Name: Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 h
Total time: 5 h 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 1 carrot, peeled and diced; 1 cup diced onion; 2 teaspoons minced garlic; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 2 teaspoons dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried basil; ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (or to taste); ¼ teaspoon salt; Freshly ground black pepper (to taste); ½ cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay); 8 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin removed); 28 ounce can San Marzano crushed tomatoes; 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, quartered; 2 tablespoons chopped Italian parsley; Shredded Parmesan cheese (for garnish); 8 ounces cooked pasta

If you’re craving a hearty, soulful Italian dinner that basically cooks itself, you’re going to adore this Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Recipe. I absolutely love how juicy and tender the chicken turns out, infused with rich, garlicky tomato sauce and earthy mushrooms. It’s the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with warm, comforting aromas all day long — and by dinner time, you’re in for a deliciously satisfying feast without any last-minute scrambling!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Set It and Forget It: You toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the magic—perfect for busy days.
Rich, Authentic Flavor: The combination of herbs, wine, and San Marzano tomatoes creates an unbeatable depth of taste.
Tender Chicken Every Time: Slow cooking makes the chicken thighs irresistibly juicy and fall-apart tender.
Family Favorite: This dish has become a weekly staple in my home—everyone asks for seconds!

A white bowl holds three main layers: the bottom layer is a bed of thin, pale yellow spaghetti noodles, slightly tangled; the middle layer is a rich, chunky red tomato sauce with visible pieces of cooked mushrooms and finely diced orange carrots; the top layer is a light sprinkle of white grated cheese and small green parsley leaves scattered across the dish for color contrast, with a larger parsley sprig placed at the back. The bowl sits on a white marbled textured surface, with a blurred glass of pale white liquid and bread rolls visible in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore, Italian chicken dinner, easy slow cooker chicken recipe, hearty Italian chicken stew, tender chicken with tomato sauce

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient works together to build that classic cacciatore flavor you’re after—robust, rustic, and satisfying. Here are some tips to help you find the right ones so your dish turns out perfect.

Flat lay of fresh chicken thighs with skin removed, bright orange diced carrot, quartered cremini mushrooms, a heap of chopped Italian parsley, a rich swirl of San Marzano crushed tomatoes, a spoonful of bright red tomato paste, sprigs of dried oregano and basil, and a small pile of shredded Parmesan cheese, all beautifully arranged on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore, Italian chicken dinner, easy slow cooker chicken recipe, hearty Italian chicken stew, tender chicken with tomato sauce

Extra virgin olive oil: Use good quality for a richer flavor in your sautéed veggies.
Carrot: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the sauce, balancing the acidity.
Diced onion: Choose yellow or sweet onions for the best flavor base.
Minced garlic: Fresh garlic works wonders here—avoid garlic powder for this one.
Tomato paste: It adds concentrated tomato flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
Dried oregano and basil: Classic Italian herbs essential for authentic taste.
Red pepper flakes: Adjust to your heat preference; I usually keep it mild.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Season thoughtfully, you’ll taste the difference.
Dry white wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio add brightness to the sauce. Don’t skip it if you can help it!
Chicken thighs (bone-in, skin removed): They stay moist during slow cooking, unlike breasts.
San Marzano crushed tomatoes: These tomatoes bring a natural sweetness and earthy flavor that makes the sauce sing.
Cremini mushrooms: Add an earthy, meaty texture—fresh from your local market is best.
Chopped Italian parsley: Use it fresh to brighten the final dish.
Shredded Parmesan cheese: Essential garnish that adds savory, nutty richness at serving.
Cooked pasta: Serve it over your favorite pasta to soak up that incredible sauce.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

This Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Recipe is wonderfully flexible—I love to tweak it depending on what I have on hand, and you can too! Feel free to make it your own.

Add bell peppers: For extra color and sweetness, toss in sliced red or yellow bell peppers with the mushrooms.
Use boneless chicken thighs: I’ve done this when short on time; they cook faster but stay juicy if you don’t overcook.
Make it dairy-free: Skip the Parmesan or use a plant-based alternative for a dairy-free version.
Spice it up: Amp up the red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne for some extra heat.

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Your Veggies for Maximum Flavor

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Adding the diced carrot, onion, and garlic to the pan lets their flavors bloom, softening just until they’re tender and fragrant—usually about 4 to 5 minutes. This step is the flavor foundation, so don’t skip it! Once softened, stir in the tomato paste, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper, letting it cook for another minute or two to toast those spices and deepen everything’s flavor.

