I absolutely love this Slow-Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Recipe because it’s the kind of meal that feels fancy but takes almost zero effort. You just throw everything in your slow cooker, walk away, and come back to a hearty, comforting dinner that smells like it simmered all day in an Italian trattoria. It’s perfect for busy weekdays or lazy weekends when you want something delicious without babysitting the stove.
When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how tender the chicken becomes and how the flavors meld beautifully over hours. You’ll find that the slow simmer softens the peppers and mushrooms and fills the house with such a cozy aroma — it’s honestly my family’s favorite go-to when we want comfort food that feels like a hug in a bowl. I’ve picked up some handy tips along the way to help you get it just right, so let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hands-Off Cooking: Just add ingredients to your slow cooker and let it do the work.
- Rich, Layered Flavors: Slow simmering melds the tomatoes, herbs, and veggies perfectly.
- Family Favorite: It’s a comforting crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters enjoy.
- Versatile Serving: Great over pasta, rice, or even polenta for a cozy meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient plays a part in building this rustic Italian classic. From juicy chicken thighs to the tangy bite of capers, everything works together for that perfect slow-cooker magic. Here’s what you’ll want to grab before you get started.
- Chicken thighs: I recommend skin-on and bone-in for extra flavor and juicy meat.
- Kosher salt: Balances the flavors and seasons the chicken perfectly.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Adds just the right amount of warmth and spice.
- Bell peppers: Chopped to melt softness, I like using a mix of colors for a beautiful look.
- Baby Bella mushrooms: Sliced mushrooms add earthiness and soak up all those tomato juices.
- Garlic: Minced fresh garlic brings that aromatic depth you want in cacciatore.
- Crushed tomatoes: The base of your sauce—choose good quality canned for the best flavor.
- Chicken broth: Just a bit to keep things juicy and infuse savory notes.
- Dried oregano: Classic Italian herb that brightens the sauce with its punch.
- Red pepper flakes: A subtle kick of heat—adjust to your taste.
- Capers: Stirred in last for a salty tang that cuts through the richness.
- Cooked linguine: For serving—this sauce pairs beautifully with pasta.
Variations
I love that this Slow-Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Recipe is so easy to tweak depending on what I have on hand or my mood. Feel free to make it your own — it’s really forgiving and flexible!
- Add olives: I sometimes swap or add green olives for extra briny notes which my family absolutely adores.
- Use chicken breasts: If you prefer leaner meat, just be mindful the cooking time might be a bit shorter to keep it tender.
- Spice level: Adjust red pepper flakes or add a splash of hot sauce if you love a little more heat.
- Herbs: Fresh basil or parsley stirred in at the end adds freshness and color.
- Vegetables: Feel free to toss in some sliced zucchini or eggplant for a veggie boost.
How to Make Slow-Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Recipe
Step 1: Season and Layer Your Ingredients
Start by patting your chicken thighs dry, then generously season both sides with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. This step is crucial because it helps bring out the chicken’s flavor as it cooks low and slow. Place the seasoned thighs at the bottom of your slow cooker in a single layer if you can — this helps with even cooking.
Next, layer in the chopped bell peppers, sliced mushrooms, and minced garlic right on top. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth over everything. Then sprinkle the dried oregano, red pepper flakes, and a little extra salt and pepper for good measure. Resist the urge to stir here — letting the ingredients gently rest helps the flavors develop in the slow cooker.
Step 2: Cook Low and Slow
Cover your slow cooker and set it to low for 6 to 8 hours, or high for 3 to 4 hours if you’re short on time. I always prefer the low setting because it makes the chicken so melt-in-your-mouth tender. During cooking, you’ll notice the sauce thickening, and the wonderful aroma will fill your kitchen. Check at the lower end of the cooking time just to be safe – the chicken should be cooked through, easily pulling away from the bone.
Step 3: Finish with Capers and Serve
Once the chicken is perfectly cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and set aside. Stir the capers into the sauce — this little addition adds a wonderfully bright, salty punch that I’ve come to love about this recipe. Serve the chicken over a bed of cooked linguine and spoon that rich sauce over the top. I like to garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs if I have them handy.
Pro Tips for Making Slow-Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Recipe
- Use Bone-In Chicken: I’ve found that bone-in thighs stay juicier and develop better flavor than boneless versions in the slow cooker.
- Don’t Skip Seasoning: Proper salt and pepper seasoning before cooking makes all the difference in the final depth of flavor.
- Low and Slow Wins: Cooking on low heat preserves tenderness — rushing it usually means less juicy meat.
- Capers Last: Stir in capers at the end to keep their bright bite fresh and avoid overpowering the sauce.
