Slow-Cooked Chicken Cacciatore Delight
Transform your dinner experience with this irresistible Slow-Cooked Chicken Cacciatore Delight. This savory dish combines tender, boneless chicken thighs with a rich and robust tomato sauce, accented by earthy mushrooms and briny olives. The slow-cooking process melds these ingredients into a flavorful symphony that will impress your taste buds. Perfect for busy weeknights, this hands-off recipe uses the crock pot for ultimate convenience. Serve it over a bed of pasta or alongside creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting meal. Plus, the leftovers taste even better the next day, making it an ideal choice for meal prep lovers.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
7-8 (trimmed of excess fat)
Diced Peeled Tomatoes
1 (15 ounce) can (drained)
Tomato Paste
1 (6 ounce) can
Tomato Sauce
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can
Mushrooms, Stems & Pieces
2 (2 1/4 ounce) cans (drained)
Sliced Olives
1 (2 1/4 ounce) can (drained)
Bay Leaf
1 (whole)
Salt
1 teaspoon
Pepper
1/2 teaspoon
Dried Onion Flakes
1 tablespoon
Dried Parsley
2 teaspoons
Garlic Clove
1 (minced)
Thyme
1/2 teaspoon
Italian Seasoning
2 teaspoons
Sugar
1 tablespoon
Instructions
1
Start by trimming any excess fat from the boneless chicken thighs to ensure a leaner dish.
2
In your crock pot, combine the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, mushrooms, olives, bay leaf, salt, pepper, dried onion flakes, parsley, minced garlic, thyme, Italian seasoning, and sugar.
3
Add the chicken thighs to the crock pot, nestling them into the sauce mixture. Ensure that the chicken is thoroughly coated with the sauce for the best flavor.
4
Cover the crock pot with its lid and set it to cook on low for 7 to 9 hours, or until the chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
5
Once cooked, remove the bay leaf, and give the dish a gentle stir. Serve hot over cooked pasta or creamy mashed potatoes, and complement with a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
6
Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Slow-Cooked Chicken Cacciatore Delight?
It is a savory Italian-inspired dish featuring tender boneless chicken thighs simmered in a rich tomato sauce with mushrooms and olives.
What cut of chicken is best for this recipe?
Boneless skinless chicken thighs are recommended because they stay juicy and tender during the long slow-cooking process.
How long should I cook this in the crock pot?
The recipe calls for cooking on the low setting for 7 to 9 hours until the chicken is tender enough to shred with a fork.
Do I need to brown the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker?
No, this recipe is designed for convenience; you simply nestle the trimmed chicken thighs directly into the sauce mixture.
What side dishes pair well with Chicken Cacciatore?
It is delicious served over a bed of pasta or alongside creamy mashed potatoes, often accompanied by a fresh green salad.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, though thighs are preferred for moisture, you can use breasts; just be aware they may dry out faster during long cook times.
Are the mushrooms fresh or canned?
This specific recipe uses two 2.25-ounce cans of mushroom stems and pieces, drained.
Why is sugar added to the sauce?
A tablespoon of sugar is included to help balance the acidity of the various tomato products used in the sauce.
Should the tomatoes be drained?
Yes, the recipe specifies that the diced peeled tomatoes should be drained before being added to the crock pot.
What kind of olives are used?
The recipe uses one 2.25-ounce can of sliced olives, which should be drained before use.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! The flavors often improve the next day, making it an excellent choice for leftovers and meal planning.
What spices are used for seasoning?
The dish is seasoned with salt, pepper, dried onion flakes, parsley, minced garlic, thyme, and Italian seasoning.
Do I need to remove the bay leaf?
Yes, you should remove the whole bay leaf after cooking is complete and before serving the dish.
Is it necessary to trim the fat from the chicken?
The recipe recommends trimming excess fat from the thighs to ensure the final dish is leaner and the sauce isn't too greasy.
What tomato products are required?
You will need one can of diced tomatoes, one can of tomato paste, and one can of tomato sauce.
How many chicken thighs does this recipe require?
The recipe calls for 7 to 8 boneless skinless chicken thighs.
Can I cook this on high instead of low?
While the recipe suggests low for 7-9 hours, you could typically cook it on high for about 3-4 hours if you are short on time.
How do I know when the chicken is finished cooking?
The chicken is ready when it is tender enough to be easily shredded with a fork.
What is the first step in preparing the sauce?
The first step is combining all the tomato ingredients, vegetables, and seasonings in the crock pot before adding the chicken.
Can I use fresh onions instead of dried flakes?
Yes, you can substitute fresh diced onion for the tablespoon of dried onion flakes if you prefer.
Is this recipe hands-off?
Yes, once the ingredients are combined in the crock pot, it requires no attention until it is time to serve.
Does this recipe contain garlic?
Yes, it includes one minced garlic clove for a boost of savory flavor.
What type of cuisine is this?
This is an Italian-style dish, specifically a 'cacciatore' which means 'hunter-style' in Italian.
Can I add extra vegetables?
Yes, bell peppers or extra mushrooms would make great additions to this slow-cooked sauce.
Is there a lot of liquid in the dish?
The combination of tomato sauce, paste, and the juices from the chicken creates a thick, robust sauce.
How do I serve the leftovers?
Leftovers can be reheated on the stove or in the microwave and served over fresh pasta or rice.
What is the purpose of tomato paste in this recipe?
The tomato paste helps thicken the sauce and provides a concentrated depth of tomato flavor.
Is the dish spicy?
No, this is a savory dish. If you prefer heat, you could add red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 15 ingredients total including the chicken, sauce components, and various herbs and spices.
Why is it called Chicken Cacciatore?
Cacciatore refers to a meal prepared 'hunter-style' with onions, herbs, tomatoes, and often bell peppers and wine.