Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
4 hrs 30 mins
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Total Time
4 hrs 40 mins
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Servings
4 Servings
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Calories
295 kcal
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Course
Dinner
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Cuisine
Italian-American Fussion
Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
Description
In this Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore, chicken thighs are browned before being combined with garlic, onion, red bell pepper, carrot, and mushrooms. The tomato base includes diced tomatoes with green chilies and tomato paste, enriched with dried basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme. Optional kalamata olives add a briny depth, and fresh kale incorporated near the end adds color and nutrients. The slow cooking process melds the flavors and tenderizes the chicken.
The texture is hearty with tender chicken and softened vegetables suspended in a thickened tomato sauce. The added herbs provide earthiness while the green chilis offer a mild heat that livens the sauce. This dish pairs well with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Finishing with a mixture of cornstarch and water helps thicken the sauce to desired consistency. Garnishing with fresh parsley, basil leaves, and grated Parmesan adds fresh herbal notes and savory richness just before serving. The slow cooker makes this recipe hands-off and convenient for an easy wholesome meal.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds chicken thighs I used bone-in, skinless
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 teaspoons garlic about 4 cloves, minced
- ½ cup onion white, chopped
- ½ cup red bell pepper diced
- ½ cup carrot about 1 large carrot, sliced
- ½ cup mushroom sliced
- 1 (28-ounce) diced tomatoes with green chilis drained, canned
- 1 (6-ounce) tomato paste canned
- 1 teaspoon basil dried
- ½ teaspoon oregano dried
- ¼ teaspoon rosemary dried
- ¼ teaspoon thyme dried
- ¼ cup kalamata olives optional
- ½ cup kale stems removed, chopped
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- 2 tablespoons parsley fresh chopped
- basil optional, for garnish, fresh leaves
- Parmesan Cheese optional, for garnish, grated
Instructions
- Season 1 ½ pounds skinless chicken thighs with salt and black pepper. Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until golden brown, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer chicken to slow cooker. Alternatively, skip browning and add chicken straight to a 6-quart slow cooker if pressed for time.
- Add 4 teaspoons minced garlic, ½ cup chopped white onion, ½ cup diced red bell peppers, ½ cup sliced carrots, ½ cup sliced mushrooms, 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilis, 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste, 1 teaspoon dried basil, ½ teaspoon dried oregano, ¼ teaspoon dried rosemary, ¼ teaspoon dried thymeand salt and black pepper to taste. Stir to combine. Do not worry if the mixture looks dry, the tomatoes will release more liquid as this cooks - if you like this dish more saucy, add ½ cup chicken broth or water.
- Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 4-6 hours.
- In a small bowl, stir together 1 tablespoon water and 2 teaspoons cornstarch. Add to the crockpot along with ¼ cup Kalamata olives, and ½ cup chopped kale. Cook for an additional 20-30 minutes on HIGH, or until the sauce thickens slightly and the kale is wilted.
- Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley, and fresh basil leaves. Taste and season with additional salt or black pepper, as needed.
- Serve hot over pasta, zucchini noodles, rice, or your favorite sides, and top with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 295 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 295kcal | 15% |
| Carbohydrates | 16g | 5% |
| Protein | 23g | 46% |
| Fat | 16g | 25% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 10g | 50% |
| Trans Fat | 0.02g | 1% |
| Cholesterol | 97mg | 32% |
| Sodium | 575mg | 24% |
| Potassium | 886mg | 19% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 8g | 16% |
| Vitamin A | 4403IU | 88% |
| Vitamin C | 42mg | 47% |
| Calcium | 66mg | 7% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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