Chicken Cacciatore Recipe (Slow Cooker)

Filled with succulent chicken, tender mushrooms, juicy tomatoes, and fresh herbs, this flavorful Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore recipe creates a rich and delicious meal that practically cooks itself. This classic Italian dish is the ultimate comfort food the entire family will rave over.

A close-up of a spoon lifting a piece of chicken topped with tomato sauce, vegetables, and herbs from a pot.

Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore

Chicken cacciatore may sound like a fancy Italian dish but the truth is, it’s never been easier to make, all thanks to your trusted slow cooker. Tender chicken thighs are cooked and simmered in a savory tomato-based sauce infused with fresh garlic, onions, and Italian herbs. Because of the low and slow cooking method, the chicken becomes irresistibly tender, soaking up all the deliciousness of the sauce.

The best part is that this mouth-watering recipe requires little prep work. You sear the thighs, add the other ingredients, and let the slow cooker work its magic while you go about the day. Whether looking for an easy weeknight dinner or cooking for a crowd, this recipe will win you a 5 star rating from all your family and friends. If you love slow cooker chicken recipes, you’ll want to try this Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki and this Slow Cooker Southwest Chicken.

What is Chicken Cacciatore?

Chicken Cacciatore is a classic Italian dish known for its rich and hearty flavors. The term “cacciatore” means “hunter” in Italian, which is why the dish is often referred to as “hunter’s chicken.” It traditionally features braised chicken cooked in a tomato-based sauce with a mix of onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, and herbs. Sometimes, ingredients like olives, capers, and wine are added to enhance the flavor.

Why We Love This Crock Pot Chicken Cacciatore

Easy recipe – This rustic-style slow cooker recipe uses common ingredients that cook low and slow in the crockpot as you go about your day.
Amazing flavors – The tenderly cooked chicken is braised in a super flavorful, luscious tomato sauce.
Great for meal prep – Chicken cacciatore reheats beautifully the next day, making it an awesome meal prep dish.

Chicken Cacciatore Slow Cooker Ingredients

Ingredients for a recipe laid out on a marble countertop, including sliced onions, avocados, mushrooms, chicken, spices, and canned tomatoes.

Chicken – We used boneless, skinless chicken thighs trimmed and left whole.
All-purpose flour – Gives the chicken a golden-brown color.
Vegetable oil – A neutral flavored oil for pan-searing.
Green bell pepper – Washed, halved and then thinly sliced.
Onions – white or yellow onions, halved and thinly sliced.
Sliced mushrooms – Baby bella or button mushrooms work great.
Fresh garlic cloves – Give the sauce deeper flavors.
Tomato sauce and tomato paste – Creates the base for the sauce.
Canned diced tomatoes – A key ingredient, so you’ll want to use a good quality brand.
Italian herbs – Oregano leaves, basil leaves, bay leaves, and fresh parsley.
Salt and black pepper – Added for flavor.
Grated parmesan cheese – Finishes the dish with cheesy goodness.

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore

Step One: Sauté the Chicken Thighs

First step in preparing Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore is to season the chicken with salt, pepper and cover it with flour.

Next process in preparing Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore is to put three chicken thighs cooking in a skillet surrounded by ingredients including bell peppers, mushrooms, and garlic on a kitchen counter. Wait until it turns brown.

Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then dredge in flour until evenly coated.
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until hot and shimmering. Add the boneless, skinless thighs and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until lightly browned.

Step Two: Make the Cacciatore Sauce

A slow cooker filled with sliced mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, tomatoes, and bay leaves on a kitchen countertop next to containers of salt and pepper.

In a large bowl, combine the sliced bell pepper, onions, mushrooms, garlic, diced tomatoes with their juices, tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
Layer half of the chicken pieces in the bottom of the slow cooker, then spoon half of the vegetable mixture over the chicken.
Layer the remaining chicken pieces on top and cover with the remaining vegetable mixture. Add the bay leaves and mix into the vegetable layer.

Step Three: Simmer on Low Heat

A slow cooker filled with a mixture of sliced onions, green bell peppers, tomatoes, and chicken strips ready to cook. White bowl with herbs and tiny cup containing two bay leaves on the side.

Chicken thighs seasoned with black pepper are placed on top of a mixture of sliced bell peppers, tomatoes, and onions in a white slow cooker. A small dish with bay leaves is nearby.

Cover and cook on the low setting for 4 to 5 hours until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. Remove bay leaves before serving.

Step Four: Serve and Enjoy

A slow cooker featuring chicken cacciatore with tomatoes, bell peppers, mushrooms, and onions. Parsley garnish and ingredients like bell pepper, onion, and garlic surround the dish.

Spoon the chicken with the mushrooms and the rich tomato sauce over a bed of rice or pasta topped with parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of Italian parsley.

Chicken Cacciatore Crockpot Recipe Variations and Add-in

Wine – To give the sauce a richer flavor, add a splash of red or white wine to the sauce.
Olives – Add a briny kick by tossing in some kalamata olives.
Capers – For a tangy twist, stir in a handful of capers to the sauce.
Red pepper flakes – If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Balsamic vinegar- A drizzle of balsamic vinegar can add depth and sweetness to the sauce.
Other veggies – Add some extra veggies by including sliced carrots and celery. Fresh spinach or sundried tomatoes, along with the bell peppers and onions.
Chicken – We used thighs, but you can use chicken breasts or even pork tenderloin if you prefer.

A platter of chicken cacciatore served in front of a slow cooker. Next to the platter are a bowl of pasta, grated cheese in a small bowl, and a sprig of parsley on a white countertop.

Tips for Making Crock Pot Chicken Cacciatore

You may want to start with 1 tablespoon of oil and brown the boneless chicken thighs in 2 batches, adding more oil if needed.
Resist cooking this easy chicken cacciatore recipe on high. You’ll want to cook it on the low setting, which allows the chicken to become more tender and juicy, soaking up the flavors of the vegetables and sauce.
Boneless and skinless chicken works best for this recipe. If you prefer to use bone-in chicken thighs, make sure you pick out the bones before serving.
If you want the thighs to stay together, you will want to watch the cooking time and decrease it a little. The longer the chicken thighs are cooked, the more they will fall apart and become shredded chicken, which is great served over pasta or rice.
If you’re wondering when the chicken is done, you can use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the thighs should reach 175 degrees F.

A plate of spaghetti topped with a tomato-based sauce containing mushrooms, onions, and herbs. A bowl of grated cheese is in the background.

What to Serve with Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore?

Traditional chicken cacciatore is served over white rice spaghetti noodles or other pasta with big chunk of crusty bread. If you’re looking for a low carb option, you can serve it over cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or spaghetti squash.

How to Store Leftover Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore

Refrigerator – Transfer any leftover slow cooker chicken cacciatore to an airtight container once it has cooled to room temperature. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Freezer – For longer storage, transfer the leftovers into freezer-safe containers or freezer bags, ensuring to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label with the date and store in the freezer for up to 2–3 months.