Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore

If you’re on a mission to turn your kitchen into a cozy, savory paradise, then get ready. We’re diving spoon-first into a dish that’s slow-cooked perfection: Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore. Think of it as a hug in a bowl—a symphony of tomatoes, bell peppers, and tender, juicy chicken leg quarters, all simmering under the magical influence of our trusty slow cooker. It’s the kind of meal that makes your entire house smell like an Italian grandma’s dream kitchen, luring family members out of hiding and into the dining room.

Speaking of family, whenever I mention we’re having this for dinner, my husband practically dances a jig (not very well, but A+ for enthusiasm). It’s like Pavlov’s dog with pot roast, only it’s my husband with chicken. We first had a version of this at a friend’s party, but of course, I had to tinker until I had my own version. Now it’s a Sunday staple in our house, especially when the chill of autumn demands something heartwarming and fulfilling.

How to Make It

Grab your slow cooker, a very large wine glass (just for mood-setting purposes), and let’s get crackin’. Start by sautéing some onions and peppers—those sweet babies love to brown a bit before going into the pot. Add in the chicken, nestle it nice and cozy among the veggies. Don’t forget the tomatoes and spices, or it’ll be like leaving Cinderella without glass slippers. Let it rock and roll on low heat while you tackle those laundry mountains or binge your face off on some Netflix.

✔Ingredient Notes

– Chicken Leg Quarters: Dark meat brings a ton of flavor and juiciness—none of that dry stuff here.
– Bell Peppers: You pick the color! Red or yellow add sweetness, and green adds a bit of sass.
– Crushed Tomatoes: In a pinch, I’ve used whole canned tomatoes and crushed them in my hands. Old school but effective.

✔Recipe Steps

1. Sauté onions and bell peppers until aromatic and slightly browned.
2. Layer chicken leg quarters in the bottom of the slow cooker.
3. Add sautéed veggies, garlic, and spice blend over the chicken.
4. Pour in crushed tomatoes and wine, gently stirring to mix.
5. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, taking in the glorious scents.
6. Serve hot over pasta, rice, or a big ol’ chunk of crusty bread.

What to Serve It With

Try pairing this beauty with a side of garlic bread or a light arugula salad if you’re feeling fancy. Some folks love it over polenta or just a simple bed of white rice.

✔Tips & Mistakes

Watch that garlic! Too much raw garlic thrown in at the end can give it a harsh taste.

✔Storage Tips

Stick the leftovers in an airtight container. Pop them in the fridge—they’ll be good for about three days, if they last that long. Eating it straight from the fridge? No judgment here—I’m guilty as charged. It actually levels up scrambled eggs the next morning.

✔Variations and Substitutions

Feeling adventurous? Swap chicken leg quarters for thighs or even boneless breast if you prefer. Run out of bell peppers? Throw in some zucchini or mushrooms. No wine? Chicken broth works in a pinch. Honey instead of sugar adds an interesting twist if you’re in the experimenting mood.

Frequently Asked Questions

Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore

This classic Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore is a hearty Italian dish with tender chicken simmered in a rich tomato sauce with bell peppers and herbs.

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Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 4 hours hours

Total Time: 4 hours hours 15 minutes minutes

Servings: 6

Calories: 120kcal

Ingredients

 

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Main Ingredients

• ▢ 4 pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• ▢ 1.5 cups diced tomatoes canned
• ▢ 1 cup sliced bell peppers mixed colors
• ▢ 0.5 cup chopped onions
• ▢ 3 cloves garlic minced
• ▢ 0.25 cup dry white wine
• ▢ 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ▢ 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ▢ 0.5 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional
• ▢ 1 teaspoon salt
• ▢ 0.5 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground

Instructions

Preparation Steps

• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and brown chicken thighs on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
• Transfer browned chicken to the slow cooker. Add diced tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, garlic, white wine, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
• Cover and cook on low for 4 hours until chicken is tender and cooked through.
• Remove chicken and serve hot with sauce spooned over top.

Notes

Serve with crusty bread or over pasta for a complete meal.