Description

Chicken Cacciatore is a rustic Italian-inspired comfort meal made with tender chicken slowly simmered in a rich tomato sauce with sweet bell peppers, onions, garlic, and herbs. This slow cooker version delivers deep flavor with minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.

The long cooking time allows the chicken to become juicy and flavorful while the peppers soften into the savory sauce. Serve it over pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or with crusty bread.

Servings

Serves: 6
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 6–7 hours on LOW or 3–4 hours on HIGH

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

2 lbs bone-in or boneless chicken thighs
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 medium onion, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 bell peppers (red and yellow preferred), sliced
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
2 tbsp tomato paste
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1 bay leaf
8 oz mushrooms, sliced (optional)
Fresh parsley or basil for garnish

Optional Serving Ideas

Spaghetti
Polenta
Rice
Garlic bread

Instructions

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until lightly browned. This step adds extra flavor but can be skipped if short on time.

Step 3: Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker

Place onions, peppers, garlic, and mushrooms into the slow cooker. Add chicken on top.

In a bowl, mix:

crushed tomatoes
diced tomatoes
tomato paste
chicken broth
oregano
basil
red pepper flakes

Pour mixture over the chicken. Add bay leaf.

Step 4: Slow Cook

Cook:

LOW for 6–7 hours, or
HIGH for 3–4 hours

Chicken should be tender and cooked through.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Remove bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil.

Serve hot over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.

Recipe Notes

Chicken thighs stay juicier during slow cooking than chicken breasts.
Bone-in chicken adds richer flavor to the sauce.
The sauce thickens naturally as it cooks; for a thicker sauce, leave the lid slightly open during the last 20 minutes.
Sweet peppers balance the acidity of the tomatoes beautifully.

Helpful Tips

Best Peppers to Use

Red and yellow peppers add sweetness, while green peppers provide a slightly bitter, classic cacciatore flavor.

Make It Healthier

Use skinless chicken
Reduce salt
Add extra vegetables like zucchini or spinach

For Extra Flavor

Add:

1/4 cup red wine
olives
capers
fresh rosemary

Storage

Refrigerate up to 4 days
Freeze up to 3 months

Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	340
Protein	32g
Carbohydrates	14g
Fat	17g
Fiber	4g
Sugar	8g
Sodium	620mg

Nutrition may vary depending on ingredients used.

Health Benefits

High in Protein

Chicken provides lean protein that supports muscle repair and keeps you full longer.

Rich in Antioxidants

Bell peppers and tomatoes contain vitamin C, lycopene, and antioxidants that support immune health.

Heart-Friendly

Using olive oil and vegetables makes this dish more balanced and Mediterranean-style.

Meal Prep Friendly

This recipe reheats well and can support portion-controlled meal planning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead?

Yes. Chicken breasts work well, but they may be slightly less tender than thighs. Reduce cooking time slightly to avoid drying out.

Do I need to brown the chicken first?

Not required, but highly recommended for deeper flavor and better texture.

Can I make this spicy?

Absolutely. Increase red pepper flakes or add chopped chili peppers.

Can I cook it on the stovetop?

Yes. Simmer covered for about 45–60 minutes until chicken is tender.

What goes best with chicken cacciatore?

Popular sides include:

pasta
creamy polenta
mashed potatoes
roasted vegetables
crusty bread

Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore with Peppers