Olivia Carter
If you’re a fan of easy and delicious slow cooker recipes, then you’re in for a treat with this Best Ever Chicken Cacciatore recipe. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll have a hearty and flavorful Italian dish that the whole family will love. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is perfect for any skill level.
Chicken Cacciatore, also known as “hunter-style chicken,” is a classic Italian dish that’s traditionally made with chicken, onions, peppers, tomatoes, and herbs. The slow cooker method takes the flavors to a whole new level by allowing the ingredients to simmer and meld together over several hours. The result is tender chicken, rich sauce, and a burst of flavors that will make you want to go back for seconds.
This recipe calls for bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, which adds extra flavor and richness to the dish. However, if you prefer white meat or have dietary restrictions, you can easily substitute with boneless, skinless chicken breasts. The choice is yours! Serve this Chicken Cacciatore over pasta or rice, and don’t forget to sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra touch of deliciousness.
So, if you’re looking for a simple and flavorful meal that’s perfect for any day of the week, give this Best Ever Chicken Cacciatore recipe a try. Your taste buds will thank you!
About Chicken Cacciatore
Chicken Cacciatore is a traditional Italian dish that is popular around the world. It is a hearty and flavorful dish made with chicken, vegetables, and a rich tomato sauce. The dish gets its name from the Italian word “cacciatore,” which means hunter, as it was traditionally made with game meat that hunters would catch.
The key ingredients of Chicken Cacciatore include chicken pieces, usually bone-in for added flavor, onions, bell peppers, garlic, tomatoes, and a variety of herbs and spices. The dish is typically cooked slowly, allowing the flavors to meld together and the chicken to become tender and juicy.
The chicken is first seared to give it a nice golden color and enhance the flavor. Then, the onions, bell peppers, and garlic are sautéed until they become soft and fragrant. The tomatoes and herbs are added, creating a rich and aromatic sauce. The chicken is then added back to the pot and simmered over low heat until it is cooked through.
This slow cooker version of Chicken Cacciatore allows for even more convenience and flexibility. By using a slow cooker, you can simply add all the ingredients to the pot and let it cook for several hours, allowing the flavors to develop while you go about your day. The result is a deliciously tender chicken dish with a robust and complex flavor.
Chicken Cacciatore is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides, such as pasta, rice, or crusty bread. It is a comforting and satisfying meal that is perfect for a cozy family dinner or for entertaining guests. Whether you prefer the classic version or a slow cooker adaptation, Chicken Cacciatore is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients for Chicken Cacciatore
When it comes to making the best ever chicken cacciatore in a slow cooker, having the right ingredients is key. Here are the essential elements that will make your dish truly remarkable:
- Chicken: Tender and juicy chicken pieces, such as chicken thighs or drumsticks, are ideal for this recipe. The chicken will cook slowly in the flavorful sauce, becoming incredibly succulent.
- Crushed Tomatoes: A can of crushed tomatoes forms the base of the rich and tangy sauce. The tomatoes add depth and acidity to the dish, balancing out the flavors.
- Onion: A sweet or yellow onion, thinly sliced, adds a subtle sweetness to the sauce. It also provides a delicate texture to the final dish.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves, minced or chopped, bring a robust flavor to the cacciatore. Garlic adds a lovely aroma and enhances the overall taste of the dish.
- Bell Peppers: Red and green bell peppers, sliced into strips, contribute a bright and vibrant color to the sauce. They also add a slight crunch and a hint of sweetness to each bite.
- Mushrooms: Sliced mushrooms, such as cremini or button mushrooms, provide an earthy flavor and a meaty texture. They pair perfectly with the chicken and absorb the delicious sauce.
- Herbs and Spices: A combination of oregano, thyme, basil, salt, and black pepper infuses the cacciatore with aromatic notes and savory undertones. These herbs and spices enhance the overall taste of the dish.
- Red Wine: A splash of red wine adds complexity and depth to the sauce, enriching the flavors of the chicken and vegetables. It also imparts a subtle richness to the overall dish.