Step 2: Simmer with Wine to Elevate the Sauce

Pour in your dry white wine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This not only deglazes the pan but adds a subtle brightness and acidity that balances the richness of the chicken and tomatoes. It’s one of those little tricks I discovered that really make a difference.

Step 3: Layer the Slow Cooker with Chicken and Sauce

Place your chicken thighs in the slow cooker, then spoon the flavorful veggie and wine mixture on top. Add the San Marzano crushed tomatoes, cover, and set your slow cooker to LOW. I usually cook mine for 4 to 5 hours—that’s just enough time for the chicken to become tender and soak up all that delicious sauce.

Step 4: Finish with Mushrooms and Fresh Parsley

About 30 to 60 minutes before serving, stir in the quartered cremini mushrooms and chopped Italian parsley. Cover and keep cooking on LOW just until the mushrooms soften but still have some bite. This timing keeps the mushrooms from getting mushy and preserves their earthy flavor.

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Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Recipe

Use bone-in chicken thighs: I used to struggle with dry breast meat until I switched—thighs stay juicy and tender in slow cookers.
Don’t skip sautéing veggies first: This simple step layers flavor beautifully, making a big difference in the final dish.
Choose good wine you’d drink: Cooking wine is never the same—better wine means better sauce.
Avoid overcooking mushrooms: Add them near the end to keep their texture pleasantly tender, not mushy.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Recipe

A white bowl filled with a bed of yellow spaghetti noodles forms the bottom layer, topped with red tomato sauce mixed with dark brown mushroom pieces and a piece of cooked white meat covered in sauce at the center. White shredded cheese is sprinkled lightly over the sauce and meat, and a small green parsley sprig sits on top for garnish. A golden brown breadstick lies diagonally on the left edge of the bowl. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with a metal fork resting inside the bowl on the right side, partially under the sauce. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore, Italian chicken dinner, easy slow cooker chicken recipe, hearty Italian chicken stew, tender chicken with tomato sauce

Garnishes

I always top my chicken cacciatore with a generous sprinkle of shredded Parmesan cheese—it melts into the sauce and adds a savory finish that you’ll crave. Fresh chopped parsley on top brightens the plate and adds a pop of color, making it look as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This recipe shines when served over cooked pasta, especially simple noodles like spaghetti or pappardelle that soak up every bit of sauce. If you want something lighter, creamy polenta or even mashed potatoes are fantastic alternatives. For greens, sautéed spinach or a crisp Caesar salad complement the rich flavors perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a little dinner party flair, try plating the chicken thighs atop creamy risotto and drizzle some sauce around the plate, garnished with delicate parsley sprigs. Family-style serving in a rustic ceramic dish with crusty bread for sopping up sauce always gets a crowd-pleasing reaction too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually let leftovers cool completely, then store them in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so it tastes even better the next day!

Freezing

This Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Recipe freezes beautifully. I portion it out in freezer-safe containers and keep it for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating—it makes for an easy weeknight dinner or busy day meal prep.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You can also microwave leftovers covered with a damp paper towel to keep them moist. Adding a splash of water or broth during reheating helps maintain that fresh-from-the-slow-cooker tenderness.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Recipe?

You can use chicken breasts, but I recommend using bone-in breasts to keep them moist. Boneless breasts tend to dry out in slow cooking, whereas thighs stay juicy and tender. If using breasts, keep a close eye on cooking time and avoid overcooking.
Do I have to use white wine in this recipe?

White wine does add a wonderful depth and brightness to the sauce, but if you prefer not to use alcohol, substitute with chicken broth and a teaspoon of white wine vinegar or lemon juice to add a bit of acidity. The flavor won’t be quite the same but still delicious.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance and freeze it?

Absolutely! Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore freezes really well. Prepare the recipe as usual, let it cool, then store in freezer-safe containers. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently when ready to eat.
What pasta pairs best with Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore?

I love serving this with wide noodles like pappardelle or simple spaghetti—both soak up the sauce beautifully. However, feel free to use any pasta you like, including rigatoni or penne, for a heartier bite.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Recipe has earned a permanent spot in my recipe box for good reason. It’s reliable, packed with flavor, and perfect for those days when you want a comforting home-cooked meal without standing over the stove for hours. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this as much as my family and I do—it’s one of those dishes that bring everyone to the table with a satisfied smile. Go ahead, give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite weeknight dinner!