If you’re looking for a cozy, flavorful dinner that nearly cooks itself, you’ve got to try this Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore (with Chicken Thighs) Recipe. Tender chicken thighs bathed in a rich, tomato-based sauce with colorful bell peppers, mushrooms, and aromatic herbs create a dish that welcomes you home with every bite. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, slowly melding the ingredients into an irresistible, comforting Italian classic that’s perfect for busy days or anytime you want a satisfying, homemade meal without the fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Preparing this dish requires a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients that each play a key role in building layers of flavor, texture, and vibrant color. From juicy chicken thighs to fragrant herbs, every component is essential for the perfect slow-cooked cacciatore.
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Perfectly tender and full of flavor, these pieces stay moist during the slow cooking process.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps sear the chicken for that golden crust.
- 1 yellow onion, sliced: Brings sweetness and depth as it softens in the slow cooker.
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced: Offers a pop of color and a mild, sweet pepper flavor.
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced: Adds a touch of earthiness and vibrant green color.
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced: Contribute a meaty texture and earthy undertone.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with savory warmth and aroma.
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes: The hearty base of the sauce, providing richness and tang.
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained: Add chunks of tomato texture to complement the sauce.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Keeps everything juicy and blends all flavors together.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A classic herb blend that brightens and balances the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil: Adds a sweet, slightly peppery nuance.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Provides a warm, slightly bitter herb flavor essential to Italian cooking.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For a subtle kick and extra depth if you like a bit of heat.
- 2 tablespoons capers: Bring a tangy, savory burst that lifts the whole dish.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasoning to enhance every ingredient.
- Fresh parsley and basil for garnish: Finishing touches that add freshness and vibrant color.
How to Make Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore (with Chicken Thighs) Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start by warming olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat — this step gives your chicken a beautiful golden crust that locks in moisture. Season the boneless, skinless chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then sear them for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until lightly golden. This quick sear adds a layer of flavor that makes a world of difference in the final dish.
Step 2: Layer Aromatics and Vegetables
Next, place the sliced onion, red and green bell peppers, mushrooms, and minced garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker. These ingredients soften and mingle while imparting sweet and savory notes, creating a delicious bed for your chicken thighs.
Step 3: Assemble the Sauce
In a separate bowl, combine the crushed tomatoes, drained diced tomatoes, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, dried basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them, along with a little extra salt and pepper. Stir everything together well, then pour the sauce evenly over the chicken and vegetables in the slow cooker. This layering ensures every bite is soaked in rich tomato goodness.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover your slow cooker and set it on low for 6 to 7 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The low-and-slow method makes the chicken incredibly tender and allows the flavors to fully develop and mingle, transforming simple ingredients into a hearty, soul-warming meal.
Step 5: Finish with Capers
When cooking is complete, stir in the capers carefully. These tiny flavor bombs add a delightful briny note that cuts through the richness, rounding out this Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore (with Chicken Thighs) Recipe beautifully. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Spoon the luscious chicken and sauce over your favorite base—whether that’s pasta, creamy mashed potatoes, or fluffy rice. Garnish generously with fresh parsley and basil to add brightness and a fresh pop of color.
How to Serve Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore (with Chicken Thighs) Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley and basil aren’t just pretty—they add a burst of freshness that complements the savory, slow-simmered sauce perfectly. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese can also elevate the dish, giving it a rich, nutty finish.
Side Dishes
This chicken cacciatore goes wonderfully with simple sides like spaghetti, creamy mashed potatoes, or even buttery polenta. For a lighter option, steamed green beans or a crisp green salad create a nice contrast to the rich sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this dish over cauliflower rice or roasted spaghetti squash to keep it low-carb without sacrificing heartiness. You can also spoon the saucy chicken over toasted garlic bread for a rustic, casual meal that’s perfect for soaking up every last bit of that incredible sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your leftover chicken cacciatore cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Stored properly in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, giving you ready-to-eat comfort for busy days.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Portion the cooled chicken and sauce into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some room for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for future busy nights.
Reheating
Thaw frozen portions overnight in the fridge if possible. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through, stirring occasionally to keep the chicken juicy and the sauce well blended.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While chicken thighs stay more tender and juicy during the long cooking time, boneless, skinless chicken breasts can be used if that’s what you have on hand. Just keep in mind they may be slightly less moist but still delicious in this recipe.
Do I need to sear the chicken before slow cooking?
Searing the chicken first is optional but highly recommended. It adds deeper flavor and a more appealing color, enhancing the overall taste of the dish, but if you’re short on time, you can skip this step.
Is this dish spicy?
The spiciness can be adjusted to your liking. The recipe calls for red pepper flakes as optional; leaving them out will make the dish mild, but including them adds a gentle heat that balances the tomato sauce beautifully.
What can I substitute for capers?
If you don’t have capers, green olives chopped finely can provide a similar briny, salty bite that brightens the dish. If you prefer, you can also omit them altogether, but they really do add a lovely dimension.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Yes! This Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore (with Chicken Thighs) Recipe is perfect for making ahead. Prepare the ingredients the night before, or cook the entire dish and refrigerate or freeze it for later. Flavors tend to deepen after resting, so leftovers often taste even better!
Final Thoughts
If you want a fuss-free meal that feels homemade and hits all the right notes of comfort, flavor, and heartiness, you really can’t go wrong with this Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore (with Chicken Thighs) Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that invites you to relax, enjoy, and savor every bite—perfect for sharing with family and friends. Give it a try and watch it become a fast favorite in your kitchen!
Print
Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore (with Chicken Thighs) Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore is a flavorful Italian-inspired dish featuring tender chicken thighs simmered in a rich tomato sauce with bell peppers, mushrooms, and aromatic herbs. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, it requires minimal prep and utilizes slow cooking to develop deep flavors and tender meat.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 yellow onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Tomato Sauce & Seasoning
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons capers
Garnish
- Fresh parsley and basil for garnish
Instructions
- Sear the Chicken: Warm the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper and sear them for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they are lightly golden. This step locks in flavor and adds a nice color to the meat.
- Prepare the Slow Cooker Base: Add sliced onion, red and green bell peppers, mushrooms, and minced garlic to the bottom of the slow cooker. This creates the flavorful vegetable bed for the chicken.
- Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a bowl, mix together the crushed tomatoes, drained diced tomatoes, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, dried basil, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), and additional salt and pepper to taste. Pour this sauce mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the slow cooker.
- Slow Cook the Chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. Cook until the chicken is very tender and infused with the rich tomato and herb flavors.
- Finish with Capers and Adjust Seasoning: Stir in the capers into the slow cooker, taste the sauce, and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper as needed.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the chicken cacciatore over your choice of pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and basil to add a bright herbaceous note that complements the savory sauce.
Notes
- Searing the chicken before slow cooking adds depth of flavor but can be skipped to save time.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the lid and cook on high for the last 30 minutes to reduce the liquid.
- This dish pairs well with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- To make this meal gluten-free, ensure your chicken broth and canned tomatoes are labeled gluten-free.
