Craving a dish that’s both comforting and easy to prepare? This Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore is the answer. With tender chicken simmered in a rich tomato sauce, it’s a delightful meal that cooks itself while you go about your day. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner, this recipe brings warmth and flavor to your table with minimal effort.
Steps
- Lightly coat a large slow cooker with nonstick spray and heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then brown both sides in the hot oil, ensuring a good sear.
- Reduce the skillet heat to medium, wipe it clean, and add more olive oil. Sauté the onion until it starts to soften, then add garlic and balsamic vinegar, cooking until fragrant. Transfer this mixture to the slow cooker.
- Add crushed tomatoes, green bell pepper, mushrooms, and Italian seasoning to the slow cooker. Cover and cook on high or low depending on the type of chicken used, ensuring it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Remove the chicken once cooked and either chop or shred it as preferred. Let the sauce simmer uncovered on high in the slow cooker for an hour to thicken and enhance the flavor.
- Stir in the remaining balsamic vinegar, then season the sauce as needed. Return the chicken to the sauce to warm through, then serve hot over pasta, rice, or polenta, garnished with parsley and Parmesan.
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or boneless chicken thighs/bone-in chicken pieces, skin removed)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, plus an additional 1/2 teaspoon
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced (optional)
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Whole wheat pasta, brown rice, polenta, zucchini noodles, or baked and shredded spaghetti squash
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1368kcal | Carbohydrates: 60g | Protein: 192g | Fat: 48g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 438mg | Fiber: 18g | Sugar: 36g
FAQ
- How can I thicken the sauce in Chicken Cacciatore?
- To thicken the sauce, remove the chicken and let the sauce cook uncovered in the slow cooker on high for about an hour. Alternatively, you can add a cornstarch slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water and some of the sauce, then stir it into the slow cooker and let it simmer until thickened.
- What are the differences between Chicken Cacciatore and Chicken Parmesan?
- Chicken Cacciatore is a stew-like dish with vegetables and a tomato-based sauce. It often uses bone-in chicken, although this recipe uses boneless pieces. On the other hand, Chicken Parmesan involves breading and frying or baking chicken, then topping it with cheese like mozzarella or provolone.
- What can I serve with Chicken Cacciatore?
- Chicken Cacciatore pairs well with pasta, brown rice, polenta, or veggie noodles. It also complements a simple salad or a loaf of bread to mop up the delicious sauce.
- Can I use different types of chicken for this recipe?
- Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, boneless chicken thighs, or bone-in chicken pieces. Note that bone-in chicken will require a longer cooking time, and it’s suggested to remove the skin beforehand to avoid a soggy texture.
- What ingredients are essential for making Chicken Cacciatore?
- Key ingredients include chicken, garlic, balsamic vinegar, crushed tomatoes, and a variety of vegetables like onion, bell pepper, and mushrooms. Italian seasoning is also essential to capture the classic Italian flavors.
Tips
- Brown the Chicken: Before adding the chicken to the slow cooker, sear it in a skillet to achieve a nice golden-brown crust. This step enhances the flavor and texture of the chicken, making it more delicious in the final dish.
- Thicken the Sauce: To thicken the sauce, let it simmer uncovered in the slow cooker on high for about an hour after removing the chicken. Alternatively, you can use a cornstarch slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with an equal amount of water and some of your sauce, then stirring it back into the slow cooker.
- Use Balsamic Vinegar: Incorporating balsamic vinegar adds brightness and balance to the dish. It’s a simple addition that should not be skipped, as it enhances the overall flavor profile of the cacciatore.
- Flexible Serving Options: Serve the chicken cacciatore over whole wheat pasta, brown rice, polenta, or veggie noodles like spaghetti squash for a versatile and satisfying meal. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese for added flavor and presentation.
Equipment
- Programmable Slow Cooker: Essential for the slow cooking process and convenient for keeping the food warm after cooking.
- Stainless-steel Skillet: Necessary for browning the chicken and sautéing the vegetables before transferring them to the slow cooker.
