Slow Cooker Chicken and Stewed Tomatoes is more than just a meal; it’s a culinary embrace waiting to welcome you home. Imagine walking through your door to the inviting aroma of tender chicken, robust tomatoes, and fresh vegetables simmering slowly to perfection. This dish, often celebrated as a simplified take on the classic Italian Chicken Cacciatore, offers the ultimate comfort food experience with minimal effort, making it a dream for busy weeknights and a delightful treat for family gatherings.
This easy slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe transforms simple ingredients into a rich, savory, and incredibly satisfying one-pot meal. Similar in spirit to other beloved crock-pot dishes like Slow Cooker Beef and Vegetables, it leverages the deep, sweet-tart notes of stewed tomatoes to build its foundational flavor. What sets this particular version apart is the subtle tang and depth introduced by red wine vinegar, offering a bright counterpoint to the rich sauce without the need for actual wine.
Whether you’re conscious of your carbohydrate intake or simply seeking a wholesome, balanced dinner, this versatile dish easily adapts. Serve it over spiralized zucchini noodles or fluffy roasted cauliflower rice for a delicious low-carb option. Alternatively, embrace its hearty nature by pairing it with your favorite pasta, creamy polenta, or even mashed potatoes. The beauty of this Italian-inspired slow cooker chicken recipe lies in its simplicity and family-friendly appeal – a truly comforting meal that’s ready to enjoy straight from the pot.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
There are countless reasons why this Slow Cooker Chicken and Stewed Tomatoes recipe will become a cherished staple in your home. It’s not just a meal; it’s a smart solution for delicious, healthy eating. Here’s what makes it so special:
- Effortless Preparation: The slow cooker does most of the heavy lifting. A few minutes of prep in the morning, and you’ll have a hearty, home-cooked meal waiting for you in the evening.
- Incredible Flavor Development: Long, slow cooking allows the flavors of the chicken, vegetables, and rich tomato sauce to meld beautifully, creating a depth that rushed cooking simply can’t achieve.
- Healthy & Wholesome: Packed with lean protein from the chicken and a bounty of colorful vegetables, this dish is naturally nutritious and satisfying. It’s a great way to sneak more veggies into your family’s diet.
- One-Pot Wonder: Forget stacks of dirty dishes. This entire meal cooks in one pot, simplifying both cooking and cleanup – a true win for any busy household.
- Versatile & Adaptable: Easily customize the vegetables to suit your taste or what you have on hand. It’s also incredibly flexible for various dietary needs, including low-carb and gluten-free diets.
- Budget-Friendly: Chicken thighs and stewed tomatoes are economical ingredients, making this a delicious and affordable meal choice for families.
- Amazing Aroma: The tantalizing scent of simmering Italian herbs and tomatoes will fill your home, creating an inviting and comforting atmosphere long before dinner is served.
Understanding Chicken Cacciatore: The Hunter’s Style Stew
The name “Cacciatore” translates to “hunter” in Italian, and this dish truly embodies the spirit of a hunter’s meal: simple, rustic, and made with ingredients that are readily available. Traditionally, chicken cacciatore is prepared with onions, herbs, often bell peppers, and tomatoes, cooked “alla cacciatora” – in the hunter’s style. While classic cacciatore often involves pan-searing the chicken and simmering it on the stovetop or in the oven, adapting it to the slow cooker brings a new level of ease and tenderness to this beloved dish.
Our slow cooker version embraces the flexibility of the “hunter’s style” by allowing you to easily adjust ingredients based on what you have on hand or what’s in season. This means you can get creative with your vegetable choices without sacrificing the authentic, comforting essence of cacciatore.
Key Ingredients for an Authentic Flavor (and Smart Swaps)
Crafting the perfect Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore begins with selecting quality ingredients that build layers of flavor and texture. Here’s a closer look at the essential components and some variations to consider:
- Chicken Thighs: We recommend boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their incredible flavor and tendency to remain moist and tender during the long slow cooking process. Thighs are more forgiving than chicken breasts, which can sometimes dry out. However, if you prefer, chicken breasts can certainly be used – just keep an eye on cooking times. Bone-in, skin-on thighs will add even more flavor and richness to the sauce, but you’ll want to brown them first and consider removing the skin before serving for a healthier option.
- Stewed Tomatoes: These are a game-changer for building a flavorful sauce with minimal effort. Stewed tomatoes come pre-seasoned, often with a hint of sugar, which contributes to the cacciatore sauce’s slightly sweet and savory profile. If you don’t have stewed tomatoes, you can substitute with diced tomatoes and add your own seasonings (a pinch of sugar, a dash of Italian herbs, salt, and pepper) to achieve a similar result.
