The process is as simple as searing the chicken breast and browning the veggies before putting them all together in the slow cooker, but you can even skip the browning step if you’re in a rush.
What Is Chicken Cacciatore?
Chicken cacciatore is a classic Italian dish prepared “hunter style” (cacciatore means “hunter” in Italian) and typically features tender chicken in a rustic sauce of tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, and garlic.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I explain the best ingredients for the best crock pot chicken cacciatore, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.
Garlic – Fresh garlic tastes much better in this recipe, but you could also use 1 teaspoon of jarred minced garlic or 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder. Onion – I picked a yellow onion for this dish, but use any color you prefer. Red Bell Pepper – A red one blends nicely with the tomatoes, but use any color you like. Diced Tomatoes – Use a canned variety and drain. Herbs – Fresh rosemary and fresh thyme are classic choices for this dish, but you can easily substitute fresh basil if you prefer it. You can also add a teaspoon of dried oregano (or Italian seasoning) for extra flavor, or red pepper flakes for some heat. Chicken Breasts – You could also use boneless chicken thighs or bone-in chicken thighs if you prefer. Sea Salt & Black Pepper Bay Leaf – Adds a subtle but unique flavor of herbs to the dish. Be sure to remove it before serving.
How To Make Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
This section shows how to make chicken cacciatore in the Crock Pot, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card. Add sliced cremini mushrooms to the rest of the veggies for a savory and earthy flavor.
Storage Instructions
Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat: This easy Crock Pot chicken cacciatore reheats really well. Simply warm in the microwave, on the stove top, or in the slow cooker until hot. Freeze: This dish freezes well, too! Place it in a zip lock bag, remove excess air, and freeze for up to 6 months. You can even double the recipe to enjoy half for dinner and the other half as a freezer meal for later.
What To Serve With Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
This chicken cacciatore Crock Pot recipe is pictured above with a simple side salad, but more traditionally it’s served over rice or pasta. There are plenty of side dishes to choose from depending on your preferences: This will ensure that the chicken browns well. You can stir the sauce ingredients together into a bowl instead. However, the flavors are deeper and more developed if you sear the chicken and saute the veggies – it’s definitely worth the extra 10 minutes it takes!
Potatoes – Roasted potatoes or mashed potatoes make classic sides, or choose healthier options like cauliflower mashed potatoes. Pasta And Rice – Try this dish over a bed of pasta or conventional rice, or for lighter options try swaps like zucchini noodles, caramelized and roasted spaghetti squash, or homemade cauliflower rice. Vegetables – Try sweet roasted fennel, fast sauteed broccoli, or crisp air fryer green beans to make a complete meal.
More Crock Pot Chicken Recipes
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