Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore (Printable)

Rustic Italian-style chicken slowly braised with tomatoes, peppers, and herbs in a rich, savory sauce.

# What You Need:

→ Poultry

01 - 5 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs (approximately 2.5 lbs)

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 large onion, sliced
03 - 2 bell peppers (1 red, 1 yellow), sliced
04 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
05 - 1 cup button mushrooms, sliced
06 - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
07 - 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes

→ Liquids

08 - 1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth

→ Spices & Herbs

09 - 2 tsp dried oregano
10 - 1 tsp dried basil
11 - 1/2 tsp dried thyme
12 - 1/2 tsp salt
13 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
14 - 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
15 - 2 tbsp capers, drained
16 - 1/3 cup pitted black olives, sliced

→ To Finish

17 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
18 - Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

# Steps:

01 - Lightly season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper on all sides.
02 - Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken thighs for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly browned. This step is optional but adds extra flavor depth.
03 - Place the sliced onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, and garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker, creating an even bed for the chicken.
04 - Arrange the browned chicken thighs on top of the vegetable layer in a single layer.
05 - Add the diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, white wine (or broth), oregano, basil, thyme, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir gently to distribute the seasonings evenly.
06 - Scatter the capers and black olives over the top of the mixture.
07 - Cover and cook on LOW setting for 6 hours or on HIGH setting for 3 hours, until the chicken is fork-tender and the sauce has developed a rich, thick consistency.
08 - Taste the sauce and adjust salt, pepper, or herbs if needed before serving.
09 - Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot. Optionally top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Pairs well with crusty bread, polenta, or pasta.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The sauce develops this incredible depth that tastes like it simmered all day on the stove, but your slow cooker does all the work while you are busy living your life
  • Leftovers somehow taste even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or unexpected dinner guests
02 -
  • Skip the browning step if you are in a rush, but you really will taste the difference in the final sauce
  • The sauce might look thin at first but it thickens beautifully as the vegetables break down
03 -
  • Pat the chicken completely dry before searing or it will steam instead of brown
  • Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving so the sauce thickens slightly

Go Back