Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore (Print version)

Tender chicken simmered slowly with tomatoes, peppers, onions, and herbs for a rich Italian classic.

# Ingredient List:

→ Poultry

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

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 large onion, sliced
03 - 2 bell peppers (red and 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)

# How To Make It:

01 - Lightly season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper on all sides.
02 - In a large skillet over medium-high heat, sear the chicken thighs for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly browned for extra flavor development.
03 - Place the sliced onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, and garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker, creating an even layer.
04 - Arrange the browned chicken thighs on top of the vegetable layer.
05 - Pour in the diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, white wine or broth, oregano, basil, thyme, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir gently to distribute ingredients evenly.
06 - Scatter the capers and sliced black olives over the mixture.
07 - Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or on HIGH for 3 hours, until the chicken is tender and the sauce is rich and flavorful.
08 - Taste the sauce and adjust salt, pepper, or herbs if needed.
09 - Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot, optionally sprinkled with grated Parmesan cheese. Pair with crusty bread, polenta, or pasta if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The house smells incredible all day long, like youve been slaving over a hot stove when really you barely lifted a finger
  • Those capers and olives add little bursts of salty brightness that make every bite interesting
  • Leftovers taste even better the next day, if there are any
02 -
  • Skipping the searing step saves time but you lose that gorgeous caramelized flavor that makes this taste restaurant-worthy
  • Let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving so the sauce thickens slightly and the chicken stays juicy
03 -
  • Sautéing the vegetables in a pan before adding them to the slow cooker adds a depth of flavor that makes people think you cooked all day
  • A splash of balsamic vinegar right at the end creates this amazing richness that ties everything together

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