If you’re looking for a comforting and easy-to-make dinner that feels like it took hours but really didn’t, you’re in for a treat with my Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore Recipe. This slow-cooked Italian favorite comes out tender, flavorful, and downright irresistible. I absolutely love how the chicken soaks up all those rich tomato and herb flavors, and you’ll find it’s one of those dishes where the crockpot truly does all the hard work for you—perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Stick around, and I’ll share all my insider tips to make sure your chicken cacciatore comes out just right, every time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Set-It-and-Forget-It Convenience: Simply prep, add to the crockpot, and go about your day—no hovering required.
- Deep, Rich Flavor: Slow cooking melds the tomatoes, herbs, and chicken into a hearty, soul-warming dish.
- Versatile Meal: Serve over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes—your choice for every mealtime mood.
- Family-Friendly: My family goes crazy for this one and it’s a great way to get everyone eating their veggies!
Ingredients You’ll Need
All these ingredients come together in perfect harmony to build that classic chicken cacciatore flavor you love. I usually find everything easily at my local grocery, and a few fresh herbs at the end really brighten the whole dish.
- Boneless & Skinless Chicken Thighs or Breasts: Thighs give you more tenderness and flavor, but breasts work great if you prefer leaner meat.
- Olive Oil: A splash for browning the chicken; this step ramps up the flavor dramatically.
- Yellow Onion: Thinly sliced to melt into the sauce and add sweetness.
- Red and Green Bell Peppers: These add vibrant color and a gentle crunch once slow-cooked.
- Mushrooms: Sliced—my secret weapon for umami depth!
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives that irresistible aroma and punch.
- Crushed Tomatoes: The sauce’s base with a nice chunky texture.
- Diced Tomatoes (Drained): Adds variety in tomato texture without watering down the sauce.
- Chicken Broth: Keeps the sauce juicy and helps blend all flavors together.
- Italian Seasoning, Basil, Oregano: Classic herbs that bring authentic Italian vibes.
- Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): For a subtle heat kick if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste—don’t be shy to season well!
- Capers: These little bursts of briny flavor lift the whole dish to another level.
- Fresh Parsley and Basil: A fresh garnish that brightens every bite.
Variations
Over time, I’ve discovered a few tweaks that make this Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore Recipe truly mine—and I encourage you to make it yours too. Don’t hesitate to play around with what’s in season or what you have on hand!
- Using Chicken Breasts: When I substitute breasts, I reduce the slow cook time slightly to keep them juicy.
- Adding Olives: I sometimes toss in Kalamata olives for a salty punch that complements the capers beautifully.
- Spice It Up: For those who love heat, increasing red pepper flakes or adding a splash of hot sauce works wonders.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Just serve over gluten-free pasta or polenta for a safe and delicious twist.
How to Make Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore Recipe
Step 1: Sear for Flavor (Totally Optional but Worth It!)
Start by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs or breasts lightly with salt and pepper, then give them a quick 2–3 minute sear on each side until they develop a gorgeous golden crust. I used to skip this step, but once I started doing it, the flavor difference was night and day. If you’re short on time, it’s okay to skip, but if you want that rich depth, definitely don’t miss it!
Step 2: Layer the Veggies and Chicken
Add your sliced onion, bell peppers, mushrooms, and minced garlic to the bottom of the crockpot. I find that this layering helps the veggies steam perfectly and keep their texture. Then place your seared chicken right on top of the veggies—this layering ensures the chicken stays juicy and infuses flavor into everything beneath.
Step 3: Mix and Pour the Sauce
In a large bowl, combine the crushed tomatoes, drained diced tomatoes, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything well to blend the flavors. Pour this sauce evenly over the chicken and veggies in the crockpot. This mixture is where all the magic happens—the slow cooking melds those herbal tomato flavors into something cozy and deeply satisfying.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover your crockpot and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours. I usually choose low because it gives the chicken the best “fall-apart” tenderness—but if you’re short on time, high works too. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is tender and easily shredded with a fork. If your crockpot runs hot, start checking around 3 hours to avoid drying the chicken out.
Step 5: Final Flavor Boost
About 10 minutes before serving, stir in the capers. They add a fabulous briny punch that wakes up the entire dish. Give the sauce a final taste, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Don’t forget to add a sprinkle of fresh parsley and basil right before serving to add freshness and vibrant color.
Pro Tips for Making Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore Recipe
- Don’t Skip the Searing: Browning the chicken adds a caramelized flavor that makes a huge difference even though it’s optional.
