🍲 Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
🛒 Ingredients:
- 6 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on) 🍗
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, sliced 🧅
- 1 bell pepper (any color), sliced 🌶️
- 2 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes 🍅
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat) 🌶️
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms 🍄
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) 🌿
📝 Instructions:
- Season & Sear the Chicken:
- Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Transfer to the slow cooker.
- Sauté the Veggies:
- In the same pan, sauté onions, bell peppers, and garlic for 2 minutes.
- Transfer to the slow cooker.
- Build the Sauce:
- Add crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, oregano, basil, thyme, and red pepper flakes to the slow cooker.
- Stir gently to combine.
- Slow Cook:
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
- Add Mushrooms:
- Add mushrooms during the last hour of cooking.
- Serve & Garnish:
- Serve hot over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley.
⭐ Recipe Notes & Tips:
✔ For Crispier Chicken: Brown the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker.
✔ Prefer Boneless? You can use boneless thighs or chicken breasts, but thighs remain juicier.
✔ Thicker Sauce? Remove the lid for the last 30 minutes to let excess moisture evaporate.
✔ Make it Spicy: Add extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.
✔ Storing & Reheating:
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: On the stove over medium heat or in the microwave.
🍽️ Servings & Nutrition (Per Serving – 1 Thigh + Sauce)
- Servings: 6
- Calories: ~280
- Protein: ~25g
- Carbs: ~12g
- Fats: ~14g
(Nutritional values may vary depending on ingredients used.)
💪 Health Benefits:
✔ High in Protein – Supports muscle growth and repair.
✔ Rich in Antioxidants – Tomatoes, garlic, and bell peppers provide vitamins A & C.
✔ Heart-Healthy – Olive oil and herbs promote cardiovascular health.
✔ Low in Carbs – Perfect for a balanced diet.
❓ Q&A:
Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A: Yes! But keep in mind that chicken breasts can dry out faster. Reduce cooking time by 30–45 minutes.
Q: Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
A: Yes! Sauté the chicken and veggies, then pressure cook on HIGH for 10 minutes, followed by a quick release.
Q: What do I serve this with?
A: Great with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread!
This Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore is hearty, comforting, and packed with flavor! 🍲💖 Let me know if you need any modifications! 😊