Cozy Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
Warm up with this comforting and flavorful Cozy Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore, perfect for any weeknight dinner or gathering with friends and family.
This Cozy Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore is the ultimate comfort food. With tender chicken simmered in a rich tomato sauce with bell peppers and olives, it's a dish that warms the heart and fills the belly. Perfect for busy days, simply toss all the ingredients in your crockpot and let it do the work for you!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Tender chicken cooked to perfection in a savory sauce
- Easy to prepare with minimal cleanup
- Ideal for meal prep and leftovers that taste even better the next day
A Hearty Family Meal
Cozy Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore is not just a dish; it's an experience that brings family and friends together. The warmth of this meal fills the kitchen, inviting everyone to gather around the table. Whether you're hosting a casual dinner or a festive gathering, this recipe is sure to please, offering a delightful blend of flavors that everyone will enjoy.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a hearty meal that tastes as if it has been simmering for hours. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in tender chicken that practically melts in your mouth.
Versatile and Convenient
One of the standout features of this Chicken Cacciatore recipe is its versatility. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the seasoning to suit your taste. This makes it an ideal choice for those who love to experiment in the kitchen. Plus, it's a great way to use up any leftover veggies you have on hand.
Meal prep enthusiasts will appreciate how well this dish holds up in the refrigerator. The flavors intensify overnight, making leftovers even more enjoyable the next day. Simply reheat it and serve over fresh pasta, rice, or alongside a green salad for a quick, satisfying meal.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Cozy Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore shines in any setting, whether it's a weeknight dinner or a weekend family gathering. Its comforting aroma will fill your home, making it a favorite among both adults and kids. Pair it with a glass of red wine for a romantic dinner, or serve it with crusty bread for a casual family meal.
This dish is also an excellent choice for potlucks and gatherings. It's easy to transport and serves a crowd, ensuring that everyone leaves satisfied. With its rich flavors and inviting presentation, you can count on this recipe to be a hit with guests, making it a must-have in your culinary repertoire.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Cacciatore
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 cup black olives, pitted and sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
These ingredients come together to create a delicious and hearty meal.
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and bell pepper, sautéing until they are softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Layer in the Crockpot
In the crockpot, place the sautéed vegetables at the bottom. Then, layer the chicken thighs on top. Pour the diced tomatoes over the chicken, and sprinkle with oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
Add Olives and Cook
Top with sliced olives. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 hours or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
Serve
Once done, shred the chicken in the crockpot, stir it into the sauce, and serve hot over pasta or with crusty bread.
Enjoy your delicious and comforting meal!
Tips for the Best Results
For the most flavorful Chicken Cacciatore, consider using bone-in chicken thighs instead of boneless. The bones add richness to the sauce as the dish cooks. If you prefer a lighter option, skinless chicken breasts can also work, though they may require less cooking time to avoid drying out.
Don’t skip the sautéing step! Sautéing the onions and bell peppers before adding them to the crockpot enhances their sweetness and flavor, creating a more robust base for your sauce. This small step can make a big difference in the overall taste of the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken Cacciatore pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. For a classic Italian touch, serve it over a bed of spaghetti or fettuccine. If you're looking for a low-carb option, try it over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a deliciously healthy alternative.
For a complete meal, consider adding a simple side salad or some roasted vegetables. A light arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette complements the rich flavors of the cacciatore, while roasted broccoli or green beans adds a colorful and nutritious element to your plate.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but they may be a bit drier compared to thighs.
→ Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add mushrooms, zucchini, or any other vegetables you enjoy.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
→ Can this recipe be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze the chicken cacciatore for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Cozy Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore
Warm up with this comforting and flavorful Cozy Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore, perfect for any weeknight dinner or gathering with friends and family.
Created by: Megan Douglas
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Chicken Cacciatore
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 cup black olives, pitted and sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
How-To Steps
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and bell pepper, sautéing until they are softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
In the crockpot, place the sautéed vegetables at the bottom. Then, layer the chicken thighs on top. Pour the diced tomatoes over the chicken, and sprinkle with oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
Top with sliced olives. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 hours or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
Once done, shred the chicken in the crockpot, stir it into the sauce, and serve hot over pasta or with crusty bread.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
- Sodium: 850mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 30g