This Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore is an easy weeknight dinner that combines tender chicken thighs with a rich, herbed tomato sauce. The addition of carrots, bell peppers, potatoes, and savory black olives creates a perfectly balanced dish that’s both comforting and flavorful. Let your slow cooker do all the work while you enjoy the aroma that fills your home. This recipe is perfect for busy days, as it requires minimal prep and can cook on low all day. It’s a wholesome, hearty meal that’s ideal for sharing with family, and it pairs wonderfully with rice or crusty bread to soak up every last bit of the delicious sauce.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 pounds boneless chicken thighs
- 1 can (28 oz) 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 bell pepper, chopped
- 8 oz baby portobello mushrooms, sliced
- ½ cup pitted black olives, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
- In a small bowl, whisk together paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Season both sides of the chicken thighs with the mixture.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sear the chicken thighs for 2-3 minutes per side until browned. Set aside.
- Lightly grease a 6 or 7-quart slow cooker. Add crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and herbs de Provence. Stir to combine.
- Layer the potatoes, onion, carrots, and bell pepper on top of the tomato mixture. Place the seared chicken thighs on top and stir gently to combine.
- Cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours. In the last 30-45 minutes, add mushrooms and olives. Stir gently, cover, and continue cooking.
- Once done, turn off the slow cooker and let the dish rest for 15 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 4 hours
Additional Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours 35 minutes
Calories: 617 kcal
Servings: 4 servings
A Hearty, Italian-Inspired Comfort Dish
When it comes to cozy, comforting meals, few dishes can match the rustic charm and deep flavors of Chicken Cacciatore. The term “cacciatore,” which means “hunter” in Italian, gives this dish its origins, reflecting a traditional, hearty meal that hunters might have prepared after a day in the fields or forests. Chicken Cacciatore is known for its tender, juicy chicken simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce filled with vegetables, herbs, and often, savory additions like mushrooms and olives. While traditionally made on the stovetop, using a slow cooker to prepare this dish adds convenience without compromising on flavor.
The History Behind Chicken Cacciatore
Chicken Cacciatore has deep roots in Italian cuisine, where rustic, hearty dishes were designed to use ingredients readily available in the countryside. Traditionally, this dish could be made with either chicken or rabbit, simmered in a sauce made from tomatoes, onions, peppers, and herbs, with a splash of red wine for depth. The sauce was often served over bread or pasta, or alongside potatoes, and enjoyed as a warming meal that sustained hunters and families alike.
This dish embodies the heart of Italian cucina povera, or “peasant cooking,” where simplicity and frugality reign supreme. Despite its humble origins, Chicken Cacciatore has grown in popularity beyond Italy and is now a beloved comfort dish in many parts of the world. In the U.S., it’s commonly made with chicken thighs or breasts, and the recipe often includes a variety of vegetables to make it a balanced, hearty meal. The flavors are rich, and the slow cooking method allows them to meld beautifully.
Why the Slow Cooker Method Works So Well
There’s something special about slow cooking that enhances the flavor of a dish like Chicken Cacciatore. While the traditional stovetop method requires simmering the ingredients for an extended period of time to build the depth of flavor, the slow cooker achieves this effortlessly.
Using a slow cooker for Chicken Cacciatore allows the ingredients to slowly release their flavors over several hours. The chicken becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender as it absorbs the rich, herby tomato sauce. This low-and-slow method of cooking is ideal for busy home cooks because it requires minimal hands-on time. After searing the chicken and assembling the ingredients, the slow cooker takes over, leaving you with a delicious meal at the end of the day.
This dish is also incredibly forgiving, which makes it perfect for the slow cooker. You can leave it on for several hours without needing to check on it constantly, and the result will still be a wonderfully rich, flavorful meal. The vegetables potatoes, carrots, onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms—infuse the sauce with their natural sweetness, while black olives provide a subtle saltiness that rounds out the dish.
