Savory Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
Indulge in the rustic flavors of Italy with this irresistible Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore. This classic dish features tender chicken simmered to perfection in a rich tomato sauce, complemented by the earthy notes of mushrooms, sweet bell peppers, and aromatic garlic. Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings, the ease of this slow cooker recipe allows you to infuse your meals with deep, comforting flavors without spending all day in the kitchen. Rated highly by Wegmans shoppers, this recipe promises to impress your family and friends with its delightful taste and enticing aroma.
N/A
Servings
350
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chicken breast halves, Drums and Thighs
3 lbs (cut into split breasts)
Pan searing flour
4 tablespoons (as needed for dusting)
Olive oil
2 tablespoons (for searing)
Garlic cloves
2 (minced)
Mushrooms
8 ounces (sliced)
Bell peppers
8 ounces (sliced)
Onions
8 ounces (sliced)
Dry red wine
1 cup (for deglazing)
Italian seasoning
2 teaspoons (for flavoring)
Italian Classics seasoned tomato sauce
24 ounces (Prepared Foods)
Salt
to taste (for seasoning)
Pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
1. Begin by lightly dusting the chicken with pan searing flour to create a subtle crust that enhances flavor.
2
2. In a large braising pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and brown them lightly on all sides for 8-10 minutes. Once browned, transfer the chicken to the slow cooker and set aside.
3
3. In the same braising pan, add the minced garlic, sliced mushrooms, sliced bell peppers, and sliced onions. Stir and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly and release their aromas.
4
4. Next, pour in the dry red wine, scraping the bottom of the pan to deglaze. Allow it to simmer for 1-2 minutes, letting the alcohol evaporate.
5
5. Add the Italian seasoning and seasoned tomato sauce to the sautéed vegetables. Stir well to combine, then bring the mixture to a simmer before removing it from heat.
6
6. Carefully pour the sauce mixture over the browned chicken in the slow cooker. Ensure the chicken is well coated.
7
7. Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-7 hours until the chicken is tender and infused with flavor.
8
8. Before serving, taste and season the dish with salt and pepper as desired.
Nutrition Information
16g
Fat
13g
Carbs
27g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore?
It is a rustic Italian dish featuring tender chicken simmered in a rich tomato sauce with mushrooms, sweet bell peppers, and aromatic garlic.
What cuts of chicken are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 lbs of chicken breast halves, drums, and thighs, specifically cut into split breasts.
How long should I cook this in the slow cooker on high?
When using the high setting, the chicken should cook for 3 to 4 hours.
What is the cooking time for the low setting?
On the low setting, the dish requires 6 to 7 hours of cooking time.
Is browning the chicken necessary?
Yes, the instructions recommend browning the chicken in olive oil for 8-10 minutes before adding it to the slow cooker to enhance flavor.
Why is pan searing flour used?
The chicken is dusted with pan searing flour to create a subtle crust that improves the overall flavor of the dish.
What vegetables are included in this recipe?
The recipe includes 8 ounces each of sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions.
What kind of wine is recommended for deglazing?
The recipe suggests using 1 cup of dry red wine for deglazing the pan.
How many calories are in a serving of this Chicken Cacciatore?
Each serving contains approximately 350 calories.
What is the protein content of this dish?
This recipe provides 27g of protein per serving.
How much fat is in this recipe?
There are 16g of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count?
The dish contains 13g of carbohydrates per serving.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe requires 2 minced garlic cloves.
What specific tomato sauce is recommended?
The recipe uses 24 ounces of Italian Classics seasoned tomato sauce.
How much Italian seasoning is used?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning.
What is the first step in preparing the chicken?
The first step is to lightly dust the chicken pieces with pan searing flour.
How long should the vegetables be sautéed?
The garlic, mushrooms, peppers, and onions should be sautéed for 3-4 minutes until softened.
What do I do after browning the chicken?
Once browned, the chicken should be transferred to the slow cooker and set aside while you prepare the sauce.
How do I deglaze the pan?
Pour the dry red wine into the pan used for browning, scrape the bottom to release browned bits, and simmer for 1-2 minutes.
When should the sauce mixture be added to the chicken?
After simmering the sauce and vegetable mixture, carefully pour it over the browned chicken in the slow cooker.
Should the slow cooker be covered?
Yes, ensure the slow cooker is covered while cooking on either the high or low setting.
When do I add salt and pepper?
Salt and pepper should be added to taste just before serving the dish.
Is this recipe considered family-friendly?
Yes, it is described as a family-friendly dish with an enticing aroma and delightful taste.
What amount of olive oil is used for searing?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of olive oil for the searing process.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 ingredients in total, including seasonings.
What are the preparation instructions for the mushrooms?
The 8 ounces of mushrooms should be sliced.
What category of meal is this?
It is categorized as a slow cooker recipe, comfort food, and a one-pot meal.
Is this dish suitable for busy weeknights?
Yes, because it uses a slow cooker, it allows for deep flavors without spending all day in the kitchen.
Can I use different types of bell peppers?
The recipe specifies sweet bell peppers, but any variety of sliced bell peppers will work.
Who highly rated this recipe?
This recipe is highly rated by Wegmans shoppers.