This post contains affiliate links. Please see our disclosure policy.
This easy slow cooker chicken cacciatore is a simple meal that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Made with simple ingredients like tomatoes, peppers, mushrooms, and chicken, it simmers into a rich, rustic Italian style stew.
“Chicken cacciatore is the kind of dinner that makes your kitchen smell amazing and brings everyone running to the table.”
-Becky
Chicken cacciatore is one of those cozy meals that’s super easy to throw together but tastes like you spent all day cooking. It’s loaded with flavor from the juicy chicken and the sauce, and everything simmers together until it’s tender and delicious. I like to dish it up over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or even just with some crusty bread to scoop up the sauce.
Leftovers are even better the next day, so it’s great for meal prep too. And the best part? You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry. Perfect for busy nights when you want something hearty and homemade without a ton of effort.
Love easy dinners? You can also try this simple Ravioli Lasagna, Easy Chicken Pot Pie, or this Cheesy Rasta Pasta. This Baked Shrimp Scampi is also a family favorite!
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
- bone in chicken – I use 2 thighs and 2 drumsticks for rich flavor and tenderness.
- chopped mushrooms – Makes the recipe hearty and adds depth of flavor.
- onion, finely chopped – Adds natural sweetness.
- garlic cloves, minced – Garlic always adds that savory punch.
- red bell pepper, finely chopped – Red or yellow adds a hint of sweetness.
- tomato paste – Helps thicken and deepen the sauce.
- chicken broth or chicken stock (or vegetable broth) – Keeps it saucy and flavorful. Make your own with this simple Homemade Chicken Stock Recipe.
- diced tomatoes – Use the kind with juice for a rich stew like base.
- paprika – Adds warmth and flavor.
- dried oregano – Classic Italian herb that brings added flavor.
A full list of ingredients is included in the recipe card below.
Variations
- Add carrots or zucchini for extra veggies.
- Use boneless chicken thighs for easier serving.
- Replace broth with red wine for a richer, deeper sauce.
- Add ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes if you want a spicy sauce.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
- Season the chicken with salt and paprika.
- Add the mushrooms, onion, garlic, bell pepper, diced tomatoes, broth, tomato paste, olive oil, oregano, and any extras to the slow cooker. Stir all of the ingredients together.
- Place the chicken into the sauce and spoon some of the mixture over the top. Cover and cook on HIGH for 3 hours. (Or cook on LOW for 6 hours. For stovetop: simmer covered on low for 45 minutes.)
- To thicken the sauce, uncover the slow cooker for the last 30 minutes or stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) at the end.
Expert Tips
- Use bone in pieces like thighs or drumsticks. They stay juicy in the slow cooker.
- Let the chicken and sauce simmer in the crockpot uncovered at the end if you want a thicker, more concentrated sauce.
- Add red wine or red pepper flakes to change up the flavor.
- Sear the chicken in olive oil in a medium skillet, over medium high heat for 4–5 minutes per side for added flavor.
Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore FAQs
Yes, but they can dry out more easily. Bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks are better for slow cooking.
Let the slow cooker run uncovered for the last 30 minutes or add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water near the end of cooking.
Penne pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or creamy polenta are all great options. For a healthier option, you can even use spaghetti squash or zucchini noodles. Add a side of garlic bread or salad for a full meal.
Definitely! Store in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
More Easy Dinner Recipes
Halloween Recipes
Mummy Hot Dogs
Smoker and BBQ Recipes
Smoked Pork Tenderloin
Smoker and BBQ Recipes
Smoked Mac and Cheese
Holidays
Roasted Turkey
If you have tried this recipe or any others from Celebrating Simply, I’d love it if you would leave a ⭐ star rating and share your thoughts in the ✍️ comments below. Your feedback means a lot!
Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
Equipment
- Crock Pot
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds bone in chicken
- 1/2 cup mushrooms, chopped
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, or yellow
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup chicken broth, or chicken stock or vegetable broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes, 14 ounces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions
- Season the chicken with salt and paprika.
- Add the mushrooms, onion, garlic, bell pepper, diced tomatoes, broth, tomato paste, olive oil, oregano, and any extras to the slow cooker. Stir all of the ingredients together.
- Place the chicken into the sauce and spoon some of the mixture over the top.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 3 hours. (Or cook on LOW for 6 hours. For stovetop: simmer covered on low for 45 minutes.) To thicken the sauce, uncover the slow cooker for the last 30 minutes or stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) at the end.
Notes
- Use bone in pieces like thighs or drumsticks. They stay juicy in the slow cooker.
- Let the chicken and sauce simmer in the crockpot uncovered at the end if you want a thicker, more concentrated sauce.
- Add red wine or red pepper flakes to change up the flavor.
- Sear the chicken in olive oil in a medium skillet, over medium high heat for 4–5 minutes per side for added flavor.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Perfect, easy dinner! Just toss it all in and let the crock pot do all the work!