- Red Wine Vinegar: This ingredient is crucial for adding a bright, acidic lift to the rich tomato sauce, balancing the flavors and preventing the dish from tasting too heavy. It provides the characteristic tang often associated with cacciatore, traditionally achieved with red wine. Using vinegar simplifies the recipe and makes it suitable for those who prefer to cook without alcohol.
- Dried Oregano: A cornerstone of Italian cooking, dried oregano brings earthy, pungent, and slightly bitter notes that are essential to the cacciatore flavor. Feel free to enhance with other Italian herbs like basil, thyme, or a pre-mixed Italian seasoning blend. Fresh herbs can be added in the last 30 minutes of cooking or as a garnish for a burst of freshness.
- Aromatic Vegetables (Garlic, Onions, Peppers): These form the aromatic foundation of the dish.
- Garlic: Essential for its pungent, savory depth. Minced garlic infuses the entire sauce with its irresistible aroma.
- Onions: Sliced onions soften beautifully, adding sweetness and a crucial savory base. Yellow or white onions work best.
- Peppers: Bell peppers (red, green, or yellow) add vibrant color, a slightly sweet crunch, and classic cacciatore flavor. Slice them into thin strips so they cook down nicely in the slow cooker.
- Additional Vegetables: This is where the “hunter’s style” truly shines. We love adding:
- Mushrooms: Sliced white or cremini mushrooms absorb the sauce’s flavors wonderfully and add an earthy umami richness.
- Carrots: Sliced or chopped carrots contribute natural sweetness and a hearty texture that holds up well during slow cooking.
- Other great additions include green beans, zucchini (add these later in the cooking process to prevent them from becoming too mushy), or even chunks of potatoes if you’re not keeping it low-carb.
The Optional (But Recommended) Step: Browning the Chicken
When it comes to preparing chicken for your slow cooker cacciatore, one question often arises: should you brown the chicken first? Our answer is, “Brown it. Or not!” While this step is entirely optional, taking the extra few minutes to sear the chicken can significantly elevate the final dish. We understand the reluctance to dirty an extra pan, especially first thing in the morning, but the benefits are undeniable:
Flavor Enhancement: Browning the chicken initiates the Maillard reaction, a chemical process that creates hundreds of new flavor compounds, resulting in a deeper, more complex, and savory taste. This rich, caramelized crust translates into a more flavorful sauce.
Improved Texture: A quick sear helps to seal in the chicken’s juices, contributing to a more tender and moist texture after hours of slow cooking. It also adds a slight textural contrast that can be very appealing.
Appealing Presentation: Let’s face it, we eat with our eyes first! Browned chicken simply looks more appetizing, offering a golden-brown hue that enhances the visual appeal of the finished meal.
However, if time is of the essence or if you’re preparing this meal for later freezing (uncooked), feel free to skip this step. The Slow Cooker Chicken and Stewed Tomatoes will still be incredibly delicious, just with a slightly milder flavor profile and less color. Don’t let the thought of an extra pan deter you from making this incredibly easy and rewarding crock-pot recipe!
Mastering the Sauce: How to Achieve the Perfect Consistency
One of the beauties of slow cooker meals is the abundance of flavorful liquid that develops during cooking. While this “sauce” is delicious as is, sometimes you might prefer a thicker, more velvety consistency to cling beautifully to your chicken and accompanying sides. There are a couple of excellent methods to achieve this, even for a low-carb diet:
1. The Cornstarch Slurry Method
This is arguably the quickest and most effective way to thicken your slow cooker sauce. Near the end of the cooking time, typically during the last 15-30 minutes, you can easily create a smooth, luscious sauce:
- First, carefully remove the cooked chicken to a serving platter and keep it warm. This allows you to work with the sauce more easily.
- In a small bowl, whisk together 1 Tablespoon of cornstarch with ¼ cup of cold water until a smooth slurry forms. It’s crucial to use cold water to prevent lumps.
- Stir the cornstarch slurry into the sauce remaining in the slow cooker.
- Increase the slow cooker heat setting to high.
- Cover and cook for approximately 15-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. It will become smooth and velvety.
- Return the chicken to the slow cooker, or spoon the thickened sauce generously over the chicken on your serving platter.
For those mindful of low-carb diets, a small amount of cornstarch spread over many servings typically results in a very low-carb meal overall. If you prefer alternative thickeners, arrowroot powder works similarly and is a great gluten-free option. For an even richer flavor, you could stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste along with the slurry.
