Irresistible Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore Recipe Easy Perfect Dinner Idea
A classic Italian-inspired slow-cooked chicken dish simmered in a rich tomato sauce with bell peppers and herbs, perfect for a hands-off, comforting dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 4–6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 to 2 pounds)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 large bell pepper (red or green), sliced
- 28 ounces canned diced tomatoes (preferably San Marzano)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- 1–2 tablespoons capers or chopped green olives (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Pat dry chicken thighs and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown chicken thighs skin-side down for 4-5 minutes until golden and crispy, then flip and brown the other side for 3 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté diced onion for 3 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and sliced bell peppers, cooking for another 2 minutes.
- Deglaze the pan with white wine or chicken broth, scraping up browned bits. Let simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Transfer sautéed vegetables and liquid to the crockpot. Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, basil, thyme, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Nestle browned chicken thighs skin-side up into the sauce.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until chicken is tender and sauce thickened.
- About 10 minutes before serving, stir in capers or olives if using. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil before serving.
Notes
Browning the chicken before slow cooking adds depth of flavor and better texture. Avoid overcrowding the skillet when browning. If sauce is too watery at the end, remove chicken and cook uncovered on high for 15-20 minutes to reduce. Use bone-in thighs for juicier meat. This recipe freezes well for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About one chicken th
- Calories: 375
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 10
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 28
Keywords: crockpot chicken cacciatore, slow cooker chicken, Italian chicken recipe, easy dinner, comfort food, chicken thighs, tomato sauce