I love dinners that look fancy but literally require me to do the bare minimum. This easy Crock Pot Chicken Cacciatore tastes like something from a cute Italian restaurant, and all I actually do is toss everything in the crockpot.
It's colorful, comforting, and the leftovers somehow taste even better the next day.
This recipe is beginner friendly, great for date night, and perfect if you want a cozy, saucy dinner without babysitting the stove.
Things to Know Before Making Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
- Searing the chicken adds flavor, but you can skip it if you're in lazy girl mode.
- My version is made without wine, but you can definitely add a splash of red wine!
- Use chicken thighs for the juiciest, most tender texture, you can use boneless skinless chicken breasts if preferred.
- Fresh parsley or fresh basil on top makes it look so aesthetic for serving
I love this because it feels like comfort food but stays surprisingly light and colorful.
If you're into easy, comforting, slow cooked recipes, you'll love these too: Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan, Crockpot Slow Cooker Soy Honey Garlic Chicken, Slow Cooker French Onion Chicken and Rice, and Slow Cooker Chicken and Stuffing.
Ingredients You'll Need
Scroll to the recipe card for exact measurements.
- Chicken thighs: super tender and flavorful in the slow cooker
- Olive oil: for getting that quick golden sear
- Onion: adds sweet, savory depth
- Bell peppers: give color and classic cacciatore vibes
- Mushrooms: soak up all the saucy flavor
- Garlic: brings warmth and richness
- Crushed and diced tomatoes: form the cozy sauce
- Chicken broth: helps everything simmer together
- Italian seasoning, basil, oregano: the perfect herb combo
- Red pepper flakes: optional heat
- Salt and pepper: simple seasoning to balance everything
- Capers: add a salty, tangy pop at the end
- Fresh herbs: for a cute garnish
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium high heat. Season the chicken lightly with salt and pepper, then sear each piece for a couple minutes per side until a light golden crust forms. This step adds great flavor but can be skipped if needed.
Step 2: Place the sliced onion, peppers, mushrooms, and garlic into the bottom of your slow cooker. Layer the seared chicken on top of the vegetables.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, mix the crushed tomatoes, drained diced tomatoes, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, and a bit more salt and pepper. Pour the mixture over the chicken. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken is tender.
Step 4: Stir in the capers right before serving. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a cozy, colorful finish.
Substitutions and Variations
- Swap chicken thighs for breasts
- Use fire roasted crushed tomatoes for extra flavor or even use a chunky marinara sauce instead of the crushed and canned tomatoes
- Add zucchini or eggplant if you want more veggies
- Add a splash of red wine for a richer sauce
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
Serve this cozy Italian dish over pasta, rice, polenta, or even mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort bowl. Garlic bread or a simple green salad makes it even cuter and more aesthetic for serving.
Storage and Freezing
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until warm. Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw overnight before reheating.
FAQs
Do I have to sear the chicken first?
No, you can skip it, but a quick sear makes the flavor so much better. Totally worth the extra two minutes if you have the energy.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes. Just keep an eye on the cook time so they stay tender and don't turn dry. Breasts cook a little faster.
Why is my sauce watery?
It usually means the tomatoes released extra liquid. Drain the diced tomatoes first or let the sauce cook uncovered for the last 20 minutes to thicken up.
Can I make this spicy?
Definitely. Add extra red pepper flakes or even a tiny splash of hot sauce if you want a little heat.
More Easy Crockpot Dinner Recipes
- Crock Pot Zuppa Toscana
- Slow Cooker Million Dollar Tortellini
- Crockpot Sausage and Peppers
- Creamy Crockpot Taco Soup
- Slow Cooker French Onion Beef and Noodles
- Slow Cooker Lentil and Ham Soup
I'm also sharing some of my favorite Easy Crockpot Dinners and Chicken Breast Crock Pot Recipes that I think you'll like.
Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore (with Chicken Thighs)
An easy slow cooker chicken cacciatore with tender chicken, veggies, and a rich tomato sauce. Warm, comforting, and great for cozy nights at home.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons capers
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley and basil for garnish
Instructions
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Warm the olive oil in a skillet over medium high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper and sear for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until lightly golden.
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Add the onion, peppers, mushrooms, and garlic to the bottom of the slow cooker. Place the seared chicken on top.
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In a bowl, combine the crushed tomatoes, drained diced tomatoes, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, and more salt and pepper. Stir and pour over the chicken.
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Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken is tender.
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Stir in the capers. Taste and adjust seasoning.
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Serve over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes and garnish with fresh herbs.
Recipe Notes
You can add a splash of red wine if preferred!
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