2. The Reduction Method
For a naturally thicker sauce without any added starches, you can simply reduce the liquid through evaporation:
Remove the lid from the slow cooker during the last hour or two of the cooking time (or at least 30 minutes). This allows steam to escape, reducing the volume of liquid and concentrating the flavors, resulting in a naturally thicker sauce. This method is excellent for maintaining a strictly low-carb profile if you’re concerned about cornstarch.
Meal Prep & Freezing for Future Feasts
Slow Cooker Chicken and Stewed Tomatoes is an ideal candidate for meal prepping and freezing, making your future weeknights even easier. This recipe has been a tried-and-true freezer meal, perfect for preparing *before* you even cook it. We highly recommend making an extra batch for the freezer while you have all your ingredients out!
How to Prepare an Uncooked Freezer Meal:
This method allows you to assemble the raw ingredients into a freezer bag or container, ready to be thawed and cooked at a later date:
- Assemble Ingredients: Simply dump all of the uncooked ingredients (chicken, sliced onions, peppers, carrots, mushrooms, stewed tomatoes, oregano, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and pepper) into a large, heavy-duty freezer bag that seals well. For extra protection against freezer burn, consider double bagging it or using an airtight, freezer-safe container with a lid.
- Remove Air: Squeeze out as much air as possible from the freezer bag before sealing. This helps prevent freezer burn.
- Label Clearly: Don’t forget to label your bag or container with the recipe name, date, and cooking instructions (e.g., “Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore – Cook on Low 6-8 hours or High 4-5 hours”).
- Freeze Flat: Lay the bag flat in your freezer until solid. This saves space and makes storage more efficient.
How to Cook from Frozen:
When you’re ready to enjoy your make-ahead meal:
- Defrost: Transfer the frozen meal from the freezer to the refrigerator overnight (about 12-24 hours) to defrost completely. Do not cook from frozen in a slow cooker, as this can be a food safety risk and lead to uneven cooking.
- Cook: Once defrosted, simply transfer the contents of the bag or container into your slow cooker and cook as you normally would according to the recipe instructions (low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours).
- Customize: At this point, you can always add any additional fresh vegetables you have on hand that cook quickly, like fresh spinach or zucchini, during the last hour of cooking.
Storage and Reheating Leftovers
This Slow Cooker Chicken and Stewed Tomatoes recipe makes fantastic leftovers, often tasting even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Proper storage and reheating ensure you can enjoy this comforting meal for days to come:
- Refrigerator Storage: Allow the cooked dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- Freezer Storage: For longer storage, freeze cooled leftovers in an airtight, freezer-safe storage container or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating Instructions:
- Stovetop: Transfer the desired portion to a saucepan and reheat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if the sauce appears too thick.
- Microwave: For individual servings, place in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on high in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
- Oven: For larger portions, place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and reheat in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through.
Smart Serving Suggestions
This versatile Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, allowing you to tailor your meal to your dietary preferences or simply what you’re craving. Here are some of our favorite ways to serve it:
- Low-Carb Options:
- Roasted Cauliflower Rice: A fantastic grain-free alternative that soaks up the delicious sauce beautifully.
- Spiralized Zucchini or Sweet Potato Noodles: Light and refreshing, these are perfect for keeping the meal low in carbs.
- Steamed Green Beans or Asparagus: Simple, crisp, and healthy additions that complement the rich flavors.
- Keto-Friendly Mashed Cauliflower: A creamy, low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes.
- Classic Pairings:
- Pasta: Serve over your favorite spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine for a hearty, traditional Italian experience.
- Creamy Polenta: The smooth, comforting texture of polenta is an exquisite match for the rustic cacciatore sauce.
- Mashed Potatoes: A simple, comforting choice that never disappoints, especially for soaking up every drop of sauce.
- Crusty Bread: Don’t forget a good loaf of Italian or French bread for dipping!
- Garnishes:
- Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley adds a pop of color and herbaceous freshness.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: A classic topping that enhances the savory notes of the dish.
- Red Pepper Flakes: For those who enjoy a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can add a delightful kick.
Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
We’ve gathered some common questions to help you master this comforting slow cooker meal:
Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: While it’s generally best to start with thawed chicken for even cooking and safety, if you absolutely must use frozen chicken, ensure it’s boneless and skinless. Add an extra hour or two to the cooking time and make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving. However, for best results, we recommend thawing first.
Q: What if my sauce is too thin or too thick?
A: If your sauce is too thin, use the cornstarch slurry method as described above. If it’s too thick, simply stir in a splash of chicken broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Q: Can I add different vegetables?
A: Absolutely! Cacciatore is very forgiving. Feel free to add green beans, zucchini (add towards the end of cooking to prevent mushiness), peas, or even spinach. Just remember that denser vegetables like potatoes and carrots need more time to cook, while softer greens will cook quickly.
