Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore

 Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore

A classic Italian comfort dish made easy in the slow cooker. Tender chicken simmered in a rich tomato sauce with peppers, onions, and herbs — perfect over pasta, rice, or polenta.

 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

• 4–6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or boneless if preferred)

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1 tsp dried basil

• ½ tsp dried thyme

• 1 small onion, sliced

• 1 bell pepper, sliced (red or yellow)

• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce

• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (undrained)

• ½ cup chicken broth

• ¼ cup dry red wine (optional)

• 1 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 tsp sugar (optional, balances acidity)

• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish

 Instructions

1. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and thyme.

2. Optional (but recommended): Sear first.
   Heat a skillet over medium-high with a little olive oil. Brown chicken 3–4 minutes per side for extra flavor.

3. Layer in slow cooker:

   • Add onions, peppers, mushrooms, and garlic to the bottom.

   • Place chicken on top.

4. Mix the sauce:
   Combine marinara, diced tomatoes, broth, wine (if using), tomato paste, and sugar. Pour over chicken.

5. Cook:

   • LOW for 6–7 hours

   • HIGH for 3–4 hours
     Chicken should be tender and reach 165°F (74°C).

6. Optional finishing touch:
   Remove lid for the last 30 minutes to thicken sauce slightly, or stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water).

 Serving Ideas

• Over spaghetti or fettuccine

• Over creamy polenta

• With crusty Italian bread

• Over mashed potatoes for a comfort-style twist

Make It Lighter

• Use skinless chicken breasts

• Use low-sodium marinara and broth

• Add extra vegetables (zucchini, spinach, olives)