Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore

March 11, 2025

This Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore is the perfect way to bring bold Italian flavors to your dinner table with minimal effort. Give it a try and let us know how you customized it to fit your style!

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 4-8 hours (depending on slow cooker setting)

Ingredients:

  • Olive oil for searing
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 bell peppers, sliced
  • ½ red onion, sliced
  • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
  • ½ cup white wine (or chicken stock for a non-alcoholic option)
  • 1 package microwave brown rice
  • Basil, sliced into ribbons, for serving
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Sear the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Add a little olive oil to the pan and sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. This helps lock in flavor. Remove from the pan and set aside.
  2. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the sliced bell peppers, red onions, mushrooms, and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften.
  3. Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the white wine (or chicken stock) and use a spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan—this adds a ton of depth to the sauce.
  4. Transfer to the Slow Cooker: Add the seared chicken, sautéed veggies, and crushed tomatoes to your slow cooker.
  5. Cook Low & Slow:
    • On high: Cook for 4 hours.
    • On low: Cook for 8 hours for extra tender chicken.
  6. Serve & Garnish: When ready to serve, spoon the Chicken Cacciatore over microwave brown rice for a quick side. Garnish with fresh basil ribbons for a burst of freshness.
Chiecken Caccitore overhead shot in a white dish with a marble background

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Effortless & Flavorful – Let the slow cooker do the work while you go about your day.
✔ Healthy & Nutritious – Lean protein, fiber-rich veggies, and whole grains make this a balanced meal.
✔ Family-Friendly – Mild flavors that even picky eaters will love!
✔ Perfect for Meal Prep – Stores well for leftovers, making busy weeknights a breeze.
✔ Customizable – Easy to adjust for different diets and spice levels.

Customization Options

Plant-Based Version – Leave out the chicken and add extra veggies like zucchini, eggplant, squash, or broccolini for a hearty, vegetarian-friendly meal.

Want More Spice? Add red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic for a spicier kick.

Short on Time? Use pre-cut frozen veggies or pre-cut fresh veggies from the store to cut down prep time even more.

Overhead view of chicken cacciatore with rice one amarble background

Meal Prep & Storage Tips

  • Make-Ahead Friendly: This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
  • Store in the Fridge: Keep in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze for Later: Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Simply thaw and reheat when ready to serve.

Nutritional Highlights

This Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore is not just delicious—it’s packed with nutrients:

✔ Lean Protein: Chicken provides high-quality protein for muscle repair and satiety.
✔ Antioxidants & Fiber: Bell peppers, tomatoes, and mushrooms deliver a mix of vitamins A, C, and K, along with fiber for digestion.
✔ Whole Grains: Brown rice adds fiber and keeps you full longer.

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