Delicious Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Cooking: With the slow cooker doing all the work, you can enjoy a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of tender chicken, vibrant peppers, and savory olives creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
• Healthy and Wholesome: Packed with protein and veggies, this dish is not only satisfying but also nutritious, making it a perfect choice for a healthy dinner.
• Versatile Serving Options: Whether you serve it over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread, this dish adapts to your preferences, making it a crowd-pleaser!

Introduction

Are you ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will transport your taste buds straight to Italy? Say hello to Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore! This delightful dish is a celebration of flavors, featuring tender chicken thighs simmered to perfection with a medley of colorful bell peppers, earthy mushrooms, and briny olives. Imagine coming home after a long day to the irresistible aroma of this hearty meal wafting through your home. It’s like a warm hug on a plate! So, roll up your sleeves and let’s dive into this easy, flavorful recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Ingredients

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

Directions

1. In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. While the oil is heating, season the chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper.
2. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken thighs to the pan, skin side down. Sear for 4-5 minutes until golden brown, then flip and cook for another 4-5 minutes on the other side. This step locks in the flavors and gives the chicken a beautiful color.
3. Transfer the browned chicken to the slow cooker, arranging them in a single layer for even cooking.
4. In the same pan, add the sliced mushrooms and sauté for 4-5 minutes until they are tender and have released their moisture. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Combine the mushroom mixture with the sliced onion, green and red bell peppers, Italian seasoning, and marinara sauce in the slow cooker. Gently mix all the ingredients to ensure the chicken is well-coated with the sauce and veggies.
6. Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. The longer it cooks, the more tender the chicken will become!
7. Once cooked, stir in the pitted kalamata olives and sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.

Presentation and Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving your Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore, the options are endless! Here are a few delightful ways to present this dish:

• Over Pasta: Serve the chicken and sauce over a bed of al dente spaghetti or fettuccine for a classic Italian meal.
• With Rice: Pair it with fluffy white rice or brown rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
• On Crusty Bread: For a rustic touch, serve the chicken on slices of crusty bread, perfect for dipping into the sauce.
• With a Side Salad: Balance the richness of the dish with a fresh green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette.

Storage and Shelf Life

Leftovers? No problem! Store any remaining Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage; it will last in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm it up on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use boneless chicken thighs? Yes, boneless chicken thighs can be used, but adjust the cooking time as they may cook faster.
2. What can I substitute for kalamata olives? Green olives or black olives can be used as a substitute if you prefer.
3. Can I add other vegetables? Absolutely! Feel free to add zucchini, carrots, or any other vegetables you enjoy.
4. Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes, as long as you use gluten-free marinara sauce, this dish is gluten-free!
5. Can I make this in advance? Yes, this dish is perfect for meal prep and can be made a day in advance.
6. What type of marinara sauce should I use? Use your favorite store-bought or homemade marinara sauce for the best flavor.
7. Can I cook this on the stovetop instead? Yes, you can simmer it on the stovetop in a covered pot for about 1-1.5 hours.
8. How spicy is this dish? This recipe is not spicy, but you can add red pepper flakes for a kick if desired.
9. Can I use chicken breasts instead? Yes, but chicken breasts may dry out more easily, so monitor the cooking time closely.
10. What should I serve with Chicken Cacciatore? It pairs well with pasta, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.