Q: Is this recipe suitable for a Keto or Paleo diet?
A: Yes, with minor adjustments! For a keto-friendly or South Beach diet, omit the carrots (or use sparingly) and choose stewed tomatoes with minimal added sugar. For thickening, rely on the reduction method or use arrowroot powder instead of cornstarch if strict paleo. Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
Q: Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
A: Yes, chicken cacciatore adapts well to an Instant Pot! You’d typically brown the chicken using the “Sauté” function, then add all other ingredients (you might need to adjust liquid slightly, usually less than a slow cooker) and pressure cook for about 10-15 minutes, followed by a natural release. You can then thicken the sauce using the “Sauté” function.
More Slow Cooker Comfort Meals
If you love the ease and deliciousness of this Slow Cooker Chicken and Stewed Tomatoes, you’ll surely enjoy exploring other comforting slow cooker recipes. These dishes are designed to bring warmth and flavor to your table with minimal fuss:
- Slow Cooker Beef Shoulder Roast
- Slow Cooker Chicken Quinoa Soup
- White Bean, Sausage and Spinach Soup {Slow Cooker}
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Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken and Stewed Tomatoes
Slow Cooker Chicken and Stewed Tomatoes
Slow Cooker Chicken and Stewed Tomatoes is loaded with lots of healthy vegetables in a tasty tomato sauce that smells amazing!
Equipment
- Slow Cooker – Programmable
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs excess fat removed
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion halved and sliced
- 1 pepper red, green or yellow, sliced into thin strips
- 2 carrots sliced or cut into 1 inch pieces
- 8 ounces white mushrooms sliced
- 29 ounces stewed tomatoes Two 14.5 ounce cans
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 Tablespoon corn starch
- ¼ cup cold water
Instructions
- Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet.
- Season both sides of the chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper.
- Carefully brown the seasoned chicken for about 3 minutes on each side until golden, then transfer to the slow cooker. (This step is optional but recommended for deeper flavor.)
- Add the sliced onions, peppers, carrots, and mushrooms around the chicken in the crock-pot.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the stewed tomatoes (undrained), minced garlic, dried oregano, and red wine vinegar.
- Pour the tomato mixture evenly over the chicken and vegetables in the slow cooker. Stir slightly to ensure the chicken and vegetables are well coated with the sauce.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- To thicken the tomato sauce (if desired): Carefully remove the cooked chicken to a serving platter and keep warm.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the corn starch and cold water until smooth to create a slurry. Stir this slurry into the sauce remaining in the crock-pot.
- Turn the slow cooker heat to high, cover, and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened to your preference.
- Return the chicken to the crock-pot, or pour the thickened sauce generously over the chicken on the serving platter. Serve immediately.
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Notes
Expert Tips and Notes for Success
- For Keto-Friendly or South Beach Diet: To make this dish more compliant, consider leaving out the carrots entirely or using them sparingly. Opt for stewed tomatoes that have no or minimal added sweetener. If you wish to thicken the sauce, explore alternative methods like reducing the liquid by cooking uncovered, or using a small amount of arrowroot powder (for paleo/keto) instead of cornstarch.
- Browning Chicken is Optional: While not strictly necessary, browning the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker will significantly enhance the depth of flavor and improve the appearance of your final dish by creating a delicious caramelized crust. It also helps seal in moisture for extra tender chicken.
- To Make Ahead and Freeze (Uncooked): Prepare an easy freezer meal by adding all the uncooked ingredients (chicken, vegetables, stewed tomatoes, seasonings, and vinegar) into a sturdy, freezer-safe plastic bag (double bag for extra protection) or an airtight container with a lid. Label clearly with the recipe name and date. When ready to cook, transfer to the refrigerator to defrost overnight, then cook normally in your slow cooker.
- Serving Ideas: This versatile dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides:
- Roasted cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- Traditional pasta like spaghetti, penne, or rigatoni.
- Creamy mashed potatoes or polenta for ultimate comfort.
- Pillowy gnocchi to soak up the rich sauce.
- A sprinkle of fresh grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley as a garnish.
- Serve with a side of crusty bread to mop up every last drop of the delicious sauce.
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Nutrition
Calories: 274 kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 144mg | Sodium: 456mg | Potassium: 907mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 3742IU | Vitamin C: 31mg | Calcium: 81mg | Iron: 4mg
Nutritional and Food Safety Disclaimer
This recipe was originally published on January 5, 2014, and has been comprehensively updated to improve the reader experience, provide more detailed instructions, and offer expanded tips for even greater enjoyment and versatility.