Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
Recipe Introduction: Let's Get Cacciatore ing!
Fancy a taste of Italy without the fuss? Do you want the best Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Easy recipe? Honestly, who doesn't love a comforting, flavour packed dish that practically cooks itself? This recipe brings the rustic charm of Italian cuisine straight to your table.
It is so easy to make.
What's the Big Deal About Cacciatore Anyway?
Cacciatore simply means "hunter" in Italian. It refers to a dish traditionally made with what a hunter could find. Our version of this Italian Chicken Stew Slow Cooker is super simple.
It's perfect for busy weeknights. This Easy Chicken Cacciatore Slow Cooker requires minimal effort. Just chuck everything in and let the slow cooker do its magic.
It will serve about 4 people.
Why You'll Love This Recipe. Oh my gosh!
Okay, mate, let's talk benefits. Firstly, Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore Recipe uses loads of veggies, meaning you're getting a good dose of vitamins.
Secondly, it is pure comfort food. Picture this, you serve it with some pasta on a cold evening. It's the ideal Slow Cooker Chicken Dinner Ideas ! Thirdly, what makes this Weeknight Chicken Cacciatore recipe special is its simplicity.
You get maximum flavor with minimum effort.
Now, let's talk ingredients. You'll need chicken, obviously. Also, some vibrant veggies, and a few pantry staples. I personally use chicken thighs since they stay moist. You can also use chicken breast.
Ingredients & Equipment for Easy Cacciatore
Okay, mate, let's talk ingredients. Making Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Easy is all about getting the right stuff. And don't worry, it's proper easy.
Main Ingredients Deets
- Chicken: 6 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs (about 2.5 lbs / 1.1 kg ) OR 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (about 1.5 lbs / 680 g ). Quality chicken makes a difference! Free range tastes best, honestly.
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon – for searing the chicken.
- Onion: 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced (about 1 cup / 150g )
- Bell Peppers: 1 red and 1 green, seeded and sliced (about 1 cup / 150g each)
- Mushrooms: 8 oz (225g) cremini, sliced. These add such a fab earthiness.
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced. Don’t skimp on the garlic.
- Crushed Tomatoes: 1 (28 oz / 796g) can.
- Tomato Paste: 1 (6 oz / 170g) can.
- Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon .
- Dried Basil: 1 teaspoon .
- Dried Thyme: ½ teaspoon .
- Salt: ½ teaspoon (or to taste).
- Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon .
- Red Pepper Flakes: ¼ teaspoon (optional, for heat).
- Chicken Broth or Dry Red Wine: ½ cup . I usually go for wine like Chianti - proper good!.
- Capers or Sliced Black Olives: 2 tablespoons (optional).
- Fresh Parsley or Basil: Chopped, for garnish.
- Cooked Pasta, Rice, or Polenta: For serving. Chicken Cacciatore with Pasta is the classic, right?
Seasoning Notes: Flavour Boosters
The essential spice combinations here are oregano, basil, and thyme. They bring that Italian magic. For a real flavour enhancer, a splash of red wine vinegar at the end brightens everything up.
Out of oregano? Italian seasoning is a good quick substitution . These spices are important, even more so if you are using the dish as a Cacciatore Sauce Recipe Slow Cooker .
Equipment Needed
- Slow Cooker (6-quart or larger). Essential, duh!
- Large Skillet: For searing the chicken. Adds proper colour and flavour.
- Cutting Board and Knife.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons.
- Mixing Bowl.
You can use a big pot instead of a skillet. Easy Chicken Cacciatore Slow Cooker recipes are all about convenience, innit?
Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs Cacciatore is a real winner for a Weeknight Chicken Cacciatore . It's so easy, it's almost criminal. Enjoy this Comfort Food Chicken Cacciatore dish!
Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Easy: Comfort Food, Sorted!
Honestly, who doesn't love a good Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore Recipe ? It's the kind of dish that just hugs you from the inside.
This Easy Chicken Cacciatore Slow Cooker recipe is my go-to when I need a proper comfort meal. We're talking minimal effort, maximum flavour.
And it's way easier than you think. Let's get to it, shall we?
Prep Like a Pro: Setting the Stage for Cacciatore Success
Okay, mate, let's whip up a batch of. Here’s the list, keeping it natural and on point, just like a proper Sunday roast:
- Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore Recipe
- Easy Chicken Cacciatore Slow Cooker
- Italian Chicken Stew Slow Cooker
- Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs Cacciatore
- Chicken Cacciatore with Pasta
- Slow Cooker Italian Chicken Recipe
- Cacciatore Sauce Recipe Slow Cooker
- Slow Cooker Chicken Dinner Ideas
- Weeknight Chicken Cacciatore
- Comfort Food Chicken Cacciatore
First things first, chop all your veg. One medium yellow onion , one each of red and green bell peppers , sliced.
Eight ounces of cremini mushrooms , sliced, and 3 cloves of garlic , minced. Having everything ready before you start is a total game changer.
Trust me.
