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Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore

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A cozy Italian slow cooker recipe featuring juicy bone-in chicken thighs simmered in a rich tomato sauce with olives and herbs, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds bone-in, skinless chicken thighs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional, for browning)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
  • 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes (San Marzano recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon dry red wine vinegar
  • 1/2 cup black olives, pitted and halved (Kalamata olives preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper. (5 minutes)
  2. Optional: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Work in batches if needed. Transfer browned chicken to the slow cooker. (10 minutes)
  3. In the same skillet, sauté chopped onion, sliced red bell pepper, and minced garlic for 4-5 minutes until softened and fragrant, stirring occasionally. Scrape up browned bits from the chicken for extra flavor. (5-7 minutes)
  4. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken broth, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, and dried basil to the skillet with the veggies. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer for 3-4 minutes to meld flavors. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. (5 minutes)
  5. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker. Add olives evenly on top. (2 minutes)
  6. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or until chicken is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Alternatively, cook on high for 3-4 hours. (6 hours)
  7. About 15 minutes before serving, check seasoning and adjust salt, pepper, or add a splash more vinegar if desired. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top. (15 minutes)
  8. Serve hot with creamy polenta, crusty bread, or buttered pasta.

Notes

Browning the chicken before slow cooking adds depth of flavor and better texture but is optional. If sauce is too thin at the end, remove the lid and cook on high for 15-20 minutes to thicken. For a crispy edge, broil chicken for 2-3 minutes before serving. Avoid lifting the slow cooker lid during cooking to maintain temperature. This recipe is naturally gluten-free if broth and tomato paste are certified gluten-free.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, chicken cacciatore, easy dinner, Italian, weeknight meal, comfort food, bone-in chicken thighs, slow cooker recipe

Find it online: https://bitefuljoy.com/easy-slow-cooker-chicken-cacciatore-recipe-perfect-for-busy-weeknights/