Easy Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore
A simple and comforting slow-cooked Italian chicken dish made with pantry staples, perfect for quick family dinners and busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional, for browning)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 large yellow onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 14.5 oz canned diced tomatoes
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 1 tablespoon capers, rinsed
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- A handful fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Optionally, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and brown chicken thighs for about 3 minutes per side until golden.
- Mince garlic cloves, slice onion, and slice red and green bell peppers.
- Place chicken thighs in the crockpot, skin side up. Scatter garlic, onion, and bell peppers evenly over the chicken.
- Pour in canned diced tomatoes and marinara sauce. Stir gently to combine without dislodging the chicken.
- Add dry white wine (if using), capers, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until chicken is tender and sauce is thickened.
- Just before serving, stir gently to mix flavors. Adjust seasoning if needed. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top.
- Serve warm over cooked pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.
Notes
Browning the chicken before slow cooking adds extra flavor but is optional. If the sauce is too watery after cooking, remove the lid and cook on high for 15-20 minutes to reduce. Avoid stirring vigorously during cooking to keep chicken pieces intact. Use good quality dry white wine for best flavor. Fresh parsley should be added at the end for brightness. For a lighter version, use boneless, skinless chicken breasts and reduce cooking time to avoid dryness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approxima
- Calories: 375
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 550
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 10
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 35
Keywords: chicken cacciatore, crockpot chicken, slow cooker recipe, Italian comfort food, easy family dinner, chicken thighs, crockpot dinner