Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore - Chicken Cacciatore is a classic Italian dish that is both special and comforting. When prepared using a slow cooker, it becomes easy and convenient. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a tender chicken.
What is Chicken Cacciatore?
"Cacciatore" translates to "hunter" in Italian and lends its name to this rustic, hunter-style stew. This traditional Italian dish has a rich history dating back to the 14th century. While various proteins can be utilized, chicken is the most popular choice in contemporary renditions. The chicken is slowly cooked in a robust tomato sauce infused with onions, garlic, herbs, and a medley of vegetables. For my version, I chose carrots to add sweetness and cremini mushrooms for their earthy, substantial flavor.
Why Use a Slow Cooker?
A slow cooker is a versatile kitchen gadget that makes cooking both convenient and efficient. Slow cooking enables the ingredients to absorb flavors over an extended period, ensuring that every bite of your Chicken Cacciatore is rich and delicious. Additionally, it saves you the hassle of active cooking, freeing up your time for other tasks.
Ingredients You'll Need
To prepare this delightful Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore, you'll require the following ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 mini mixed sweet peppers, cut lengthwise
- ½ cup diced yellow onion
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup dry red wine, such a chianti or cabernet sauvignon
- 8 chicken thighs and/or legs (bone-in), skin on or removed
- 28 ounce can San Marzano crushed tomatoes, or other high-quality tomato
- 1 cup good quality mixed olives, pitted
- 2 tablespoons chopped Italian parsley
- shredded Parmesan cheese, for garnish
Cooking Instructions
Follow these simple steps to prepare your Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore:
Heat up the olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Add in the peppers, onion, and garlic, and sauté them for about 4 to 5 minutes until the peppers and onion start to soften.
Next, mix in the tomato paste, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper, giving it a good stir. Let it cook for a minute or two. Pour in the wine and let it simmer for about a minute or two.
Add the chicken to the slow cooker. Add in the mixture from the skillet over the chicken and pour in the crushed tomatoes.
Cover it up and let it cook on low for 4 to 5 hours until the chicken is nice and tender. After that, stir in the olive and parsley, cover again, and let it cook on low for another 30 minutes.
When you're ready to serve, sprinkle a generous amount of shredded Parmesan cheese on top and enjoy it over pasta or rice.
Serving Suggestions
Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore is a versatile dish that can be served with various side dishes. It pairs well with pasta, rice, or even crusty bread. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for an extra touch of flavor. This hearty meal is perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Try this slow cooker chicken cacciatore with our brown butter and garlic rice.
Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore is a simple yet delicious dish that brings comfort and joy to any table. You may also love this One Pot Chicken and Barley Dinner recipe too!
Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore - Chicken Cacciatore is a classic Italian dish that is both special and comforting. When prepared using a slow cooker, it becomes easy and convenient. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a tender chicken.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 mini mixed sweet peppers, cut lengthwise
- ½ cup diced yellow onion
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup dry red wine, such a chianti or cabernet sauvignon
- 8 chicken thighs and/or legs (bone-in), skin on or removed
- 28 ounce can San Marzano crushed tomatoes, or other high-quality tomato
- 1 cup good quality mixed olives, pitted
- 2 tablespoons chopped Italian parsley
- shredded Parmesan cheese, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat up the olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Add in the peppers, onion, and garlic, and sauté them for about 4 to 5 minutes until the peppers and onion start to soften.
- Next, mix in the tomato paste, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper, giving it a good stir. Let it cook for a minute or two. Pour in the wine and let it simmer for about a minute or two.
- Add the chicken to the slow cooker. Add in the mixture from the skillet over the chicken and pour in the crushed tomatoes.
- Cover it up and let it cook on low for 4 to 5 hours until the chicken is nice and tender. After that, stir in the olive and parsley, cover again, and let it cook on low for another 30 minutes.
- When you're ready to serve, sprinkle a generous amount of shredded Parmesan cheese on top and enjoy it over pasta or rice.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
8Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving:Calories: 437Total Fat: 24gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 17gCholesterol: 167mgSodium: 619mgCarbohydrates: 17gFiber: 4gSugar: 9gProtein: 34g
Calories are estimated and may vary.
