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.

Crock Pot Chicken Cacciatore

Description

Crock Pot Chicken Cacciatore is a rustic Italian dish with tender chicken braised in a rich tomato sauce with bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, and garlic. The slow cooker makes it effortless, allowing flavors to meld into a hearty, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

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
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

Instructions

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

Notes

For extra depth of flavor, add a splash of red or white wine before slow cooking. To make it spicy, add red pepper flakes. Leftovers taste even better the next day!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 hours
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 portion
Calories: 350
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 750mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: chicken cacciatore, slow cooker, crock pot, Italian chicken, rustic dish