Name: Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: – 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil plus 2 teaspoons, divided; – 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs; – 1 teaspoon kosher salt; – ½ teaspoon ground black pepper; – 1 medium yellow onion, chopped; – 3 cloves garlic, minced; – 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar plus 1/2 teaspoon, divided; – 1 can crushed tomatoes (28 ounces); – 1 medium green bell pepper, chopped; – 8 ounces sliced baby bella cremini mushrooms; – 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; – Whole wheat pasta, brown rice, polenta, rice, zucchini noodles, or baked and shredded spaghetti squash; – Chopped fresh parsley, freshly grated Parmesan cheese

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Looking for a delicious and easy meal that’s perfect for any occasion? Look no further than this Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore recipe. Packed with flavor and simple to make, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Great flavors: The combination of tender chicken, savory vegetables, and aromatic herbs creates a mouthwatering dish.
Quick prep time: Simply toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do the work for you.
Perfect for meal prep: This recipe makes plenty of leftovers, perfect for meal prepping for the week ahead.

Ingredient Notes:

Extra-virgin olive oil: Adds richness and depth to the dish.
Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Choose your preferred cut of chicken for this recipe.
Balsamic vinegar: Adds a tangy sweetness to the sauce.
Crushed tomatoes: Provides a rich and hearty base for the dish.
Italian seasoning: Infuses the dish with classic Italian flavors.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a skillet and brown the chicken.
Saute onions and garlic in the skillet.
Transfer everything to the slow cooker and add the remaining ingredients.
Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Serve over pasta, rice, or zucchini noodles and garnish with parsley and Parmesan cheese.

Helpful Tips:

For a richer sauce, add a splash of red wine.
To make this dish spicier, add red pepper flakes to taste.
Swap out the chicken for beef or pork for a different twist on this classic dish.

Expert Tips for the Best Results:

For added depth of flavor, sear the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker.
Use fresh herbs for a burst of freshness in the dish.

Serving Suggestions:

This Chicken Cacciatore pairs well with a side of crusty bread, a fresh salad, and a glass of red wine.

Storage and Reheating Tips:

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? Yes, chicken thighs will work well in this recipe.
Can I make this recipe on the stovetop instead of in a slow cooker? Yes, simply simmer the ingredients in a pot on the stove until the chicken is cooked through.
Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, this dish freezes well for up to 3 months.
Can I add olives to this dish? Yes, sliced black olives would be a delicious addition to this Chicken Cacciatore.

Conclusion:

Now that you have the recipe for Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore, it’s time to get cooking! Enjoy the rich flavors and easy preparation of this dish, and don’t forget to share your feedback with us. Happy cooking!

Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore

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Author: Emily
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 4-6 servings
Category: Main Dish
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: Italian

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Description

This Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore is a delicious and hearty Italian dish made with tender chicken, bell peppers, mushrooms, and a flavorful tomato sauce. Serve over pasta or rice for a comforting meal.

Instructions

1. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then brown on both sides. Transfer chicken to the slow cooker.

2. In the same skillet, add 2 teaspoons of olive oil. Saute onion and garlic until softened. Stir in balsamic vinegar and crushed tomatoes. Pour mixture over chicken in the slow cooker.

3. Add bell pepper, mushrooms, and Italian seasoning to the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

4. Serve the Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore over your choice of pasta, rice, or veggies. Garnish with parsley and Parmesan cheese.