Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
Try this Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore recipe, or contribute your own.
- 1 bay leaf
- cooking spray
- freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 large onion chopped
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 sprig of fresh thyme
- 5 garlic cloves finely chopped
- 1/2 medium green bell pepper chopped
- 8 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs (about 5-ounces e fat trimmed- in the photos for this recipe, you'll notice that i actually used 5 full chicken legs (drumstick and thigh) insteadâ -- note: if you're preparing this recipe as zero points, you will need to use boneless, skinless chicken breast instead- 1 1/2
- 1 28- ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 medium red bell pepper chopped
- 4 ounce sliced shiitake mushrooms
- 1 sprig of fresh oregano
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (i omitted this)
- freshly grated parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
- Carbohydrate 2.21201328125 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.1063634375 g
- Fiber 0.636307815253735 g
- Protein 0.32549421875 g
- Saturated Fat 0.0243746875 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (39g)
- Sodium 114.5742125 mg
- Sugar 1.57570546599627 g
- Trans Fat 0.0291859375 g
- Calories 10 calories
Step-by-step
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper to taste.
- Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Coat with cooking spray, add the chicken, and cook until browned- 2 to 3 minutes per side.
- Transfer to your slow cooker.
- If you're using chicken breast, you can skip this step and put the chicken directly into the slow cooker (with salt and pepper).
- I recommend 6 hours in the slow cooker, if using breasts.
- Reduce the heat under the skillet to medium and coat with more cooking spray.
- Add the garlic and onion and cook, stirring, until soft- 3 to 4 minutes.
- Transfer to the slow cooker and add the tomatoes, bell peppers, mushrooms, thyme, oregano and bay leaf.
- Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 8 hours.
- Discard the bay leaf and transfer the chicken to a large plate.
- Pull the chicken meat from the bones (discard the bones), shred the meat, and return it to the sauce.
- Stir in the parsley (if using).
- If desired, serve topped with Parmesan cheese.
My Go-To Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a delicious and healthy dinner can feel like a Herculean task. Between juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and the never-ending cycle of laundry, the last thing I want to do is spend hours slaving away in the kitchen. That's why I've become completely obsessed with my slow cooker. It's a lifesaver, transforming seemingly complicated recipes into effortless weeknight meals. This Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore is a perfect example. It's hearty, flavorful, and surprisingly simple to make, leaving me with more time to enjoy the evening with my family.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. You can easily adapt it to your own preferences and what you have on hand. Don't have shiitake mushrooms? Use cremini or button mushrooms instead. Want to add some zucchini or carrots? Go for it! The richness of the tomato base will complement almost any vegetable you choose to add. I often find myself throwing in whatever fresh vegetables I have in the fridge, creating a unique and flavorful cacciatore each time. And the best part? The slow cooker does all the work! The chicken becomes incredibly tender, and the sauce develops a deep, rich flavor that simply can't be replicated with quicker cooking methods.
This recipe isn't just for busy weeknights. It also makes a fantastic meal for entertaining guests. The slow cooker allows you to prepare the dish in advance, freeing you up to focus on other aspects of hosting. Imagine the aroma filling your home as your guests arrive – a warm and inviting welcome. This recipe truly embodies the concept of effortless entertaining. The slow cooker’s magic allows you to serve a restaurant-quality dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
One thing I love about this recipe is how easily it adapts to different dietary needs. For a lower-calorie version, you can substitute boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the thighs. While I adore the richness that the thighs bring, the breasts offer a lighter alternative. This adaptability makes this slow cooker chicken cacciatore a versatile staple in my recipe repertoire. It caters to everyone's preferences, whether they're watching their weight or simply craving a hearty, flavorful meal.
Beyond the convenience and adaptability, this recipe is also incredibly budget-friendly. Chicken thighs are relatively inexpensive, and the other ingredients are readily available at most grocery stores. I often find myself buying ingredients in bulk, further reducing the cost per serving. This makes it a practical choice for families on a budget, without compromising on flavor or quality. I often make a double batch, enjoying one for dinner and freezing the rest for another busy weeknight.
The ease of cleanup is another aspect that I greatly appreciate. The slow cooker itself is incredibly easy to clean, making this recipe even more appealing after a long day. Simply pour out the contents and wipe the pot clean – no scrubbing required! This simplifies the post-dinner routine, allowing you to relax and recharge without the added stress of a messy kitchen.
In the end, this Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore is more than just a recipe; it's a testament to the power of simplicity and efficiency in the kitchen. It’s a recipe that embraces the beauty of letting the slow cooker work its magic, creating a delicious and satisfying meal that requires minimal effort and maximum flavor. It's a dish I return to again and again, a comforting friend on busy weeknights and a reliable entertainer for special occasions. I urge you to try it; you won't be disappointed!
Tips and variations
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Use different types of bell peppers, like yellow or orange, for a more vibrant color.
- Add a can of drained and rinsed cannellini beans for extra protein and fiber.
- Serve over pasta, rice, or polenta for a more substantial meal.
- Garnish with fresh basil or oregano for an extra burst of freshness.
This slow cooker Chicken Cacciatore is a recipe that’s become a staple in my kitchen – simple, delicious, and adaptable to any occasion. Try it and see the magic for yourself!
