Easiest Ever Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Recipe

There’s something magical about a slow cooker meal that fills your home with mouthwatering aromas while you go about your day. This chicken cacciatore is one of those set-it-and-forget-it recipes that deliver big on flavor with minimal effort. Tender, fall-apart chicken simmers in a rich tomato sauce with hearty vegetables, making it the perfect comfort food for any night of the week.

Easiest Ever Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Recipe

A childhood favorite with a slow cooker twist

I remember the first time I had chicken cacciatore. My grandmother would stand over the stove, carefully simmering the sauce while the chicken soaked up all the flavors. The smell of garlic, tomatoes, and herbs filled the house, making it impossible to wait until dinnertime.

Now, as much as I love the nostalgia of a slow-simmered dish, I don’t always have the time to babysit a pot. That’s why I fell in love with this slow cooker version. It gives me all the deep, comforting flavors without spending hours in the kitchen. And the best part? It’s ridiculously easy to make—just toss everything in, walk away, and come back to a delicious meal.

The origins of chicken cacciatore

Cacciatore means “hunter-style” in Italian, and this dish is traditionally made with braised chicken, tomatoes, onions, and herbs. Originally, it was a rustic meal cooked over an open fire, using whatever ingredients were available. Some versions include olives, capers, or even a splash of wine for extra depth. While the classic method requires slow stovetop simmering, this slow cooker adaptation makes it even more convenient without sacrificing flavor.

Let’s talk ingredients: simple, fresh, and full of flavor

Chicken

Bone-in, skinless chicken thighs or drumsticks work best for this dish because they stay juicy and tender during the slow cooking process. If you prefer white meat, you can use chicken breasts, but keep in mind they may not be as flavorful or moist.

Tomatoes

A combination of canned diced tomatoes and tomato paste creates a rich, thick sauce. If you love a chunkier sauce, go for diced tomatoes. Prefer something smoother? Crushed tomatoes will do the trick.

Vegetables

Bell peppers, onions, carrots, and mushrooms add sweetness and depth. If you’re out of mushrooms, zucchini or eggplant make great substitutes. Want a little heat? Toss in some red pepper flakes.

Garlic and herbs

Garlic (fresh or jarred) gives the sauce its signature aroma. Dried parsley adds a mild herbal note, but if you have fresh basil or oregano, they’ll take the flavor up a notch.

Easiest Ever Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Recipe

Essential kitchen tools (and what you can skip)

A slow cooker is obviously the star here. If you don’t have one, a Dutch oven on low heat can work, but you’ll need to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

A sharp knife is handy for chopping veggies, and a wooden spoon makes mixing the sauce easy. Other than that, this recipe keeps things simple—no fancy gadgets required!

Step-by-step: my foolproof method for the easiest cacciatore

Step 1: Prep your veggies

Roughly chop the onions, mushrooms, and carrots. No need for perfection—just make sure they’re evenly sized so they cook at the same rate. Add them to the bottom of your slow cooker.

Step 2: Season the chicken

Sprinkle the chicken thighs or drumsticks generously with salt and pepper. This simple step adds so much flavor!

Step 3: Make the sauce

In a bowl, mix together the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, minced garlic, and dried parsley. It’ll look thick at first, but don’t worry—the juices from the chicken and veggies will thin it out as it cooks.

Step 4: Layer it all in

Place the seasoned chicken on top of the veggies, then pour the tomato mixture over everything. Use a spoon to spread it evenly so every piece of chicken is coated.

Step 5: Slow cook to perfection

Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 4 hours. The longer, the better—this allows the flavors to really meld. When done, the chicken should be fall-apart tender.

Step 6: Serve and enjoy

Spoon the chicken and sauce over a bed of rice, pasta, or even creamy polenta for a hearty meal.

Easiest Ever Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Recipe

Variations and adaptations: make it your own

  • Gluten-free: Serve over quinoa or mashed potatoes instead of pasta.
  • Low-carb: Swap the carrots for extra mushrooms and serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
  • Spicy kick: Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
  • Extra richness: Stir in a tablespoon of butter or a drizzle of olive oil before serving.
  • Italian-style twist: Add olives, capers, or a splash of red wine for a bolder taste.