- Drain Your Diced Tomatoes: Tossing out the liquid prevents a watery sauce and keeps the texture perfect.
- Layer Veggies First: Putting the veggies at the bottom lets them cook evenly without getting mushy or burnt.
- Check Your Slow Cooker’s Heat: Slow cookers vary—start checking doneness early to avoid overcooking chicken breasts.
How to Serve Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore Recipe
Garnishes
I always go for a handful of fresh chopped parsley and basil right on top—it’s such a simple step but it really brightens the rich tomato sauce. Sometimes I like to add a little grated Parmesan cheese for a salty, creamy contrast. It’s what makes the dish feel just a little more indulgent.
Side Dishes
This Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore Recipe pairs beautifully with a bed of spaghetti or any pasta you love. I also enjoy serving it over creamy mashed potatoes or even polenta for a cozy, comforting meal. A simple green salad or garlicky steamed greens balance the plate perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
I once served this for a casual dinner party by spooning it into mini ramekins topped with fresh basil and a drizzle of olive oil. It’s also fantastic served family-style in a large rustic dish right from the crockpot, encouraging everyone to dig in and take seconds!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. I like to separate the chicken from the sauce if I plan to reheat smaller portions later—it keeps the meat tasting fresh rather than overcooked.
Freezing
This recipe freezes like a dream. After cooling, I portion it out into freezer-safe containers. It maintains its flavor and texture for up to 3 months, making it a perfect meal prep or freezer stash option.
Reheating
When reheating, I prefer warming on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. This keeps the sauce from splitting and the chicken tender. If you’re in a rush, the microwave works fine—just cover it and heat in short bursts to avoid drying out.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well, though I recommend checking for doneness a bit earlier to avoid them drying out. Searing the breasts before slow cooking helps lock in moisture and adds flavor just like thighs.
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Do I have to sear the chicken before putting it in the crockpot?
Searing is optional but highly recommended. It adds a beautiful golden color and deepens the flavor, giving the finished dish a richer profile. If you’re short on time, you can skip it, but if you have a few extra minutes, it’s worth it.
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Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to add zucchini, eggplant, or olives for extra texture and flavor. Just keep in mind that some vegetables cook faster than others, so adjust cooking times accordingly or add them halfway through the cooking process.
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What should I serve with Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore?
This dish is versatile—serve it over your favorite pasta, creamy mashed potatoes, or even polenta. A side of steamed greens or a fresh green salad complements it nicely for a balanced meal.
Final Thoughts
I love this Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore Recipe because it delivers warm, comforting flavors without needing much hands-on time—perfect for those busy or cozy nights when you want something hearty but easy. Every time I make it, I get compliments and requests for seconds, and it always feels like I’m serving up a slice of Italy right from my slow cooker. Give it a try—you’ll have a new favorite weeknight dinner before you know it!
Print
Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A hearty and flavorful Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore made with tender chicken thighs or breasts simmered in a rich tomato sauce with bell peppers, mushrooms, and aromatic Italian herbs. Perfect for an easy, comforting meal that requires minimal hands-on time.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless & skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetables
- 1 small yellow onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Tomato Sauce
- 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes, drained
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Finishing Touches
- 2 tablespoons capers
- Fresh parsley and basil for garnish
Instructions
- Sear the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Sear the chicken for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown for extra flavor (this step is optional but recommended).
- Prepare the vegetables: Place the sliced onion, red and green bell peppers, mushrooms, and minced garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Layer the chicken: Arrange the seared (or raw if skipping searing) chicken thighs or breasts over the vegetables in the slow cooker.
- Mix the tomato sauce: In a large bowl, combine crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, dried basil, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Pour the sauce: Pour the tomato mixture evenly over the chicken and vegetables in the slow cooker.
- Slow cook: Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours until the chicken is tender and easily pulls apart.
- Add capers and season: Stir in the capers. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve and garnish: Serve the chicken and sauce over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. Garnish with fresh parsley and basil before serving.
Notes
- For deeper flavor, searing the chicken before slow cooking is recommended but not required.
- Add red pepper flakes for a mild spicy kick, or omit if you prefer no heat.
- This dish pairs well with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes as a base to soak up the sauce.
- Leftovers keep well and can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- You can substitute chicken thighs with breasts if preferred, though thighs remain more tender after slow cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1 cup with sauce and chicken)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
