Description
This Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore is a comforting Italian classic featuring tender chicken thighs simmered in a rich sauce of diced tomatoes, bell peppers, olives, capers, and aromatic herbs. Slow cooked to perfection, it requires minimal hands-on time while delivering bold, satisfying flavors ideal for busy weeknights or laid-back weekends.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 lbs bone-in, skinless chicken thighs
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 bell peppers, chopped (any color)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Tomato & Sauce Base
- 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional; can substitute with extra broth or grape juice)
Briny & Flavor Enhancers
- 1/4 cup olives, sliced
- 2 tablespoons capers, drained
Fresh Herbs
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (add near end)
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (add near end)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (can be added at start)
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
Optional
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Chop the onion, bell peppers, and garlic. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to prepare for optional searing.
- Optional Searing: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown chicken thighs on both sides until golden, about 3-4 minutes per side, then transfer to the slow cooker. This step builds deeper flavor but can be skipped for convenience.
- Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker: Add diced tomatoes, chopped bell peppers, onions, garlic, olives, capers, chicken broth, red wine, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes to the slow cooker with the chicken.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and the sauce is rich and bubbling.
- Finish with Fresh Herbs: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in freshly chopped basil and rosemary for a bright, aromatic finish. Adjust seasoning if needed.
Notes
- Searing chicken first adds caramelized flavor but can be skipped to save time.
- Bone-in thighs stay moist and more flavorful during slow cooking.
- Add fresh herbs at the end to maintain their brightness; dried herbs can be added early.
- To thicken sauce, remove the lid in the last 30 minutes or stir in a cornstarch slurry and cook on high briefly.
- This dish tastes even better the next day after flavors meld overnight.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: Slow cooker, chicken cacciatore, Italian recipe, slow cooked chicken, comfort food, easy dinner