Flavor Profile: What Makes Chicken Cacciatore So Delicious
The beauty of Chicken Cacciatore lies in its layers of flavors. The base of the dish is a robust tomato sauce, seasoned with fragrant herbs like herbs de Provence or Italian seasoning. These herbs infuse the sauce with earthy, aromatic notes, which balance beautifully with the acidity of the tomatoes.
Chicken thighs, in particular, work wonderfully in this dish because they stay moist and flavorful during the long cooking process. As the chicken cooks, it releases its natural juices into the sauce, enriching it with a savory depth that’s hard to resist.
Vegetables like baby red potatoes, onions, and carrots contribute heartiness, making this a complete meal without needing additional sides. Mushrooms, especially the rich and meaty portobellos, add an extra layer of umami, deepening the flavor of the sauce. The inclusion of black olives adds a bit of tangy saltiness, which cuts through the richness and keeps the dish from feeling too heavy.
The sauce itself has a perfect balance of sweetness from the vegetables, tanginess from the tomatoes, and savory richness from the chicken and broth. Whether you’re using chicken thighs or breasts, the meat becomes tender and succulent, practically falling apart by the time it’s ready to serve.
Customizing Chicken Cacciatore to Your Taste
One of the best things about Chicken Cacciatore is how easily it can be customized to suit your personal tastes or dietary needs. While the slow cooker version in this recipe uses chicken thighs, you can swap them out for chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat. The dish can also be made with rabbit for a more traditional take, though chicken is more commonly used in modern variations.
You can also vary the vegetables depending on what’s in season or what you have on hand. In addition to the classic carrots, onions, and bell peppers, you could add zucchini, spinach, or even broccoli for more greens. For those who love bold flavors, capers or a splash of red wine can add a tangy richness that enhances the dish.
If you’re looking to make the dish even heartier, you can serve it over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes to soak up all the delicious sauce. Alternatively, crusty bread on the side is perfect for sopping up the tomatoey goodness.
For those seeking a low-carb option, try serving Chicken Cacciatore over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. It’s also naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities, especially when served with gluten-free pasta or sides.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Chicken Cacciatore is a meal in itself, packed with vegetables and protein. However, there are plenty of ways to elevate your dining experience by pairing it with complementary sides. Traditionally, this dish is often served over a bed of pasta or rice. The starch helps soak up the savory tomato sauce, making every bite even more flavorful.
For a lighter option, you can serve Chicken Cacciatore with a fresh green salad, like an Italian salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a simple vinaigrette. The acidity of the dressing pairs nicely with the rich sauce of the cacciatore. Garlic bread or a crusty loaf of Italian bread is also a fantastic accompaniment, perfect for mopping up any remaining sauce on your plate.
Wine lovers will appreciate that Chicken Cacciatore pairs beautifully with red wines, particularly those with medium body and acidity. A Chianti, Barbera, or Sangiovese are all excellent choices that will enhance the tomato sauce’s flavors and complement the chicken without overwhelming the dish.
Storage and Leftovers
One of the many perks of making Chicken Cacciatore is how well it stores and reheats. If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. When reheating, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop. The flavors actually improve as they sit, so don’t be surprised if the dish tastes even better the next day!
For those looking to meal prep, Chicken Cacciatore freezes well too. Once the dish has fully cooled, portion it into freezer-friendly containers and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the dish in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it as usual. It’s a great dish to make in advance, saving you time during the week while still providing a hearty, homemade meal.
Conclusion:
Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore is a perfect example of how simple ingredients and slow cooking can yield a deeply satisfying meal. The combination of tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a rich tomato sauce creates a comforting dish that’s ideal for weeknights, family gatherings, or even meal prepping. The versatility of this dish allows for endless variations, whether you want to stick to the classic recipe or add your own personal twists.
With its ease of preparation and robust flavors, Chicken Cacciatore is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. The slow cooker makes it accessible for even the busiest home cooks, allowing you to enjoy a home-cooked Italian classic without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you serve it over pasta, rice, or enjoy it with some crusty bread, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser that brings the warmth and richness of Italian cuisine to your table.