If you're searching for a comforting, one-pot meal that practically cooks itself, look no further than Kristi's Chicken Cacciatore in the Crockpot! This Italian classic is not only bursting with flavor but also incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays. Imagine coming home to the tantalizing aroma of tender chicken thighs simmered in a rich sauce filled with vibrant vegetables. With just 15 minutes of prep and 6 hours in the slow cooker, you can create a dish that will impress your family and friends without breaking a sweat. Ready to dive into this culinary delight? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by trimming excess fat from chicken thighs and seasoning them generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Chop onion, slice bell pepper and mushrooms, and mince garlic cloves to ensure all vegetables are uniformly cut for even cooking.
- Lightly spray the inside of the crockpot with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Layer chopped onions and minced garlic at the bottom of the crockpot to create a flavor base.
- Arrange seasoned chicken thighs on top of the onion and garlic layer, ensuring they are not overlapping.
- Distribute sliced bell peppers and mushrooms evenly around and over the chicken thighs.
- Pour the entire can of diced tomatoes over the chicken and vegetables, ensuring complete coverage.
- Cover the crockpot and set to low heat setting for 6 hours, allowing the chicken to become tender and flavors to meld together.
- After 6 hours, check chicken's internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Optionally, garnish with fresh chopped parsley or basil before serving over pasta or rice.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time on busy days, chop your vegetables and season the chicken the night before. Store them in the fridge so you can simply toss everything into the crockpot in the morning.
- Layer for Flavor: Start with a base of onions and garlic in the crockpot. This will create a delicious flavor foundation as the ingredients cook together.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Make sure the chicken thighs are arranged without overlapping. This ensures even cooking and allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Check for Doneness: After the cooking time, use a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe eating.
- Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil just before serving adds a pop of color and freshness to your dish, making it visually appealing.
- Serve with Sides: This Chicken Cacciatore pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. Consider adding a side salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 264kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 80mg
