Happiness is coming home to Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore, a clean kitchen and the amazing aroma from a stew loaded with LOTS of healthy vegetables. It simmers in a tasty tomato sauce with a hint of red wine vinegar that's delicious!
It's the ultimate comfort meal and it's easy to make.
Similar to Slow Cooker Beef and Vegetables this recipe gets a flavor boost from stewed tomatoes. But, for our chicken stew, we added a touch of red wine vinegar instead of wine to the tomato sauce.
Keep it low carb and serve it over spiralized zucchini or roasted cauliflower rice. And, if you're not watching carbs, make pasta, mashed potatoes or gnocchi.
Or, just dish it out! The end. This version of chicken cacciatore is truly a one-pot, family-friendly dinner that everyone will enjoy straight from the crock-pot.
Ingredients and Variations
Cacciatore means hunter in Italian. And, true to its name, this recipe is easily adjusted based upon what you have on hand.
These are the main ingredients we used and some variations to consider:
- Chicken thighs - with the bone in or out. Or, use chicken breasts.
- Stewed tomatoes - contain seasonings and most likely a pinch of sugar that gives the cacciatore sauce a slightly sweet flavor.
- Red wine vinegar
- Oregano
- Vegetables traditionally included
- Garlic
- Onions
- Peppers
- Additional vegetables to add (we added the first two)
- Mushrooms
- Carrots
- Green beans
- Zucchini
- Potatoes
Browning the Chicken Debate
Brown it. Or not! It's going to taste a little better if you take this step. I shudder at the thought of messing up a pan first thing in the morning. But, I usually do it!
It helps seal in moisture and adds to the appearance. And, after all, we eat with our eyes.
If I'm making this up to freeze uncooked, I don't. It's still very, very, good.
Bottom line: Don't let this step stop you from making this easy Crock-pot Chicken Cacciatore recipe!
How to Thicken Sauce
Near the end of the cooking time, make a slurry of corn starch and cold water. Mix it into the slow cooker and turn the heat to high. In about 15 minutes the sauce will be smooth and velvety.
Depending upon who you talk to corn starch may or may not be a good choice for low-carb diets. We used a small amount that when spread over many servings results in a low-carb meal overall.
If you want to try a different method, then check out How to Make Gluten-Free Roux by Cotter Crunch.
Another option is to remove the lid from the slow cooker during the last hour of the cooking time to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.
Freezer instructions
This recipe was used at our Make-Ahead Meal Stores. It's a tried and true freezer meal that can be prepared before you cook it. I recommend making one up for the freezer at the same time. Just dump all of the ingredients into a freezer bag that seals (double bag it) or an airtight container with a lid.
When you are ready to enjoy Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore, simply defrost it in the refrigerator overnight and then cook it according to the instructions.
More Slow Cooker Comfort Meals
Did you make this recipe? Please leave a rating and tag @DinnerMom or #DinnerMom on social media. We LOVE to see and share your creations!
Crock Pot Chicken Cacciatore Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs excess fat removed
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion halved and sliced
- 1 pepper red, green or yellow, sliced into thin strips
- 2 carrots sliced or cut into 1 inch pieces
- 8 ounces white mushrooms sliced
- 29 ounces stewed tomatoes Two 14.5 ounce cans
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 Tablespoon corn starch
- 1/4 cup cold water
Instructions
- Heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Season both sides of chicken with salt and pepper.
- Brown chicken for about 3 minutes on each side.
- Add chicken, onions, peppers, carrots and mushrooms to crock pot.
- Mix tomatoes, garlic, oregano and red wine vinegar together.
- Pour tomato mixture over chicken and vegetables and stir slightly to allow tomato mixture to coat vegetables and chicken.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
- To thicken the tomato sauce, remove chicken to a serving platter and keep warm.
- Mix together corn starch and water and then stir into sauce remaining in the crock pot.
- Cook on high for 15 minutes.
- Return chicken to crock pot or pour sauce over chicken on serving platter.
Video
Notes
- For keto-friendly South Beach diet, leave out carrots and select stewed tomatoes with minimal sweetener. See notes above for alternative ways to thicken sauce if desired.
