Name: Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 20 min
Ingredients: ½ teaspoon paprika; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 pounds boneless chicken thighs; 1 (28 oz) can crushed fire-roasted tomatoes; ¾ cup beef broth; 1 tablespoon Herbs de Provence; 1 pound baby red potatoes, quartered; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced; 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped; 8 oz sliced baby portobello mushrooms; ½ cup pitted black olives, chopped; Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

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Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore brings together tender chicken thighs, hearty vegetables, and a rich tomato herb sauce in one pot for a rustic, comforting meal. The slow cooking process lets all the flavors meld beautifully, giving you a savory, vegetable-packed dish that’s as cozy as it is delicious. This dish is ideal for busy weeknights or when you want to meal-prep something delicious that practically cooks itself. Serve it with a side of rice, noodles, or a slice of crusty bread to soak up the sauce, and you’ll have an impressive yet simple dinner to enjoy with family or friends.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 pounds boneless chicken thighs
1 (28 oz) can crushed fire-roasted tomatoes
¾ cup beef broth
1 tablespoon Herbs de Provence
1 pound baby red potatoes, quartered
1 medium onion, chopped
2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
8 oz sliced baby portobello mushrooms
½ cup pitted black olives, chopped
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Directions:

In a small bowl, mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Rub seasoning evenly over both sides of the chicken thighs.
In a pan over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Sear chicken thighs for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned (they do not need to be fully cooked at this stage).
Coat the inside of a 6 or 7-quart crockpot with cooking spray. Add crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and Herbs de Provence, stirring to combine.
Layer potatoes, onions, carrots, and yellow pepper on top of the tomato mixture in the crockpot. Place the seared chicken thighs on top and gently mix.
Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours. In the last 30-45 minutes, add mushrooms and olives. Stir and recover to finish cooking.
Once done, uncover and let it rest for 15 minutes before serving. Adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 4 hours | Additional Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 4 hours 35 minutes
Calories: 617 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

A Hearty Italian Favorite: Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore

Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore is an Italian classic that brings together bold flavors and comforting ingredients. The term “cacciatore” actually means “hunter” in Italian, a nod to the dish’s origins as a rustic, hunter-style stew traditionally prepared with wild game. This version, made with tender chicken thighs, is slow-cooked to perfection in a tomato-based sauce enhanced with aromatic herbs, savory vegetables, and olives, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.

Unlike the more common stovetop or oven-baked versions, this crockpot recipe allows you to “set it and forget it.” By using a slow cooker, you free up time to go about your day while letting the chicken and vegetables absorb every bit of seasoning and aroma. This makes it especially appealing for families or anyone looking for a nutritious yet hands-off dinner option. Plus, slow cooking breaks down the chicken, making it melt-in-your-mouth tender and infused with the rich, herby flavors of the sauce.

Why This Recipe is the Best

Hands-Off Cooking with Maximum Flavor
Using a slow cooker makes this recipe incredibly convenient. Once the ingredients are prepped and added to the pot, the slow cooker takes over, allowing the flavors to meld for several hours. This long, low-heat cooking process lets the chicken absorb the robust flavors of the tomatoes, beef broth, and Herbs de Provence. The end result is a deeply flavorful, restaurant-quality dish that requires minimal effort.
Nutritious Ingredients
With a base of tomatoes, bell peppers, carrots, mushrooms, and olives, this Chicken Cacciatore is packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. Each vegetable adds its own set of nutrients—carrots provide beta-carotene, tomatoes offer lycopene, and bell peppers are a great source of vitamin C. Additionally, lean chicken thighs provide high-quality protein without too much fat, making this dish a balanced and nutritious meal.
Versatility
One of the best features of this Chicken Cacciatore recipe is how adaptable it is. You can swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat, or even go the more traditional route by using rabbit, which was a common choice in the dish’s early days in Italy. The vegetables are also customizable; add zucchini, spinach, or broccoli to the mix for extra color and nutrients. And for those looking for a richer flavor, a splash of red wine in the tomato sauce will elevate the dish even more.

Health Benefits of Chicken Cacciatore

This dish isn’t just tasty; it’s also packed with health benefits that make it a great choice for a balanced diet.

