Are you looking for a delicious and easy-to-make Italian dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion? Look no further than slow cooker chicken cacciatore. This classic Italian recipe is made with chicken, onions, bell peppers, tomatoes, and mushrooms, all slow-cooked in a rich and flavorful sauce. In this article, we’ll show you how to make slow cooker chicken cacciatore that’s sure to become a family favorite.
What is Chicken Cacciatore?
Chicken cacciatore, also known as hunter-style chicken, is a classic Italian dish that originated in the Tuscan region. The name “cacciatore” means “hunter” in Italian, and the dish was originally made with game meats such as rabbit or wild boar. However, over time, chicken became a popular substitute, and the dish evolved into the recipe we know and love today.
Chicken cacciatore is typically made with chicken breast or thighs, onions, bell peppers, tomatoes, and mushrooms, all cooked in a rich and flavorful sauce. The sauce is usually made with olive oil, garlic, and herbs such as thyme and rosemary, and is simmered for a long time to develop a deep and rich flavor.
The Benefits of Making Chicken Cacciatore in a Slow Cooker
While traditional chicken cacciatore is made on the stovetop or in the oven, making it in a slow cooker has several benefits. Here are just a few:
- Convenience: Slow cookers are perfect for busy people who don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen. Simply add all the ingredients to the slow cooker in the morning, and come home to a delicious and ready-to-eat meal.
- Tender chicken: Slow cooking is a great way to cook chicken, as it becomes tender and falls-apart-easy.
- Rich and flavorful sauce: The long cooking time in a slow cooker allows the sauce to develop a deep and rich flavor that’s hard to achieve with traditional cooking methods.
Ingredients and Equipment Needed
To make slow cooker chicken cacciatore, you’ll need the following ingredients and equipment:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 large bell peppers, sliced
- 2 large tomatoes, diced
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup red wine (optional)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 slow cooker (at least 6 quarts in size)
Preparing the Ingredients
Before adding the ingredients to the slow cooker, you’ll need to prepare them. Here’s how:
- Slice the onion and bell peppers into thin strips.
- Dice the tomatoes and mushrooms.
- Mince the garlic.
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Instructions for Making Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
Now that you have all the ingredients and equipment needed, it’s time to start cooking. Here’s how to make slow cooker chicken cacciatore:
Step 1: Brown the Chicken
While it’s not necessary to brown the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker, it does add a lot of flavor to the dish. To brown the chicken, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 2: Soften the Onions and Bell Peppers
Add the sliced onions and bell peppers to the skillet and cook until they’re softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Step 3: Add the Ingredients to the Slow Cooker
Add the browned chicken, softened onions and bell peppers, diced tomatoes, sliced mushrooms, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
Step 4: Add the Liquid Ingredients
Add the red wine, chicken broth, and tomato paste to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
Step 5: Cook the Chicken Cacciatore
Cook the chicken cacciatore on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the chicken cacciatore hot, garnished with fresh parsley or basil. You can serve it with pasta, rice, or polenta, or with some crusty bread.
Tips and Variations
Here are some tips and variations to help you make the best slow cooker chicken cacciatore:
- Use high-quality ingredients: The quality of the ingredients you use will directly affect the flavor of the dish. Use fresh and flavorful ingredients, such as fresh tomatoes and fresh herbs.
- Don’t overcook the chicken: Chicken cacciatore is best when the chicken is cooked until it’s tender and falls-apart-easy. However, overcooking the chicken can make it dry and tough.
- Add some acidity: A splash of red wine or lemon juice can add a lot of brightness and flavor to the dish.
- Experiment with different herbs: While thyme and rosemary are traditional herbs used in chicken cacciatore, you can experiment with different herbs such as oregano, basil, or bay leaves.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when making slow cooker chicken cacciatore:
- Not browning the chicken: Browning the chicken adds a lot of flavor to the dish. Don’t skip this step.
- Not cooking the chicken long enough: Chicken cacciatore is best when the chicken is cooked until it’s tender and falls-apart-easy. Make sure to cook it for at least 6 hours on low or 3 hours on high.
- Not seasoning the dish: Seasoning the dish with salt, pepper, and herbs is essential to bring out the flavors. Don’t skip this step.
Conclusion
Slow cooker chicken cacciatore is a delicious and easy-to-make Italian dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. By following the recipe and tips outlined in this article, you can make a hearty and flavorful dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the rich and satisfying flavors of slow cooker chicken cacciatore.
What is Chicken Cacciatore?
Chicken Cacciatore is a classic Italian dish that originated as a hunter-style meal. The name “cacciatore” translates to “hunter” in Italian, and the dish was traditionally made with onions, bell peppers, tomatoes, and mushrooms, along with the hunter’s catch of the day, which was often rabbit or chicken. In this recipe, we use chicken as the main protein source.
The beauty of Chicken Cacciatore lies in its simplicity and heartiness. The combination of tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and rich tomatoes creates a satisfying and comforting meal that is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. By using a slow cooker, we can make this dish even easier to prepare and enjoy.
What are the main ingredients in Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore?
The main ingredients in Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore include boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, garlic, canned tomatoes, tomato paste, and Italian seasonings. You can also add other ingredients such as red wine, chicken broth, or olives to enhance the flavor of the dish.
These ingredients are slow-cooked together in a rich and flavorful sauce that is infused with the aromas of Italy. The slow cooker does all the work, tenderizing the chicken and melding the flavors together, resulting in a delicious and satisfying meal that is ready to serve when you are.
How do I prepare the ingredients for Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore?
To prepare the ingredients for Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore, start by chopping the onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic and chop the fresh parsley or basil. If using chicken breasts, cut them into bite-sized pieces or leave them whole if preferred.
Next, heat some olive oil in a pan and sauté the chopped onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms until they are tender and lightly browned. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute. Then, add the chicken to the pan and cook until it is browned on all sides. Transfer the chicken and vegetables to the slow cooker and add the remaining ingredients.
Can I customize Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore to suit my tastes?
Yes, you can customize Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore to suit your tastes by adding or substituting different ingredients. For example, you can add some heat to the dish by incorporating red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños. You can also add some acidity with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a splash of red wine vinegar.
Additionally, you can experiment with different herbs and spices to give the dish a unique flavor profile. Some options include dried oregano, thyme, or rosemary, or a blend of Italian seasonings. Feel free to get creative and make the dish your own by adding your favorite ingredients or spices.
How long does it take to cook Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore?
Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore is a low-maintenance dish that can be cooked in a slow cooker for 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. This allows the chicken to become tender and the flavors to meld together, resulting in a rich and satisfying sauce.
If you prefer a shorter cooking time, you can also cook the dish on the stovetop or in the oven. Simply brown the chicken and cook the vegetables in a large skillet, then add the remaining ingredients and simmer the sauce for 30-40 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
What can I serve with Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore?
Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides to complement its rich and savory flavors. Some options include pasta, such as spaghetti or pappardelle, which can be tossed in the sauce and topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
You can also serve the dish with crusty bread or over rice, or accompanied by a simple green salad or roasted vegetables. For a more substantial meal, consider adding some sautéed potatoes or polenta to the menu. Whatever you choose, the hearty flavors of the Chicken Cacciatore are sure to satisfy.
Can I make Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore ahead of time by preparing the ingredients and assembling the dish in the slow cooker, then refrigerating or freezing it until you are ready to cook it. This is a great option for busy weeknights or special occasions when you want to have a delicious meal ready to serve.
To make ahead, simply prepare the ingredients as instructed, then transfer them to the slow cooker and refrigerate or freeze until cooking time. When you are ready to cook the dish, simply place the slow cooker in the base and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.