CROCK POT CHICKEN CACCIATORE

Crock Pot Chicken Cacciatore is a flavorful and hearty Italian-inspired dish made easy with the help of a slow cooker. This classic recipe features tender chicken cooked slowly in a rich tomato sauce with bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and herbs. It’s a perfect meal for busy days when you want a comforting dinner without a lot of hands-on effort. Serve it over pasta, rice, or alongside crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Ingredients:

• 4-6 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1/2 cup pitted black or green olives (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish
• Cooked pasta, rice, or crusty bread (for serving)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken thighs or breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. Sauté the vegetables (optional step for more flavor): In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, bell peppers, and mushrooms, and sauté for 4-5 minutes until they start to soften. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute. Remove from heat.
3. Assemble the ingredients in the crock pot: Place the seasoned chicken in the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the sautéed vegetables (or raw vegetables if skipping the sauté step), diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, oregano, basil, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine the ingredients.
4. Cook the chicken: Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through.
5. Add olives (optional): In the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the olives if you’re using them.
6. Garnish and serve: Once the chicken is done, garnish with fresh parsley and serve the Chicken Cacciatore over cooked pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.

This Crock Pot Chicken Cacciatore is an easy, flavorful dish that delivers rich Italian flavors and a hearty, comforting meal with minimal effort. Enjoy the tender chicken and rich sauce with your favorite side!