- Olives: Kalamata or black olives, pitted and halved, provide a briny and tangy element to the cacciatore. They add a unique flavor and create a delightful contrast to the other ingredients.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley leaves, sprinkled on top as a garnish, lend a finishing touch to the dish. Parsley adds a vibrant color and a subtle herbaceous flavor.
With these carefully selected ingredients, you can create an unforgettable chicken cacciatore that is bursting with flavors and textures. Each component plays a crucial role in delivering a mouthwatering and satisfying slow cooker dish.
Slow Cooker Instructions
The slow cooker is a convenient and easy way to make Chicken Cacciatore. With its low heat cooking method, it allows the flavors to blend together for a delicious and tender dish. Follow these simple instructions to make the best ever Chicken Cacciatore in a slow cooker.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- In a shallow dish, season the flour with salt and pepper. Dredge the chicken breasts in the flour mixture, coating both sides.
- Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook on each side until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Transfer the chicken to the slow cooker.
- In the same skillet, add the onion, garlic, and bell peppers. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
- Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried basil, and dried oregano to the skillet. Stir to combine.
- Pour the tomato mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
- Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine it with the sauce.
- Serve the Chicken Cacciatore over cooked pasta or rice, garnished with fresh basil or parsley.
With these slow cooker instructions, you can easily make the best ever Chicken Cacciatore. Let the slow cooker do the work for you and enjoy a flavorful and comforting meal.
Tips for Making Chicken Cacciatore in a Slow Cooker
Chicken cacciatore is a delicious Italian dish made with tender chicken cooked in a rich tomato sauce. One of the best ways to make this dish is in a slow cooker, which allows the flavors to develop and the chicken to become incredibly tender. Here are some tips for making chicken cacciatore in a slow cooker:
1. Brown the chicken:
Before adding the chicken to the slow cooker, it’s a good idea to brown it in a skillet. This will give the chicken a nice golden color and a slightly crispy texture. Simply season the chicken with salt and pepper, heat a little oil in a skillet, and cook the chicken until it’s browned on all sides. This step adds depth of flavor to the dish.
2. Use chicken thighs:
While you can use chicken breasts for this recipe, using chicken thighs will result in a more succulent and flavorful dish. Chicken thighs have more fat and connective tissue, which helps keep them juicy during the long cooking process. They also have a richer flavor that pairs perfectly with the hearty tomato sauce.
3. Add plenty of vegetables:
Chicken cacciatore traditionally includes onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms. These vegetables not only add flavor to the dish, but they also contribute to its overall texture. You can chop the vegetables into large chunks or slice them thinly, depending on your preference. The slow cooker will help soften the vegetables and infuse them with the delicious sauce.
4. Use crushed tomatoes:
For the tomato sauce base, it’s best to use crushed tomatoes. Crushed tomatoes have a thick and chunky consistency that works well in slow cooker recipes. They provide a rich and smooth texture to the dish. You can also add tomato paste for an extra punch of tomato flavor.
5. Cook on low heat for maximum flavor:
When cooking chicken cacciatore in a slow cooker, it’s recommended to cook it on low heat for longer periods of time. This allows the flavors to meld together and develop a deep, rich taste. Depending on your slow cooker, the cooking time may vary, but a range of 6-8 hours on low heat should be sufficient.
By following these tips, you can create a mouthwatering chicken cacciatore in your slow cooker. The result will be a tender and flavorful dish that will impress your family and friends.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken cacciatore is a hearty and flavorful dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
1. Pasta
Serve your chicken cacciatore over a bed of al dente pasta for a classic and satisfying meal. Spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine are all great options. The pasta will soak up the delicious sauce, adding an extra layer of flavor to each bite.
2. Crusty Bread
Don’t let any of that delicious sauce go to waste! Serve your chicken cacciatore with crusty bread for dipping. The combination of the tender chicken and the hearty bread is simply irresistible. Plus, you can use the bread to mop up any leftover sauce on your plate.
3. Roasted Vegetables
Add some color and nutrition to your meal with a side of roasted vegetables. Bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant are all great choices. Toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast them until they are tender and slightly caramelized. The roasted vegetables will complement the flavors of the chicken cacciatore beautifully.
