Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
Are you a fan of tender and flavorful chicken dishes? Look no further than this Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore recipe! It’s a classic Italian dish that is sure to impress your family and friends. With the convenience of a slow cooker, you can enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
To make this mouthwatering dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
Instructions:
- Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the chopped onion, green bell pepper, minced garlic, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, diced tomatoes, basil, oregano, thyme, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if desired).
- Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken breasts.
- 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 tender and cooked through.
- About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the sliced black olives.
- Serve the Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore over cooked pasta or rice, and enjoy!
How to Prepare:
This Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore recipe is incredibly easy to prepare. Simply gather all the ingredients, chop the onion and green bell pepper, and mince the garlic. Then, mix together the sauce ingredients in a separate bowl. Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker, pour the sauce over them, and let the slow cooker do its magic! You’ll have a delicious and satisfying meal without much effort.
Preparation Time:
The preparation time for this Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore recipe is minimal. It should only take about 15-20 minutes to chop the vegetables, mix the sauce ingredients, and place everything in the slow cooker. Once it’s cooking, you can relax and let the flavors develop as the dish simmers away.
Servings:
This recipe serves 4 people, but you can easily adjust the quantities to feed a larger group. Simply double or triple the ingredients accordingly. It’s a great option for family dinners or when hosting friends for a casual get-together.
Nutrition Facts:
Here are the approximate nutrition facts for one serving of Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore:
- Calories: 290
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 850mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 23g
- Dietary Fiber: 6g
- Sugars: 11g
- Protein: 32g
Tips:
Here are a few tips to ensure your Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore turns out perfectly:
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add more crushed red pepper flakes.
- For a richer flavor, brown the chicken breasts in a skillet before placing them in the slow cooker.
- If you’re short on time, you can cook this dish on high heat for a shorter duration. Just keep an eye on it to prevent overcooking.
- Feel free to add other vegetables, such as mushrooms or zucchini, to the slow cooker for extra flavor and nutrition.
FAQs:
Q: Can I use bone-in chicken pieces instead of boneless, skinless chicken breasts?
A: Absolutely! Bone-in chicken pieces, such as thighs or drumsticks, will work just as well in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as bone-in pieces may take longer to cook through.
Q: Can I freeze the leftovers?
A: Yes, you can freeze the leftovers for future meals. Simply pack them in an airtight container or freezer bag and place them in the freezer. To reheat, thaw the chicken cacciatore overnight in the refrigerator and then warm it up on the stove or in the microwave.
Q: What should I serve with Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore?
A: This dish is delicious served over cooked pasta or rice. You can also pair it with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Now that you have the recipe for Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore, it’s time to gather the ingredients and start cooking! Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving a comforting meal, this recipe is sure to please. Enjoy the tender chicken, flavorful sauce, and aromatic herbs that make this dish a standout. Bon appétit!