Previous
Chicken Cacciatore is my favorite go-to dish—it reminds me of Sundays at my Italian grandmother’s house, and it might be the first spicy dish I ever tried. Of course, when I was a kid, I picked out the peppers and onions, but nowadays all the ingredients are equal on my plate!
This dish is also a great way to use up a bountiful tomato harvest! When the gardening season draws to a close, and you find yourself surrounded by a surplus of homegrown treasures—cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and onions–Chicken Cacciatore is what’s for dinner! This spicy, saucy dish is a celebration of these garden gems and can be transformed into an epic flavor adventure with the help of your trusty slow cooker.
But harvest time isn’t the only time it can be enjoyed, I actually like to gather the ingredients from the garden, then vacuum seal and freeze them to be thrown into this dish any time of year! But whether you’re getting your veggies fresh from the garden, frozen from the freezer, or from your local market, it will taste great no matter what.
The allure of Chicken Cacciatore
Chicken Cacciatore is a flavor symphony, starring chicken, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and onions. While often prepared in a skillet, we’re about to take this Italian classic to new heights with the slow-cooking magic—definitely my preferred way to cook it so that all the flavors melt together and the chicken softens enough to pull.
“Cacciatore” is derived from the Italian word “cacciatore,” which means “hunter.” The origins of Chicken Cacciatore can be traced back to ancient Italy, where it emerged as a practical and flavorful way to prepare food during hunting expeditions. Hunters would often cook this dish using freshly caught game, such as rabbit or pheasant, along with locally available ingredients like tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, and aromatic herbs. The idea was to create a hearty and satisfying meal to replenish their energy after a long day of hunting.
One of the fascinating aspects of Chicken Cacciatore is its regional diversity within Italy. Different regions have put their own unique spin on the dish, incorporating local ingredients and flavors. For example, in Southern Italy, olives and capers are often added to the sauce, giving it a briny and Mediterranean twist. In the North, mushrooms and wine are sometimes used to enhance the flavor.
My recipe uses neither, but you’re welcome to experiment!
Spice, spice, baby!
Now, let’s talk about the spice factor. Chicken Cacciatore without a kick of heat is like a roller coaster without loops–it’s just not the same! The beauty of this dish is that you’re in control. You can adjust the spice level to suit your taste buds, creating a unique flavor symphony. The fiery sauce that envelops the chicken and vegetables is a simple yet powerful blend that comes together effortlessly.
And here’s a bonus–it freezes like a dream (and the flavors get better, too!). It’s your secret weapon for convenient lunches and dinners on busy days. Imagine savoring a taste of summer in the heart of winter, thanks to your meal-prep prowess.
The shortcut to flavor: Roasted Tomato Sauce
Sure, you can take a shortcut and grab a jar of tomato sauce from the store. But if you’re feeling adventurous, I highly recommend making your own Roasted Tomato Sauce ahead of time. It’s like capturing the essence of summer in a bottle, and you’ll be grateful when you use it in recipes like this one. The extra effort is well worth it.
Print
Crock-Pot Chicken Cacciatore
If you don’t know how to make chicken cacciatore in a Crock-Pot or slow cooker, you’ll be thrilled to know this dish is only one-step long and is a great way to use up your end of season cherry tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4 to 6 1x
- Category: Entrées
Ingredients
- 6 boneless chicken thighs or breasts
- 3 small onions (2-3″ diameter) sliced into strips (I like to make them big so picky eaters can remove them)
- Two handfuls of cherry tomatoes whole
- 3 bell peppers, cored and sliced into strips
- 16 oz jar of tomato sauce ( I suggest our Roasted Tomato Sauce!)
- 3 basil leaves
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt & Pepper to taste
- Optional: Prepared pasta or rice
Instructions
- Toss everything in a slow cooker and cook for 8 hours on low.
- Use a fork to tear the chicken, and serve alone, or over-prepared pasta or rice.
Embrace the season: Fall and winter feasting
If you have a soft spot for hearty, spicy Italian dishes, then Chicken Cacciatore in your slow cooker will become your new autumn and winter tradition. The rich, robust flavors are like a warm hug on a chilly evening, a reminder of the comforting Sundays when my grandmother would fill our home with the aroma of this delicious dish. It’s a recipe that speaks of comfort and adventure, all in one glorious bite.
So, don your apron, channel your inner chef, and let your slow cooker work its culinary magic!
