Name: Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 15-oz can fire-roasted diced tomatoes; 3 tablespoons tomato paste; 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth; 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary; 6 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; 1 medium red bell pepper, diced; 1 medium yellow or white onion, diced; 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced; 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 1 1/2 – 2 lb); pasta, for serving; chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

If you’re anything like me, you know that coming home to a warm, comforting meal after a busy day is just the best feeling. That’s exactly why I want to share this Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Recipe with you—because it’s one of those dishes that’s as relaxing to make as it is delicious to eat. Imagine tender chicken thighs soaking up all those robust tomato and herb flavors, with veggies soft and rich in sauce, ready when you walk in the door. Trust me, this recipe quickly became a staple in my kitchen for weeknights and casual dinners alike!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Comfort Food: Just toss everything in the slow cooker and walk away—no fuss, no mess.
Rich, Authentic Flavors: The combination of fire-roasted tomatoes, fresh herbs, and garlic makes every bite taste like it’s straight from Italy.
Veggies Packed In: Bell peppers, mushrooms, and onions add sweetness, earthiness, and texture without extra work.
Versatile & Family-Friendly: Serve it over pasta, rice, or even polenta—everyone goes crazy for it.

Two white bowls with brown rims hold a dish of wide, flat yellow pasta noodles layered at the bottom. On top of the noodles are pieces of cooked chicken that are golden brown with a slight char. Around and on the chicken is a chunky vegetable sauce made of red tomatoes, orange carrots, white onions, and brown mushrooms, all mixed together. Fresh green parsley is sprinkled over the whole dish. The bottom bowl sits on a round wooden board with a bunch of fresh parsley to the side and a beige cloth nearby. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

When I shop for this recipe, I look for fresh, quality ingredients that come together beautifully and don’t require a lot of fuss. The mix of canned fire-roasted tomatoes with fresh herbs really creates a robust sauce without needing hours on the stovetop.

Fire-roasted diced tomatoes: They add a smoky depth that makes the sauce unforgettable.
Tomato paste: Thickens the sauce and boosts the tomato flavor in the best way.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the sauce rich without being too salty.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that instantly transports this dish to a cozy Italian kitchen.
Fresh rosemary: Chopped finely, it brings a fragrant, piney note that’s subtle but essential.
Garlic: Six cloves minced for that punch of savory aroma—you can never have too much garlic in cacciatore!
Kosher salt: Balances the flavors nicely.
Crushed red pepper flakes: Adds a little gentle heat; adjust to fit your preference.
Red bell pepper: Diced for sweetness and bright color.
Yellow or white onion: Also diced, these give a lovely base flavor once cooked down.
Cremini mushrooms: Sliced to add an earthy, meaty texture.
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: I prefer thighs because they stay juicy and tender during slow cooking.
Pasta: The classic pairing—something simple like spaghetti or pappardelle works beautifully.
Fresh parsley: Chopped for garnish to add freshness and a pop of color.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love making this recipe my own depending on what’s in season or what my family’s in the mood for. Feel free to mix things up—you’ll enjoy how adaptable it is!

Use chicken breasts instead of thighs: If you prefer leaner meat, just be mindful not to overcook them—they may dry out faster in the slow cooker.
Add olives or capers: For a salty, briny punch that complements the tomato sauce beautifully—I discovered this one on a whim and it’s become a staple tweak.
Swap out mushrooms: Try baby bella or even portobello slices for a more robust flavor.
Make it spicy: Crank up the red pepper flakes or add a diced jalapeño for some heat—my family loves this version when we want a little extra kick.

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Recipe

Step 1: Build Your Flavorful Sauce Base

This is where the magic starts. Place your fire-roasted diced tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, fresh rosemary, minced garlic, salt, and crushed red pepper flakes right into your slow cooker insert. Give everything a good stir to blend those flavors together. I always find that stirring them at this stage ensures every bite bursts with that classic cacciatore tang and aroma.

Step 2: Add the Veggies and Chicken

Next up, toss in the diced red bell pepper, onion, sliced mushrooms, and chicken thighs. Give it another gentle toss so the chicken gets coated in that beautiful sauce mixture. When I first tried this, I was amazed at how delicious the veggies became after slow cooking—they practically melt into the sauce, creating a rich, hearty stew.

