Description
Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore brings rustic Italian flavors to your dinner table with minimal effort. This hearty, comforting dish features tender chicken simmered with tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, garlic, and herbs—all infused with the richness of wine and olive oil. Set it and forget it in your slow cooker for a delicious, aromatic meal that satisfies the whole family.
Ingredients
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🍗 6–8 chicken thighs or mixed bone-in pieces
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🍅 1 large can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
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🌶️ 1 red bell pepper, sliced
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🌶️ 1 green bell pepper, sliced
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🧅 1 large onion, sliced
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🧄 4 cloves garlic, minced
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🍷 1/2 cup dry white or red wine
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🌿 1 tsp dried oregano
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🌿 1 tsp dried basil
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🌿 1 sprig fresh rosemary (optional)
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🫒 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
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🧂 Salt and pepper to taste
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🥄 Optional: pinch of sugar
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🫑 Optional: sliced mushrooms or olives
Instructions
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Gather ingredients. Prepare all vegetables, herbs, and chicken pieces.
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Season the chicken. Rub salt, pepper, and dried herbs on all sides.
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Optional: Brown the chicken. In a skillet with olive oil, sear chicken until golden for enhanced flavor.
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Layer ingredients. Add onions, peppers, and garlic to the bottom of the slow cooker. Place chicken on top.
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Add liquids. Pour in crushed tomatoes and wine. Add a splash of broth if desired.
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Cook. Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours.
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Taste and adjust. Near the end, taste the sauce and adjust seasoning.
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Serve. Plate with sauce and garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
Notes
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Add red pepper flakes for heat.
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Capers, olives, or mushrooms bring extra depth.
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Substitute wine with broth for an alcohol-free version.
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Remove lid for the last 30 minutes to thicken sauce if needed.
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Pairs beautifully with pasta, polenta, or crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–8 hours (low) or 4–5 hours (high)
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (approx. 1/6 of recipe)
- Calories: ~320 kcal
- Sugar: ~6 g
- Sodium: ~580 mg
- Fat: ~16 g
- Saturated Fat: ~3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: ~3 g
- Protein: ~30 g
- Cholesterol: ~95 mg
Keywords: chicken cacciatore, slow cooker chicken, Italian chicken recipe, easy family dinner