Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore

This Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore is an easy slow cooker dinner made with tender chicken, mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, and a rich tomato sauce. It’s a hearty Italian-inspired comfort food that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Serve it over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up every bit of the delicious sauce.

this recipe!

Try my crockpot cream of mushroom chicken and crockpot Swiss steak next!

Why You’ll Love it

• Easy slow cooker meal. Simply add the ingredients to your Crockpot and let it cook until the chicken is tender and full of flavor.
• Rich, hearty Italian flavor. Chicken, mushrooms, peppers, olives, and tomatoes simmer together to create a delicious sauce that’s perfect over pasta or rice.
• Perfect for family dinners. This comforting meal is easy enough for weeknights but special enough to serve guests or enjoy on a cozy weekend.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 6-8 boneless skinless chicken thighs (or 3-4 breasts)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 8 oz sliced mushrooms (white or baby bellas)
• 1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
• ½ cup kalamata olives
• 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Fresh chopped parsley or basil leaves, for topping (optional)

Step By Step Instructions

STEP ONE – Season both sides of the chicken thighs with salt and pepper and then place into the Crockpot.

STEP TWO – Add the onions, garlic, mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, crushed tomatoes, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, and dried basil.

STEP THREE – Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2 ½-3 hours, until chicken is tender. If using chicken breasts, you may need to increase the cooking time by 30 minutes to an hour. 

STEP FOUR – Top with fresh chopped parsley or basil. Serve with pasta, rice, or bread.

Variations

• Make it heartier. Add chunks of potatoes and sliced carrots at the beginning of the cooking time. Cut them into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
• Add zucchini. Since zucchini cooks much faster than potatoes and carrots, stir it in during the last hour of cooking.
• Use chicken thighs or breasts. Either works well in this recipe. If using bone-in chicken, increase the cooking time by 30 to 60 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
• Add extra flavor. Sprinkle with shredded Parmesan or mozzarella cheese and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes just before serving. Swap the vinegar. Red wine vinegar adds brightness, but apple cider vinegar is a great substitute. For even more depth of flavor, replace the vinegar with a splash of red wine.