4. Salad
Balance out the richness of the chicken cacciatore with a crisp and refreshing salad. A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette is a great choice. You can also add some tomatoes, cucumbers, or olives for extra flavor and texture. The lightness of the salad will help cut through the richness of the dish.
With these serving suggestions, you can create a complete and satisfying meal with your slow cooker chicken cacciatore. Whether you choose to enjoy it with pasta, bread, roasted vegetables, or a salad, your taste buds are in for a treat!
10 Best Ever Chicken Cacciatore Recipe Slow Cooker
Elite Gourmet EG-6203# Extra Deep 16"x13"x3.2" (10.5Qt.) Scratch Resistant, Easy Pour Spout Dishwasher Safe, Non-stick Electric Skillet with Glass Vented...
Features
| Part Number | EG-6203# |
| Model | EG-6203# |
| Color | Black |
| Size | 10.5 Quart |
- DISHWASHER SAFE and fully immersible in your sink for fast, easy clean-up upon removal of the temperature control unit. Thick cast aluminum body with Black lacquer finish resists rusting or warping for added resilience.
- Marbleized honeycomb non-stick is more durable than non-stick and will not crack or peel. It quickly releases food for a no-fuss quick and easy clean up. Scratch resistant surface allows for worry-free cooking!
- RAPID plus EVEN HEAT from our fully-embedded M-shaped heating element. With its Trigger-Release control probe, you can pinpoint temperatures of 200-400°f degrees and prevent hot spots and scorched food.
- LOCK IN FLAVORS and moisture with the clear, tempered glass lid. Extra Large 16” x 13” x 3. 15” pan dimensions let you fry chicken for the whole family, and an integrated easy-pour spout lets you drain off excess juices.
- SIMPLIFY MEAL TIME with our family sized 10.5-quart electric skillet. Enjoy fluffy pancakes, gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches and flavorful stir fried veggies. Serves 6 to 8 people
- SAFETY TESTED ETL listed 1500 watt/120V electric skillet is ideal for home kitchen use; 3.15" splatter-proof walls and cool-touch knob and handles make this an essential and thoughtful housewarming or wedding gift
- 1 YEAR WARRANTY and U.S. based customer support team. The Elite Gourmet Deep Dish Electric Skillet includes Base with Pour Spout, Removable Thermostat, Tempered Glass Lid and Instruction Manual with Recipes
Chicken Cacciatore for Soul
Features
| Is Adult Product | |
| Release Date | 2020-06-01T00:00:00.000Z |
| Language | English |
Italian Table for Two
Features
| Is Adult Product | |
| Release Date | 2021-03-19T21:00:00.000Z |
| Language | English |
Chicken Cacciatore for the Soul
Features
| Is Adult Product | |
| Release Date | 2021-03-14T22:00:00.000Z |
| Language | English |
FAQ
What are serving suggestions?
Serving suggestions are recommendations or ideas for how a particular food or dish can be served or paired with other ingredients or dishes.
Why are serving suggestions important?
Serving suggestions can be helpful for individuals looking for inspiration on how to enjoy a particular food or dish. They can provide ideas for flavor combinations and different ways to use the product.
Where can I find serving suggestions?
Serving suggestions can often be found on food packaging, recipe websites, or cookbooks. They may also be provided by the manufacturer or creator of a particular food or ingredient.
Can serving suggestions be customized?
Yes, serving suggestions can be customized based on personal preferences and dietary restrictions. They can serve as a starting point for individuals to create their own unique dishes and combinations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, serving suggestions are a valuable tool for enhancing the dining experience and making meals more enjoyable. They offer ideas and inspiration to help individuals and families get creative in the kitchen and try new flavors and combinations. Whether it’s pairing a particular dish with the perfect wine or incorporating fresh herbs and spices to elevate the taste, serving suggestions can elevate any meal to a new level. These suggestions also serve as a starting point for individuals who may feel overwhelmed or uninspired in the kitchen, providing them with guidance and confidence to experiment and discover their own culinary preferences. So next time you’re preparing a meal, don’t forget to check out the serving suggestions to take your dining experience to the next level.
