Crock Pot Chicken Cacciatore

Crock Pot Chicken Cacciatore is one of those comforting, rustic Italian dishes that fills your home with an incredible aroma as it slowly simmers to perfection. Juicy, tender chicken is braised in a rich tomato sauce with bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, and garlic. The slow cooker does all the work, melding the flavors together into a dish that’s hearty, satisfying, and downright irresistible.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This easy Crock Pot Chicken Cacciatore is perfect for busy families looking for a hassle-free meal packed with bold flavors. The slow cooker chicken cacciatore Food Network style lets the ingredients simmer to perfection, creating tender chicken in a rich tomato sauce. It’s a healthy, homemade meal that’s incredibly satisfying and works great for meal prep. Plus, it’s versatile you can serve it over pasta, rice, or polenta for a complete, comforting dish.

What Is Chicken Cacciatore?

Cacciatore means “hunter-style” in Italian. Traditionally, this dish was prepared with whatever a hunter brought home often chicken or rabbit cooked in a sauce of tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, and herbs. Some versions include wine, others don’t, and mushrooms and olives are optional but highly recommended for extra depth of flavor.

This slow cooker version brings all the classic flavors together with the convenience of a set-it-and-forget-it method, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend meals.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
2 bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks
1 1/2 teaspoons salt, divided
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Ingredients For Crock Pot Chicken Cacciatore

For the Sauce:

1 medium yellow onion, sliced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 cup Kalamata olives
2 cups baby Bella mushrooms, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
28 ounces crushed tomatoes
14.5 ounces diced tomatoes
1 cup chicken stock

How to Make Crock Pot Chicken Cacciatore

1: Season and Brown the Chicken

Mix 1 teaspoon of salt and black pepper and season the chicken.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Brown the chicken in batches, cooking each side for about 3 minutes.
Transfer the browned chicken to a plate and set aside.

2: Assemble Everything in the Slow Cooker

Add onions, bell peppers, olives, mushrooms, garlic, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, chicken stock, and the remaining salt to the slow cooker.
Nestle the browned chicken into the sauce.

3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover and cook on low for 5 hours or high for 3 hours.
Serve over polenta, mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice.

How to Make Crock Pot Chicken Cacciatore

4: Enjoy

Spoon extra sauce over your serving and savor every bite of this tender, flavorful dish.

Serving Suggestions

Crock Pot Chicken Cacciatore pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides to complete the meal. Here are some of the best options:

Creamy polenta: The smooth texture of polenta soaks up the rich sauce beautifully.
Buttery mashed potatoes: A classic, comforting side that complements the tender chicken.
Pasta: Serve over spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne for an Italian-inspired meal.
Steamed rice: A simple yet perfect base to enjoy the flavorful sauce.
Crusty bread: Ideal for dipping and soaking up every last bit of the delicious tomato sauce.
Zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice: A great low-carb alternative that still tastes amazing with this dish.

Tips for Making the Best Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore

Prefer white meat? Use chicken breasts instead of thighs.
Want to save time? Chop your veggies the night before so everything’s ready in the morning.
For extra depth, add a splash of red or white wine before slow cooking.
Like it spicy? Add red pepper flakes for a kick.

FAQs

Can I use boneless, skinless chicken instead of bone-in, skin-on chicken?

Yes! You can use boneless, skinless thighs or breasts, but they cook faster, so reduce the time to 4 hours on low to prevent drying out.

What can I serve with Crock Pot Chicken Cacciatore?

. Polenta
. Mashed potatoes
. Pasta
. Rice
. Crusty bread for dipping
. For a low-carb option, try zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! Chicken Cacciatore tastes even better the next day. Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge or freeze for up to 3 months.

Can I cook this on high instead of low?

Yes, but the best results come from cooking on low for 5 hours. If you’re in a hurry, cook on high for 3 hours.

What kind of olives should I use?

Kalamata olives add a tangy, briny flavor that enhances the sauce, but you can use black or green olives for a milder taste.

How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too watery?

Remove the lid for the last 30 minutes to let excess liquid evaporate.
Stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water) and cook for an additional 15 minutes.
Mash some of the cooked vegetables to naturally thicken the sauce.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Refrigeration:

Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave to keep the chicken moist.

Freezing:

Freeze for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container.
Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Crock Pot Chicken Cacciatore is one of those timeless recipes that’s simple, flavorful, and perfect for busy families. Give it a try and let me know how you like it in the comments below! And don’t forget to pin this recipe on Pinterest for easy access later.