tomato mixture. Gently stir to combine. Add the seared chicken thighs on top of the vegetables and stir everything together.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours. In the last 30 to 45 minutes of cooking, add the sliced mushrooms and chopped olives to the slow cooker, gently stirring to incorporate. Continue cooking until done.
- Once the cooking time has elapsed, uncover the slow cooker and turn it off. Allow the dish to rest for 15 minutes before serving. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve.
Notes
Storage: Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat the dish in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or warm it in a pan over medium heat for 5-8 minutes.