- Browning chicken is optional. It seals in moisture and adds to the appearance of the chicken.
- To make ahead and freeze: Add all of the ingredients to plastic bag that seals (double bag) or a container with a lid. Remove to the refrigerator to defrost and cook normally in the slow cooker.
- Serving ideas:
- Spiralized zucchini
- Roasted cauliflower rice
- Pasta
- Mashed potatoes
- Gnocchi
- Parmesan cheese
Nutrition
Tammy Northrup
This looks and sounds delicious. I love all of the veggies in it and cooking in the slow cooker is a big plus! Can't wait to try it.
Lea Ann (Cooking On The Ranch)
Happy Sunday Marjorie. I've never ever made Cacciatore and can't think of a better way to ease into a new recipe than using my crockpot. Nice cooking with you for Sunday Supper.
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers
I never thougth of chicken cacciatore in the Crock-Pot! Great recipe! Looks just amazing!!
Tammi @ Momma's Meals
I think this one is going on the list for this week!! Nothing like throwing in a bunch of veggies and some chicken! Thanks for sharing.
Renee - Kudos Kitchen
I used to balk at browning meats for using in the slow cooker too but over time, I've realized what an incredible difference in flavor it makes. Well worth dirtying a dish first thing in the morning. Your recipe looks and sounds like a real winner! I'm loving all the healthy ingredient/colors too. So pretty 🙂
Cindys Recipes and Writings
I love your "hunt and gather" reference! Sounds so much better than scour for leftover veggies, like I do! Have a great New Year Marjory!
Liz
SO gorgeous on the red plates!!! And just as delicious as beautiful, I'm certain!
Cheryl
The slow cooker sure is a life saver! I'm heading over to check out your Crock Pot Baked Ziti now too! You're absolutely right, now is a great time for slow cooker recipes. It sure is nice to have a healthy, low carb, versatile dish like this in your back pocket - anytime! Thanks for sharing & HUGS!
Julie @ Texan New Yorker
This looks so tasty and warm on a cold day, I will have to try it soon! Thanks for sharing!
Shaina
I love how classic dishes like this one can be made in the crockpot - making for much less clean up and hassle for us doing the cooking!
Courtney @ Neighborfood
I love Chicken Cacciatore and this is a great way for us to be able to have it on busy weeknights. And adding mushrooms is totally the right thing to do! 🙂
Constance Smith (@FoodieArmyWife)
This is a beautiful dish, perfect for a yucky weather day like today.
The Ninja Baker
Fantastico! A delicious recipe for my brand new slow cooker with gluten-free options! You can bet I'm saving your ziti recipe, too =)
Lori @ Foxes Love Lemons
I love chicken cacciatore. I'm so lucky - my crock pot insert is actually stovetop safe! So, I could brown the chicken right in it, then transfer to the slow cooker. Will be making this recipe soon, for sure!
Family Foodie
I love all of the veggies in this dish! I looks amazing and is easy to make during a busy weekday!
Betsy @ Desserts Required
I love how you incorporated so many vegetables in this one dish. It looks great!
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips
A few of my most popular recipes were slow cooker ones! And this one sounds fabulous.
Dorothy at Shockingly Delicious
I am a chicken thigh girl, too!
Tara
So colorful and full of flavor, that is on my menu for tomorrow night!!!
Renee
Amazing what can be made in a slow cooker these days. What a lovely meal full of flavor and veggies too. And tomato-y dishes like this get me every time.
RK's Gramma
I absolutely love this recipe and intend to make it for dinner this week. It will freeze beautifully if we don't finish it all. We are only 2.
I love the beautiful dish featured here. Would you tell me what it is and where I could purchase some? It is absolutely grand.
Happy 2014
Marjory
It does freeze beautifully. The plates were a gift...I am always on the hunt for food photography props! But, they are my favorite plates and you will see them often on the site these days. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
Suzy
I am loving all of the flavors in this but really love that it's made in the crockpot!
Justine
Oh, I LOVE all the extra veggies in this!! SO GOOD~!
Linda Brewer
I tried this recipe. It was very easy to make and delicious. I can't wait to try more.
Marjory Pilley
I'm so glad you enjoyed it!