Description
Slow-cooked Italian comfort food made easy! This Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore combines tender chicken, tomatoes, bell peppers, and herbs in a rich sauce perfect for pasta or rice.
Ingredients
1 tsp kosher salt
1 tbsp olive oil (plus 2 tsp for sautéing)
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 lb boneless, skinless chicken (breasts or thighs)
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp Italian herb mix
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
8 oz cremini mushrooms, quartered
1 medium green bell pepper, sliced into 1-inch strips
1 medium yellow onion, diced into 1/2-inch pieces
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (plus 1/2 tsp for finishing)
Whole wheat pasta (for serving)
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Spray the slow cooker with nonstick spray.
2. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, sear both sides until browned (about 3–4 minutes per side), then transfer to slow cooker.
3. Reduce heat, wipe skillet, and heat 2 tsp olive oil. Sauté onions until soft (about 3 minutes), add garlic and 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar, and cook for 1 more minute. Transfer mixture to slow cooker.
4. Add crushed tomatoes, bell pepper, mushrooms, and Italian seasoning over the chicken in the slow cooker. Cover and cook.
5. For chicken breasts: cook on HIGH for 1.5–2.5 hours or LOW for 4–5 hours.
6. For chicken thighs: cook on HIGH for 3–4 hours or LOW for 5–6 hours.
7. Once the chicken reaches 165°F, remove and either shred or leave whole.
8. If a thicker sauce is desired, uncover and cook on HIGH for 1 more hour.
9. Stir in 1/2 tsp balsamic vinegar before serving, adjust seasoning. Return shredded chicken to sauce or serve whole.
10. Serve hot over pasta or other base, topped with Parmesan and parsley.
Notes
Browning the chicken before slow cooking enhances flavor.
Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to retain heat.
Proper seasoning and staged vinegar addition improve taste.
No extra liquid is needed—vegetables and chicken release enough moisture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4–5 hours (LOW) or 1.5–2.5 hours (HIGH)
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (about 1 1/2 cups with sauce)
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 640 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg