Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Recipe
This slow cooker chicken cacciatore makes getting dinner on the table easy, whether you need a meal for busy weeknights or weekends.
Made with simple ingredients and hardly any prep, the crockpot does all the work as the chicken, tomatoes, and mushrooms simmer in a flavorful herb-filled sauce.
When it’s time to eat, you’ve got a cozy family meal ready to serve, and cleanup is a breeze. It’s a classic Italian-inspired dish that you’ll want to add to the weekly rotation.
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Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Recipe
- It’s a true dump-and-go recipe with minimal prep. Just set it and forget it!
- Cleanup takes just minutes because everything cooks in the slow cooker, so you have fewer dirty dishes.
- It’s a crowd-pleasing dinner the entire family will love.
- It’s versatile enough to serve over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread
You’ll find the ingredient list and step-by-step photos below, or you can scroll to the bottom of the post for the full printable recipe.
Chicken Cacciatore Ingredients
- Chicken (Bone-in, skin-on drumsticks and thighs)
- Mushrooms
- Onion
- Garlic
- Bell Pepper
- Tomato Paste
- Chicken Broth
- Diced Tomatoes
- Olive Oil
- Salt
- Paprika
- Dried Oregano
How To Make Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore
This visual guide is helpful for making this recipe. For the full printable recipe with measurements, scroll to the bottom of the post.
Prepare the vegetables: chop the mushrooms, onion, and bell pepper, and mince the garlic. Season the chicken pieces with salt and paprika.
Place all ingredients except the chicken into the crockpot. Stir well to combine
Add the chicken to the sauce and stir to coat thoroughly.
Cover with the lid and cook on high for 3–4 hours or on low for 6–7 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lb bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks and thighs (Use a mix of drumsticks and thighs, or choose just one cut.)
- ½ cup chopped mushrooms fresh or frozen
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 bell pepper finely chopped
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes in juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp dried oregano
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: chop the mushrooms, onion, and bell pepper, and mince the garlic.
- Season the chicken pieces with salt and paprika.
- Place all ingredients except the chicken into the crockpot. Stir well to combine
- Add the chicken to the sauce and stir to coat thoroughly.
- Cover with the lid and cook on high for 3–4 hours or on low for 6–7 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
Notes
Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore FAQs
Can I use all thighs or all drumsticks instead of a mix?
Yes, you can! This recipe was tested with bone-in, skin-on chicken using two thighs and two drumsticks, but it also works if you use all thighs or all drumsticks.
Just keep the total amount of chicken around 1 ½ pounds so the cooking time stays the same.
Do I have to use bone-in, skin-on chicken?
This recipe uses bone-in, skin-on thighs and drumsticks because they add extra flavor and stay juicy in the slow cooker.
If you prefer, you can remove the skin before cooking. Boneless chicken thighs or breasts also work, but they tend to cook a little faster, so start checking for doneness earlier.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs or drumsticks?
Yes, chicken breasts work well, but they cook faster than bone-in thighs or drumsticks. Start checking them for doneness about 30 minutes earlier, as thighs tend to stay juicier in the slow cooker.
How long should I cook chicken cacciatore in the crockpot?
Cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
What can I serve with chicken cacciatore?
It’s delicious over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. A slice of crusty bread is great for soaking up the sauce.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely. Zucchini, carrots, and even olives are popular add-ins that go well with the tomato-based sauce.
Does this recipe freeze well?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