Easy Steps to Slow Cooker Heaven
- (Optional) Sear the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet. Season 6 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Sear for 2- 3 minutes per side. This step adds so much flavour, but feel free to skip if you're short on time.
- Layer the Veg: Chuck the onion, peppers, mushrooms, and garlic into your slow cooker. These form your flavorful base.
- Chicken on Top: Arrange the seared chicken on top of the vegetables.
- Sauce Time: In a bowl, mix one 28oz can of crushed tomatoes , one 6oz can of tomato paste , 1 teaspoon each of dried oregano and dried basil , ½ teaspoon dried thyme , ½ teaspoon salt , ¼ teaspoon pepper , ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional!), and ½ cup chicken broth (or red wine). Give it a good whisk.
- Pour it Over: Pour the sauce over the chicken and veg. Ensure most of the chicken is submerged.
- Slow Cook Away: Cover and cook on LOW for 6- 8 hours or HIGH for 3- 4 hours . The chicken should be super tender.
- Finishing Touch: During the last 15 minutes , stir in 2 tablespoons of capers or sliced black olives (optional, but I think they're great!).
Pro Tips for Cracking Cacciatore
- Browning the chicken makes a HUGE difference. Honestly, it's worth the extra few minutes.
- Avoid overcrowding the slow cooker. If yours is small, reduce the amount of chicken and veg.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning during the last hour. Everyone's tastebuds are different, right?
- Serve your Slow Cooker Italian Chicken Recipe Cacciatore with pasta, rice, or creamy polenta. Don't forget a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil. It’s also a great recipe for Weeknight Chicken Cacciatore!
Recipe Notes
This Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Easy recipe is a proper crowd pleaser. It's like a warm hug on a plate. Let's dive into some tips, eh?
Plating Like a Pro and Perfect Pairings
Right, you've got your Italian Chicken Stew Slow Cooker ready. Plating it is easy! Serve it in a shallow bowl. Add a swirl of cream. Garnish with fresh basil. Sorted!
For sides, think simple. Garlic bread is a must. A green salad cuts through the richness. A glass of Chianti? Absolutely banging.
Storing Your Masterpiece
Got leftovers of your Easy Chicken Cacciatore Slow Cooker ? Lucky you!
Fridge time? Pop it in an airtight container. It will last for 3-4 days. Freezer? Absolutely! It will last for up to 3 months. Just make sure it's properly sealed.
Reheating is easy. Microwave it, or heat it on the hob. Make sure it's piping hot. Honestly, this Slow Cooker Italian Chicken Recipe tastes even better the next day.
Twists and Turns: Variations on a Theme
Need to make it dairy-free? No worries! Just skip the cream garnish. You can also use dairy-free cheese for serving.
Fancy a veggie Cacciatore Sauce Recipe Slow Cooker ? Swap the chicken for aubergine. Trust me, it works a treat.
Seasonal swaps? In summer, use fresh tomatoes. In winter, stick with tinned. It's all about what's good, innit? Oh my gosh!
Getting Down to the Nitty Gritty: Nutrition
Okay, let's talk nutrition. This Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore Recipe is packed with protein. It also boasts loads of vitamins from the veggies.
The chicken thighs contribute a nice amount of fats. But remember, moderation is key.
A serving will clock in around 450-550 calories . This depends on the ingredients. But it's a balanced meal. Plus, it's Comfort Food Chicken Cacciatore at its finest.
So there you have it. Your guide to making the most of this belter Weeknight Chicken Cacciatore recipe. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Easy recipe ahead of time? It would be a lifesaver for a busy week!
Absolutely! The Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore is perfect for making ahead. Once cooked, let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld together even more beautifully overnight, making it even more delicious!
Just reheat thoroughly before serving, and Bob's your uncle!
What if I don’t have wine on hand? Can I still make this Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore?
No worries at all! You can easily substitute the red wine with an equal amount of chicken broth. While the wine adds a depth of flavor, the broth will still provide plenty of moisture and savory notes. It will still be a "cracking" dish and you won't notice the difference!
Is there any way to make this Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore recipe spicier? I like a bit of a kick!
Definitely! For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes in the sauce. You could also add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. Taste as you go and adjust to your preference you don't want to set your mouth on fire!
I'm trying to eat healthier. What are some ways I can reduce the fat and calories in this Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Easy recipe?
Great question! You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs, which are leaner. Also, be mindful of the amount of olive oil you use for searing a light spray is often enough.
Serving over cauliflower rice instead of pasta is another great way to cut down on carbs and calories, and is "easy peasy lemon squeezy".
How long can I store leftover Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore, and what's the best way to do it?
Leftover Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2-3 months. Just make sure to cool it completely before freezing. When reheating, ensure it's piping hot all the way through.
Can I add other vegetables to this Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Easy?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative and add your favorite vegetables. Some great additions include zucchini, carrots, or even some chopped potatoes. Add them along with the other vegetables at the beginning of the cooking process, and you're "off to the races".
Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 500 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 5g |
