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Delicious Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore Recipe - Easy Italian Dinner
Jessica

Delicious Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore

Tender chicken thighs slow-cooked with bell peppers, mushrooms, and onions in a rich Italian tomato sauce. This easy crockpot meal is perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 285
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs trimmed
  • 1 large onion roughly chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper sliced into strips
  • 1 green bell pepper sliced into strips
  • 8 ounces fresh mushrooms sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 28 ounce can crushed fire-roasted tomatoes
  • 6 ounce can tomato paste
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 3 tablespoons water
  • fresh basil for garnish

Equipment

  • Slow cooker (6-quart)
  • Mixing bowl
  • Cutting board
  • Chef's knife

Method
 

  1. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides. Place in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.
  2. Layer vegetables over chicken: chopped onion, red and green bell pepper strips, sliced mushrooms, and minced garlic.
  3. Whisk together crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken broth, oregano, and basil in a mixing bowl until well combined.
  4. Pour tomato mixture over chicken and vegetables in slow cooker, ensuring chicken is mostly covered by the sauce.
  5. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until chicken is fork-tender.
  6. Remove bay leaf and stir in cornstarch mixture during the last 30 minutes of cooking to thicken sauce.
  7. Serve hot garnished with fresh basil over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.

Notes

  • For best results, use chicken thighs instead of breasts - they stay more tender during long cooking
  • Fire-roasted tomatoes add deeper flavor but regular crushed tomatoes work too
  • Cut vegetables uniformly for even cooking and better presentation
  • Sauce will thicken as it cools, so don't worry if it seems thin while hot