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Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore (Rich, Comforting, and Built for Real Life)
Isla Marie

Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore

Tender chicken slowly cooked in a rich tomato sauce with peppers, onions, and Italian herbs. A comforting, hands-off meal that works well with pasta, polenta, or crusty bread.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Video Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2½ pounds chicken thighs bone-in or boneless
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 large onion sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional

Equipment

  • Slow cooker
  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Tongs or serving spoon

Method
 

Step 1. Season the Chicken
  1. Pat the chicken dry and season evenly with salt and black pepper.
Step 2. Build the Base
  1. Add onion, bell peppers, and garlic to the slow cooker. Drizzle with olive oil and spread evenly.
Step 3. Add Chicken and Sauce
  1. Place the chicken on top of the vegetables. Pour crushed tomatoes over everything and sprinkle in oregano, basil, thyme, and red pepper flakes if using.
Step 4. Slow Cook
  1. Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
Step 5. Finish and Serve
  1. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with your choice of sides.

Video

Notes

  • Chicken thighs stay juicier than breasts during long cooking.
  • For a thicker sauce, uncover for the last 20–30 minutes.
  • This dish tastes even better the next day.
  • Add mushrooms or olives during the last 1–2 hours if desired.