Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
Craving a hearty Italian dish but short on time? This Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore is your answer. Tender chicken pieces simmer in a flavorful tomato sauce with bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms, all made effortless in your slow cooker. With minimal prep required, this recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes, undrained
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 ounces sliced mushrooms (optional)
Cooking Guide:
- Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken for 2-3 minutes per side, just to brown. Transfer chicken to your slow cooker.
- Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then pour over the chicken in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours, or on HIGH for 4-5 hours, or until chicken is cooked through and falling off the bone. If using, add the mushrooms during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Serve chicken and sauce over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Tips:
- For extra flavor, you can brown the chicken thighs with the skin on, then remove the skin before adding them to the slow cooker.
- Want a thicker sauce? Remove the chicken from the slow cooker in the last hour of cooking. Shred the chicken and return it to the pot. Simmer the sauce uncovered on HIGH until it thickens slightly.
- This recipe is easily adaptable. Add other vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or olives. If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
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