How to Serve Slow-Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Recipe
Garnishes
I often garnish this cacciatore with freshly chopped parsley or basil when I want to add a fresh herbal pop. Sometimes a little grated Parmesan on top also gives it a lovely salty finish that everyone in my family loves. These simple touches lift the dish right before serving.
Side Dishes
While I usually serve this slow-cooker chicken cacciatore recipe over linguine, it also pairs wonderfully with creamy polenta, buttery mashed potatoes, or even crusty Italian bread to soak up the sauce. For veggies, a crisp green salad or roasted broccoli balances the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to serve this dish in rustic ceramic bowls with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a drizzle of good olive oil. Setting out some garlic bread and a glass of red wine really elevates the experience — it makes the simple slow-cooker dinner feel like a slow Sunday supper in Tuscany.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so I sometimes find it tastes even better the next day. Just keep the chicken and sauce together for easy reheating.
Freezing
This recipe freezes really well! I let the chicken and sauce cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. It holds up great for up to 3 months — perfect for meal prep or busy nights. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, I like warming it gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. This keeps the chicken juicy and prevents the sauce from drying out. If you’re in a hurry, a microwave works too—just cover loosely and stir halfway through.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in this Slow-Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat, but keep in mind they may cook faster and can dry out if overcooked. I recommend checking for doneness a little earlier and considering cutting them into larger chunks to help them stay moist during slow cooking.
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Do I need to brown the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker?
Browning is optional for this recipe because the slow cooker does a great job building flavor over time. However, if you have the extra time, searing the chicken thighs first adds a deeper, caramelized flavor and a beautiful color to the dish.
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Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply serve the Slow-Cooker Chicken Cacciatore over gluten-free pasta, rice, or polenta. Just double-check that your chicken broth and canned tomatoes don’t contain any hidden gluten ingredients.
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How spicy is this recipe?
It has just a gentle kick from the red pepper flakes, but the heat is mild and easily adjustable. You can reduce or omit the flakes for a very mild dish or ramp it up if you like some heat — it’s very forgiving!
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What if I don’t have capers?
If you don’t have capers on hand, a small splash of lemon juice or a handful of green olives can add a similar salty tang. I wouldn’t skip a tangy element altogether because it really brightens the rich sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Slow-Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Recipe is one of my absolute favorites to make because of how effortlessly it comes together and how deeply satisfying it is. It gives you that slow-simmered depth of flavor with minimal fuss, making it a perfect weeknight meal or a comforting weekend treat. I promise, once you try it, it’ll become a staple in your rotation like it did in mine. I can’t wait for you to taste how tender and flavorful slow-cooked chicken can be. Happy cooking, friend!
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Slow-Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 6 hrs
- Total Time: 6 hrs 10 mins
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Slow-Cooker Chicken Cacciatore is a hearty and flavorful Italian-inspired dish made with tender chicken thighs simmered in a rich tomato sauce with bell peppers, mushrooms, garlic, and aromatic herbs. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal, it is served over linguine pasta and allows for hands-off cooking using a slow cooker, developing deep flavors over several hours.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 lb. skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 bell peppers, chopped
- 8 oz. baby Bella mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Flavorings
- 1 (28-oz.) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup Swanson Chicken Broth
- 1 tsp. dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes
- 1/3 cup capers
Serving
- 8 oz. cooked linguine, for serving
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season the skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs evenly on both sides with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. This ensures the meat is well-flavored before cooking.
- Layer Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Place the seasoned chicken thighs in the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the chopped bell peppers, sliced baby Bella mushrooms, and minced garlic on top of the chicken. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and Swanson Chicken Broth evenly over the ingredients. Sprinkle dried oregano, red pepper flakes, additional salt, and pepper across the top for added flavor.
- Cook the Dish: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours, or alternatively on high heat for 3 to 4 hours. The chicken should be fully cooked through and tender, and the sauce flavors will meld together during this time.
- Finish the Sauce and Serve: Once cooking is complete, carefully remove the chicken thighs from the slow cooker and set aside. Stir the capers into the sauce in the slow cooker to add a salty, briny depth. Serve the chicken thighs over a bed of cooked linguine pasta, spooning the cacciatore sauce generously on top.
Notes
- Bone-in chicken thighs provide more flavor and remain juicy during slow cooking.
- You can substitute bell peppers with other sweet peppers or use a mix of red and yellow for color variety.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the lid and cook on high for an additional 15-20 minutes after the chicken is removed to reduce liquid.
- Capers add saltiness and tang; rinse them if you want a milder taste.
- Serve with garlic bread or a green salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1 chicken thigh with sauce and pasta)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
