Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore – A Hearty, Flavorful Italian Dish Perfect for Weeknight Dinners

If you're looking for a comforting Italian meal that's packed with flavor and easy to prepare, this Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore is just what you need! With tender, fall-off-the-bone chicken thighs simmering in a rich marinara sauce alongside earthy mushrooms, sweet bell peppers, and briny olives, this dish is a true taste of Italy. The best part? The slow cooker does all the work for you, making it perfect for busy days when you want a delicious meal waiting for you at the end of the day.

Scroll to the bottom for the recipe!

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The Inspiration Behind Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore

Chicken Cacciatore, which translates to "hunter's chicken," is a classic Italian dish traditionally made with chicken, tomatoes, onions, and herbs. It’s a rustic, hearty meal that has been enjoyed by families for generations. This slow cooker version brings all the flavors of traditional cacciatore into your kitchen, but with the convenience of a set-it-and-forget-it method. Using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs ensures that the meat stays juicy and tender as it cooks, while the marinara sauce, olives, and Italian seasoning give it that authentic taste you love. It’s perfect for serving over pasta, rice, or even polenta!

Why Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Will Become Your Go-To Recipe

This Chicken Cacciatore recipe is the definition of comfort food. The chicken becomes incredibly tender as it slow cooks in the rich tomato sauce, absorbing all the flavors from the garlic, bell peppers, and herbs. The addition of mushrooms and olives adds an earthy, savory touch that takes the dish to the next level. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this slow cooker meal is an easy, no-fuss way to enjoy a delicious, home-cooked Italian dinner.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 6 Servings):

• Calories: 380 kcal
• Fat: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Protein: 30g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fiber: 3g

This dish is hearty and satisfying, making it the perfect comfort food without being too heavy.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore is a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Traditionally, it’s served over pasta, but you can also pair it with creamy polenta, garlic mashed potatoes, or even crusty bread to soak up all the delicious sauce. For a lighter option, serve it alongside a simple salad or roasted vegetables. A glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Sangiovese, would also complement the rich, savory flavors of the dish. Don’t forget to sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan over the top for an extra touch of Italian flair!

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Storage and Reheating Tips

Leftover Chicken Cacciatore can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place it in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for a few minutes. This dish also freezes well—just allow it to cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Fun Fact: The Origins of Chicken Cacciatore

Chicken Cacciatore, or "hunter's chicken," has its roots in rural Italy, where hunters would prepare this dish with whatever ingredients they had on hand after a long day of hunting. Originally, wild game such as rabbit was often used, but over time, chicken became the preferred protein for this dish. The hearty, flavorful sauce was perfect for making use of fresh tomatoes, herbs, and vegetables, all simmered together to create a rich and comforting meal.

Cooking Tips

• Sear the Chicken: Browning the chicken thighs before adding them to the slow cooker adds extra flavor and helps the skin crisp up a bit. This step is worth the extra few minutes!
• Add the Olives at the End: To prevent the olives from becoming too soft, stir them in at the end of cooking. This keeps their flavor and texture intact.
• Use Bone-In Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are ideal for this recipe because they stay juicy and flavorful after hours of slow cooking. You can also use bone-in chicken breasts or drumsticks if you prefer.

Optional Variations

• Spicy Cacciatore: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat, or use spicy marinara sauce for an extra kick.
• Herb Lovers: Feel free to toss in fresh rosemary or thyme for an additional herbal note.
• Wine Lovers: Deglaze the pan with ½ cup of dry red wine after browning the chicken for a more robust flavor in the sauce.

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Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Recipe

Ingredients:

• 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 8 ounces sliced mushrooms
• 1 ½ teaspoons minced garlic
• ½ cup onion, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, cut into ½-inch pieces
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into ½-inch pieces
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
• ½ cup pitted kalamata olives
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley

Instructions:

1. Brown the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs on both sides with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the pan and transfer to the slow cooker.
2. Cook the mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the same pan and cook for 4-5 minutes or until they are tender and browned. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds. Remove from heat.
3. Combine in the slow cooker: In the slow cooker, add the browned mushrooms and garlic, followed by the onion, bell peppers, Italian seasoning, and marinara sauce. Gently toss the ingredients together to combine.
4. Slow cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
5. Add the olives and parsley: About 10 minutes before serving, stir the kalamata olives into the sauce. Sprinkle with chopped parsley just before serving.
6. Serve and enjoy: Serve the Chicken Cacciatore over pasta, polenta, or rice, and garnish with extra parsley or Parmesan cheese if desired.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore is a true Italian comfort food that’s perfect for any night of the week. With its rich, savory sauce and tender chicken, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re serving it over pasta or alongside a hearty side dish, this dish brings the flavors of Italy to your kitchen with minimal effort. So, grab your slow cooker and get ready to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home!