Rich in Protein: Chicken thighs are an excellent source of protein, which helps in muscle repair, growth, and general body maintenance. Unlike other meats, chicken is relatively low in saturated fats, making it a heart-healthy protein choice when prepared in a low-oil, tomato-based dish like this.
Antioxidants: The tomatoes and bell peppers in the dish are loaded with antioxidants like lycopene and vitamin C. Lycopene, found in cooked tomatoes, is known for its potential to reduce the risk of certain cancers and improve heart health. Bell peppers, especially yellow and red, are packed with vitamins A and C, which help boost immunity and promote healthy skin.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Many of the ingredients, including garlic, olive oil, and Herbs de Provence, contain anti-inflammatory compounds that can support heart health and lower inflammation in the body.
Gut Health: The variety of vegetables and the use of black olives contribute to dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and supports gut health.

Serving Suggestions and Meal Pairing

Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore is very much a one-pot meal with its protein, vegetables, and rich sauce. However, pairing it with a few sides can make it even more satisfying. Here are some ideas:

Steamed Rice or Pasta: Serve it over steamed rice, farro, or whole-wheat pasta to balance the meal and add some healthy complex carbohydrates. The sauce will cling perfectly to the grains or pasta, soaking up every drop of flavor.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes: For a creamy, comforting option, serve this cacciatore over garlic mashed potatoes. If you skip the potatoes in the slow cooker, this side option gives the dish a smoother texture and adds a nice contrast to the chunky sauce.
Crusty Bread: There’s no better way to enjoy the sauce than by mopping it up with a slice of crusty bread. Italian focaccia or sourdough bread are perfect choices that add a chewy texture and pair wonderfully with the cacciatore’s flavors.
Simple Salad: A crisp Italian or Greek salad with a tangy vinaigrette can be a great way to add a refreshing side that complements the richness of the cacciatore.

Pro Tips for Perfect Chicken Cacciatore

Use High-Quality Ingredients: Since this dish is slow-cooked, each ingredient has time to release its flavors, making it essential to use fresh, high-quality ingredients, especially tomatoes and herbs. Opt for fire-roasted tomatoes if possible, as they lend a subtle smoky flavor that enhances the sauce.
Sear the Chicken First: While you could skip this step, searing the chicken thighs adds a beautiful caramelized flavor that intensifies during the slow cooking process. It also helps lock in the juices, keeping the chicken tender and moist.
Add Mushrooms and Olives Late: To avoid overcooking these delicate ingredients, add the mushrooms and olives in the final 30-45 minutes of cooking. This keeps them flavorful and prevents the olives from becoming too mushy.
Adjust the Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the lid in the last 30 minutes of cooking to let some liquid evaporate. For a thinner sauce, add a bit more broth or even a splash of red wine.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Just before serving, top the dish with fresh parsley for an added pop of color and flavor. Fresh basil or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese would also work well here, giving it a fresh, Italian finish.

History and Origins of Chicken Cacciatore

Chicken Cacciatore has its roots in Italy, where it was traditionally made by hunters as a way to cook their game, usually rabbit or fowl, over a low flame with available ingredients. The dish symbolizes the Italian culinary philosophy of using simple, local ingredients to create hearty and satisfying meals. The version we know today—with tomatoes, bell peppers, and mushrooms—developed as these ingredients became more accessible in Italy and eventually spread globally. Today, Chicken Cacciatore is a cherished dish worldwide, adaptable to personal preferences and available ingredients, while retaining its soul-warming, comforting nature.

Make it Your Own

Feel free to experiment with this recipe to make it your own. Add a handful of spinach for a burst of color and extra nutrients, or throw in a few green olives for a different flavor profile. Some might prefer it spicy, in which case, a pinch of red pepper flakes will do the trick. This flexibility makes the recipe ideal for family cooking, as it can be adapted to suit various tastes and dietary needs.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. Its rich history, deep flavors, and nutritional benefits make it a dish worth adding to your weekly rotation. By relying on a crockpot, you get all the flavors of traditional Italian cacciatore without spending hours over the stove, making it an excellent option for busy cooks. Whether you serve it for a casual family dinner or a cozy night in, this dish delivers on all fronts: flavor, simplicity, and satisfaction. Enjoy the aroma filling your kitchen as it simmers, and savor each bite knowing you’ve created something both hearty and healthful.