Description
Hearty Chicken Cacciatore Slow-Cooked to Perfection. Rustic Italian comfort meets weeknight ease in this cozy crockpot classic tender shredded chicken simmered low and slow with sweet peppers, onions, garlic, and herbs in a rich tomato sauce. Minimal prep, big flavor, and endlessly versatile for serving over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 bell peppers (red and green), 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
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts in an even layer on the bottom of the crockpot.
- Layer the sliced onion and bell peppers over the chicken.
- In a bowl, whisk together the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken broth, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Pour the tomato mixture evenly over the chicken and vegetables.
- Cover and cook on Low for 6–8 hours (or on High for 3–4 hours), until the chicken is very tender and cooked through.
- Shred the chicken directly in the crockpot with two forks, then stir to combine with the sauce.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as desired.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley, over pasta, rice, polenta, or with crusty bread.
Notes
- Swap the protein: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully and stay extra juicy. Use about 2 lbs.
- Optional browning: For deeper flavor, briefly sear the chicken and sauté the onions and peppers before adding to the crockpot.
- Add-ins: Mushrooms, olives, or capers are classic cacciatore touches. Stir in sliced mushrooms at the start; add olives or capers in the last hour.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–8 hours on Low (or 3–4 hours on High)
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker (Crockpot)
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1 1/2 cups)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg
Keywords: crockpot chicken cacciatore, slow cooker chicken, easy chicken dinner, shredded chicken, Italian, bell peppers, weeknight dinner, meal prep, comfort food, gluten-free