How to serve it up in style

For a rustic presentation, serve this dish straight from the slow cooker with a big ladle. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or grated Parmesan for extra flair. Pair it with crusty bread to soak up the sauce, or add a simple green salad on the side for freshness.

What to drink with chicken cacciatore?

A glass of red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese pairs beautifully with the rich tomato sauce. Prefer something non-alcoholic? A sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon keeps things refreshing.

Leftovers? Here’s how to store and reheat

This dish tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm it on the stovetop over low heat or microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.

Scaling up or down

Cooking for a crowd? Double the ingredients and use a larger slow cooker. Making it for two? Halve the recipe, but keep the cooking time the same.

Common mistakes (and how to avoid them)

  • Dry chicken: Stick to thighs or drumsticks—they stay juicy longer.
  • Watery sauce: If your sauce is too thin, remove the lid for the last 30 minutes to let it thicken.
  • Overcooked veggies: Cut them a bit larger so they hold their shape during slow cooking.

Give it a try!

This slow cooker chicken cacciatore is proof that delicious, homemade meals don’t have to be complicated. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this dish will quickly become a family favorite. Try it, tweak it, and make it your own—you won’t be disappointed!

Easiest Ever Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Recipe

Frequently asked questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead?

Yes, but they may turn out drier. If using breasts, check them after 3 hours on high to avoid overcooking.

What can I use instead of mushrooms?

Zucchini, eggplant, or even green beans make great alternatives.

Can I add wine to this recipe?

Absolutely! A splash of red wine in the sauce adds a deeper flavor.

Do I need to brown the chicken first?

Nope! The slow cooker does all the work, but if you want extra flavor, a quick sear in a pan before adding it to the slow cooker is a great option.

What’s the best way to thicken the sauce?

If it’s too thin, remove the lid for the last 30 minutes, or stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water).

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Easiest Ever Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Recipe

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This easy slow cooker chicken cacciatore is a comforting, flavorful meal with minimal prep. Perfect for busy nights!

  • Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 Large or 6 Small Skinless Chicken Thighs or 8 Chicken Legs (or a mixture of each)
  • 1 Teaspoon Kosher Salt
  • 1/2 Teaspoon Freshly Ground Pepper
  • 1/2 Large Onion, sliced into half moons
  • 3/4 Cup Sliced Carrots, 1/4 inch thick
  • 4 Ounces Mushrooms, quartered
  • 1 Red Bell Pepper, seeded and sliced 1/4 inch thick
  • 1 (14 1/2 Ounce) Can Diced or Crushed Tomatoes
  • 3 Tablespoons Tomato Paste
  • 2 Garlic Cloves, grated (I used jarred minced garlic)
  • 2 Teaspoons Dried Parsley

Instructions

Step 1: Prep your veggies

Roughly chop the onions, mushrooms, and carrots. No need for perfection—just make sure they’re evenly sized so they cook at the same rate. Add them to the bottom of your slow cooker.

Step 2: Season the chicken

Sprinkle the chicken thighs or drumsticks generously with salt and pepper. This simple step adds so much flavor!

Step 3: Make the sauce

In a bowl, mix together the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, minced garlic, and dried parsley. It’ll look thick at first, but don’t worry—the juices from the chicken and veggies will thin it out as it cooks.

Step 4: Layer it all in

Place the seasoned chicken on top of the veggies, then pour the tomato mixture over everything. Use a spoon to spread it evenly so every piece of chicken is coated.

Step 5: Slow cook to perfection

Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 4 hours. The longer, the better—this allows the flavors to really meld. When done, the chicken should be fall-apart tender.

Step 6: Serve and enjoy

Spoon the chicken and sauce over a bed of rice, pasta, or even creamy polenta for a hearty meal.

Notes

How to serve it up in style

For a rustic presentation, serve this dish straight from the slow cooker with a big ladle. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or grated Parmesan for extra flair. Pair it with crusty bread to soak up the sauce, or add a simple green salad on the side for freshness.

  • Author: Soraya
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4-6 hours
  • Category: dinner

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