Cozy Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
Enjoy a warm and comforting meal with this Cozy Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore, perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in.
This Cozy Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore is a delightful twist on a classic Italian dish, made simple with the convenience of a slow cooker. Perfect for those busy days when you want to come home to a delicious and hearty meal.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Tender chicken simmered to perfection in a savory tomato sauce
- Easy to prepare with minimal cleanup thanks to the crockpot
- Great for meal prepping and leftovers that taste even better the next day
A Hearty Family Dinner
There's something undeniably comforting about a warm bowl of chicken cacciatore, especially when it’s made in a crockpot. This dish not only fills your kitchen with delightful aromas but also brings the family together around the dinner table. The tender chicken, combined with colorful bell peppers and savory tomato sauce, creates a meal that is both satisfying and nutritious. Serve it with crusty bread or over a bed of pasta for a truly hearty experience.
Crockpot meals like this one are perfect for busy families or anyone who wants to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying their meal. Simply throw everything into the pot and let it do the work for you. This deep, rich flavor develops over hours of slow cooking, making it a reliable choice for Sunday dinners or any occasion where comfort food is needed.
Meal Prep Made Easy
One of the best aspects of this Cozy Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore is its versatility for meal prepping. You can easily double or triple the recipe, allowing you to have delicious lunches ready for the week. This dish stores beautifully in the refrigerator and actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just reheat and enjoy a quick meal that is both healthy and satisfying.
Portioning the cacciatore into individual containers also makes it an ideal option for busy workdays. Pair it with a side salad or some whole-grain rice for a complete meal that keeps you energized. This recipe not only saves time but also ensures you maintain a nutritious diet even on the busiest of days.
Customizing Your Cacciatore
While this recipe is delicious as is, feel free to customize it to your taste preferences. You can add a variety of vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or even spinach for an extra nutritional boost. If you enjoy more heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture. Remember, cooking is all about making the dish your own!
Additionally, experimenting with herbs can elevate the flavor profile of your chicken cacciatore. Try adding fresh thyme or rosemary for a fragrant twist, or even a splash of red wine to the sauce for depth. The beauty of crockpot cooking is that it allows for creativity, so don’t hesitate to make this recipe uniquely yours!
Ingredients
For the Chicken Cacciatore
- 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skinless
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 bell peppers, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Serve with crusty bread or over pasta for a complete meal!
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients
In the crockpot, add the diced onion, sliced bell peppers, and minced garlic.
Add Chicken and Sauce
Place the chicken thighs on top of the vegetables. In a bowl, mix the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken broth, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture over the chicken.
Cook the Cacciatore
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 hours or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
Serve and Enjoy
Once cooked, shred the chicken if desired and stir everything together. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Enjoy your delicious and cozy chicken cacciatore!
Storing and Reheating
To store your Cozy Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it a fantastic option for leftovers. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing portions. It can be frozen for up to 3 months, ensuring you have a ready meal on hand for those busy nights.
When reheating, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then warm it up on the stove or in the microwave until heated through. You may want to add a splash of chicken broth to restore some moisture. Enjoy a comforting meal that feels freshly made, even days after it was cooked!
Serving Suggestions
For a complete meal experience, consider serving your chicken cacciatore with a side of garlic bread or over a generous portion of spaghetti. The rich sauce is perfect for soaking into the bread or mingling with the pasta, enhancing every bite. A side salad with a light vinaigrette can also balance the meal with freshness and crunch.
If you're feeling adventurous, top the cacciatore with freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a dollop of pesto for an extra layer of flavor. Pairing it with a glass of red wine can elevate the dining experience, making it a perfect dish for both casual family dinners and more formal gatherings.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs or breasts, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
→ How can I make this dish vegetarian?
You can substitute the chicken with mushrooms or a variety of vegetables like zucchini and eggplant.
→ Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, this dish freezes well. Just store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
→ What should I serve with Chicken Cacciatore?
This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Cozy Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore
Enjoy a warm and comforting meal with this Cozy Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore, perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in.
Created by: Tessa Wright
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Chicken Cacciatore
- 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skinless
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 bell peppers, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
How-To Steps
In the crockpot, add the diced onion, sliced bell peppers, and minced garlic.
Place the chicken thighs on top of the vegetables. In a bowl, mix the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken broth, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture over the chicken.
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 hours or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
Once cooked, shred the chicken if desired and stir everything together. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
- Sodium: 850mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 21g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 24g