Step 3: Slow Cook and Let It Work Its Magic

Set your slow cooker to high for 3 to 4 hours, or low if you’ve got a longer day and want to cook for 7 to 8 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is tender enough to shred with a fork, and the veggies are beautifully softened. I love this part because the slow cooker does all the hard work, freeing you up to relax or prep sides.

Step 4: Finish the Sauce and Serve

Once cooked, the sauce will be quite loose. Here’s my favorite trick: use tongs to carefully remove the chicken thighs onto a plate. Pour the sauce into a saucepan and simmer it over medium-high heat for 5 to 10 minutes until it thickens to a marinara-like consistency. Then nestle the chicken back in—this step really concentrates the flavors and gives your sauce the perfect texture. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve over cooked pasta. Honestly, this technique elevated my version to restaurant-quality levels!

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Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Recipe

Don’t Skip Browning the Chicken (Optional): For extra flavor, sear the chicken thighs in a hot pan before adding to the slow cooker—this caramelization adds richness that your family will notice.
Adjust the Spice Level: I learned early on that crushed red pepper flakes can vary in heat—start with less and add more after cooking if needed.
Use Fresh Herbs When Possible: Fresh rosemary and parsley bring a brightness that dried herbs just can’t match in this recipe.
Avoid Overcooking Vegetables: While slow cooking, softer veggies can become mushy—cut your cooking time accordingly if you like them with a little bite.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Recipe

The image shows a white bowl with a brown rim filled with three layers: the bottom has wide, flat, pale yellow pasta ribbons arranged loosely in a circular pattern, the middle layer is a chunky mix of diced red tomatoes and translucent white onions, and the top layer features pieces of tender cooked meat with browned edges mixed with sliced brown mushrooms and sprinkled with fresh green herbs. Resting inside the bowl are a fork twirling some pasta and a knife lying across the bowl edge. The bowl is placed on a round wooden board over a white marbled surface, with sprigs of fresh green parsley nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I always finish this dish with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley—it adds just the right touch of color and fresh herb flavor to brighten up the rich sauce. Sometimes I add a bit of freshly grated Parmesan for a little extra indulgence that my family absolutely loves.

Side Dishes

This Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Recipe pairs beautifully with simple spaghetti, but I also enjoy serving it alongside creamy polenta or buttery mashed potatoes when I want something a little different. Roasted garlic bread or a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette also balance out the meal perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to plate this in shallow pasta bowls with a swirl of sauce and a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top. If you want to wow guests, try serving the chicken over a bed of cheesy risotto or alongside grilled seasonal vegetables for a dinner that feels truly special yet still effortless.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge, and they usually last around 3 to 4 days. The flavors continue to develop as it sits, so sometimes I find leftovers even better the next day. Just make sure to cool the dish completely before refrigerating.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully! I portion it out into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce smooth and chicken tender. Adding a splash of broth or water helps loosen the sauce if it thickened too much in the fridge. Microwaving works too, but slow and steady on the stovetop keeps the best texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in this Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Recipe?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts for thighs, but keep in mind breasts cook faster and can dry out if left too long in the slow cooker. To avoid this, try cooking on low for the shorter end of the time range and check for doneness early.
Do I need to brown the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker?

Browning the chicken is optional but highly recommended. It adds depth of flavor and color. If you’re short on time, you can skip it and still get a tasty dish, but searing definitely takes the final result up a notch.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free or gluten-free?

Absolutely! The recipe is naturally dairy-free, and just serve it over gluten-free pasta or a grain like rice or polenta to keep it gluten-free. It’s versatile for most dietary needs.
How spicy is this Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Recipe?

The recipe has a gentle heat from the crushed red pepper flakes, but it’s easily adjustable. If you prefer mild flavors, reduce or omit the red pepper. For more heat, add extra flakes or a pinch of cayenne.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Recipe has to be one of my all-time favorites because it’s so dependable and delicious every single time. There’s something incredibly satisfying about a meal that’s full of flavor, packed with veggies, and requires almost zero effort from you. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe feels like a warm hug in food form. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do—trust me, you’ll want to keep this one in your rotation.