Slow-Cooker Chicken Cacciatore

There’s something comforting and satisfying about coming home to a finished meal ready to eat, and this slow-cooker chicken cacciatore recipe does just that. Dump all the ingredients into the slow cooker and let it do its thing while you go about your day. It cooks on low for hours, meaning you can toss it in before heading to work, then come home to a finished cooked meal without putting in a ton of effort. Plus, this recipe is great for prepping and freezing for later, making it an even easier dump dinner for your slow cooker!

Ingredients for Slow-Cooker Chicken Cacciatore

• Chicken thighs: Boneless skinless thighs are cooked with homemade sauce for tender, juicy chicken.
• Green peppers and onions: Peppers and onions are chopped and added to the sauce to provide flavor and texture.
• Diced tomatoes: Use a can of diced tomatoes already seasoned with basil, oregano and garlic.
• Tomato paste: Tomato paste thickens the tomato sauce.
• Chicken broth: This broth adds flavor and volume. Use a reduced-sodium variety to control how salty your meal gets.
• Dry red wine: Open up a bottle of red wine for this chicken cacciatore, then drink the rest of it with your dinner for the perfect pairing later.
• Garlic cloves: Garlic adds aromatic flavor to this sauce.
• Cornstarch: A cornstarch slurry thickens the sauce of this chicken cacciatore in the slow cooker.
• Fresh parsley: Parsley is fantastic for garnishing the chicken, if desired.

Directions

Step 1: Combine the chicken ingredients

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Place the chicken thighs in a 4 or 5-quart slow cooker. In a medium bowl, combine the green peppers, tomatoes, tomato paste, onion, broth, red wine, garlic, salt and pepper. Pour this mixture over the chicken and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours, or until the chicken is tender.

Step 2: Thicken the sauce

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In a small bowl, mix together the cornstarch and water until smooth. Gradually stir the cornstarch slurry into the liquid in the slow cooker, then cook covered on high for 30 minutes longer, or until the sauce is thickened. If desired, sprinkle parsley on top before serving.

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Recipe Variations

• Skip the wine: Don’t have a bottle of red wine on hand? You can instead use the same amount of chicken broth.
• Add mushrooms: For even more veggies in your meal, add in a container of sliced baby bella mushrooms for additional volume and texture for your chicken cacciatore.
• Make it on the stovetop: Didn’t have time to throw everything in the slow cooker? Brown the chicken thighs in a deep skillet, then combine the sauce in the pan, nestle the chicken in, and let it cook on low heat for 30 minutes or until the chicken is completely cooked through.

How to Store Slow-Cooker Chicken Cacciatore

Cooked chicken cacciatore will last in the fridge for up to three to four days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container and to fully heat it through either in the microwave or on the stovetop, stirring occasionally so the cacciatore is heated through evenly.

Can you freeze slow-cooker chicken cacciatore?

Yes! You can prep freezer slow cooker meals by placing the meat, veggies and seasonings in a gallon-sized bag in the freezer. When it’s time to cook, place the ingredients in the slow cooker, then add the chicken broth and red wine. Set the time as usual, and let the slow cooker do its thing!

Slow-Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Tips

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What kind of wine do you use for chicken cacciatore?

A darker, fuller red wine will pair nicely with a braised chicken dish such as chicken cacciatore. For the best results, use a Chianti, Merlot, Zinfandel, Shiraz or Cabernet Sauvignon.

Is it OK to put raw chicken in the slow cooker?

Yes! The chicken will fully cook through even when added raw. You won’t need to brown the chicken before putting it in the slow cooker.

What do you serve with chicken cacciatore?

Although pasta might seem like the solution for an Italian dish such as this, chicken cacciatore is actually best paired with mashed potatoes, polenta, white rice or even a cheesy parmesan risotto. Some enjoy keeping things light with a Tuscan tossed salad and garlic bread for dipping.