Savory Slow-Cooked Chicken Cacciatore
Indulge in a hearty and flavorful Savory Slow-Cooked Chicken Cacciatore that's perfect for busy weeknights! This Italian classic features tender chicken thighs and legs simmered to perfection in a rich sauce infused with dry red wine, fresh vegetables, and herbs. The addition of green olives adds a delightful briny flavor that complements the dish beautifully. Serve it over pasta for a comforting meal, or enjoy it solo for a lower-carb option. It's sure to become a family favorite, just like it has in my home!
4
Servings
300
Calories
18
Ingredients
Ingredients
bone-in skinless chicken thighs
4
bone-in skinless chicken legs
4
olive oil
1/4 cup (for browning chicken)
dry red wine
3/4 cup (for deglazing)
Italian-style tomato sauce
15 ounces (1 can)
tomato paste
6 ounces (1 can)
dried oregano
1 teaspoon
dried basil
1 teaspoon
bay leaf
1
garlic, minced
3 (cloves)
fresh mushrooms, stems removed
2 cups
chopped onion
1 cup
pimento stuffed olives, sliced
1/2 cup
sliced celery
1/2 cup
chopped green pepper
1/2 cup
water
1/4 cup (for thickening sauce)
all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons (for thickening sauce)
freshly grated parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (optional for garnish)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken thighs and legs, browning them on both sides for about 5-7 minutes.
2
Once browned, transfer the chicken pieces to the bottom of the crock pot.
3
In the same skillet, pour in the dry red wine and use a spatula to scrape up the browned bits from the bottom. Allow to simmer for 1-2 minutes.
4
Add the tomato sauce and tomato paste to the wine mixture, stirring until well combined.
5
Incorporate the dried oregano, dried basil, bay leaf, and minced garlic into the sauce, and stir to blend the flavors.
6
Layer the fresh mushrooms, chopped onions, sliced olives, celery, and green pepper over the chicken in the crock pot.
7
Pour the prepared sauce mixture evenly over the vegetables and chicken.
8
Cover the crock pot and set it to low heat, cooking for 6 to 8 hours, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and tender.
9
After cooking, check the consistency of the sauce in the crock pot. If you desire a thicker sauce, mix the flour and water in a small bowl to create a slurry.
10
Carefully remove the chicken pieces and bay leaf from the crock pot, discarding the bay leaf and keeping the chicken warm.
11
Stir the flour slurry into the sauce and return to high heat for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, covered, or until the sauce has thickened to your liking.
12
To serve, plate the chicken and spoon the vegetable sauce over the top. If desired, garnish with freshly grated parmesan cheese.
Nutrition Information
20g
Fat
10g
Carbs
25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Slow-Cooked Chicken Cacciatore?
It is a hearty Italian classic featuring chicken thighs and legs simmered in a rich sauce made with dry red wine, vegetables, and herbs.
What type of chicken should I use for this recipe?
This recipe calls for 4 bone-in skinless chicken thighs and 4 bone-in skinless chicken legs.
How long does it take to cook in the slow cooker?
The chicken should be cooked on low heat for 6 to 8 hours until it is thoroughly cooked and tender.
Can this be served as a low-carb meal?
Yes, you can enjoy this dish solo for a lower-carb option instead of serving it over pasta.
What side dishes go well with Chicken Cacciatore?
It is traditionally served over pasta, but it also pairs well with a side of vegetables or a fresh salad.
Is it necessary to brown the chicken first?
Yes, browning the chicken for 5-7 minutes in olive oil before slow cooking helps develop flavor and texture.
What kind of wine is used in the sauce?
The recipe uses 3/4 cup of dry red wine to deglaze the skillet and infuse the sauce with flavor.
What vegetables are included in this recipe?
The dish includes fresh mushrooms, chopped onions, sliced pimento-stuffed olives, celery, and green pepper.
How do I thicken the cacciatore sauce?
Mix 2 tablespoons of flour with 1/4 cup of water to create a slurry, then stir it into the sauce and cook on high for 5-10 minutes.
What are the nutritional facts for this dish?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories, 20g of fat, 10g of carbohydrates, and 25g of protein.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield 4 servings.
What herbs are used for seasoning?
The sauce is seasoned with dried oregano, dried basil, garlic, and a bay leaf.
Do I need to remove the bay leaf before serving?
Yes, you should carefully remove and discard the bay leaf after the cooking process is complete.
Can I use chicken breasts instead?
While the recipe specifies thighs and legs for moisture, you can use breasts, though they may cook faster and be less tender.
What type of olives are best for this dish?
The recipe recommends 1/2 cup of sliced pimento-stuffed olives for a delightful briny flavor.
Is the parmesan cheese required?
Freshly grated parmesan cheese is optional and used as a garnish for extra flavor.
How much garlic is needed?
You will need 3 cloves of minced garlic for this recipe.
What size can of tomato sauce is required?
The recipe uses one 15-ounce can of Italian-style tomato sauce.
Should the mushroom stems be removed?
Yes, the recipe suggests using 2 cups of fresh mushrooms with the stems removed.
What is the purpose of the tomato paste?
The 6-ounce can of tomato paste helps thicken the sauce and provides a concentrated tomato flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for busy weeknights?
Absolutely, the slow-cooker method makes it ideal for preparation in the morning so it's ready by dinner.
Can I substitute the dried herbs for fresh ones?
Yes, though you generally need to use three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried herbs.
How do I deglaze the skillet?
After browning the chicken, pour in the red wine and use a spatula to scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
What temperature should I set the crock pot to?
Set the crock pot to low heat for the majority of the cooking time.
Can I add extra vegetables to the mix?
Yes, feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or carrots to customize the dish to your liking.
How much olive oil is used for browning?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of olive oil.
Does the recipe contain any fiber?
While the specific fiber count isn't listed, the inclusion of mushrooms, onions, peppers, and celery provides dietary fiber.
Can I make this recipe without wine?
You can substitute the wine with chicken broth if you prefer an alcohol-free version, though the flavor will differ.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as a comfort food and a family meal due to its hearty nature and rich flavors.