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Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore

This Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore combines tender, bone-in chicken thighs simmered with tomatoes, peppers, olives, and herbs for a hearty, flavorful stew. The slow cooker develops deep, rich flavors while maintaining a comforting, rustic appearance. It’s an effortless dish that tastes like it’s been simmering all day, perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 minutes
Total Time 6 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces bone-in chicken thighs skin-on preferred for flavor
  • 1 cup crushed San Marzano tomatoes or diced tomatoes, mashed slightly
  • 1 bell pepper bell pepper red or yellow, chopped
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup pitted olives Kalamata preferred
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 pinch red pepper flakes optional for heat
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil good quality

Equipment

  • Slow cooker
  • Skillet
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Wooden spoon

Method
 

  1. Begin by searing the chicken thighs: heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for about 5 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook for another 3 minutes, then transfer them to the slow cooker.
  2. In the same skillet, add chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until they soften and release a sweet aroma. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently.
  3. Pour the crushed tomatoes into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened and fragrant.
  4. Transfer the tomato mixture to the slow cooker with the chicken. Add the olives, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Gently stir to distribute the ingredients evenly.
  5. Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 6 hours. During this time, the chicken will become tender and pull away from the bone, while the sauce thickens and deepens in flavor.
  6. Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken thighs and place them on a serving platter. If desired, you can thicken the sauce further by simmering it uncovered for 10 minutes in the slow cooker or on the stove.
  7. Pour the rich, fragrant sauce over the chicken and garnish with freshly chopped herbs if available. Serve hot with crusty bread or pasta.

Notes

For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine during the simmering step. Bone-in thighs provide richer flavor, but boneless can be used for quicker cooking. Adjust spice levels with red pepper flakes to suit your taste.