Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore is the ultimate time-saving dinner that delivers rich, hearty Italian flavors to your table without tying you to the kitchen. It’s my hands-down favorite for busy weeknights—minimal prep, maximum flavor, and your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting.

Traditional chicken cacciatore can take hours to cook, but this easy chicken cacciatore recipe shaves off time without sacrificing any of that savory, saucy goodness. The result? Fall-apart tender chicken nestled in a garlicky tomato sauce packed with sweet peppers and mushrooms. Trust me, you’re going to feel like a kitchen superhero when you see how effortless this is!

Why This Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Is a Game-Changer

Hands-off time: Just 15 minutes of prep, then the slow cooker takes care of the rest.
One-pot magic: No need to dirty multiple pans—this cooks all in your slow cooker.
Rich, developed flavors: Cooking low and slow deepens the flavors without extra effort.
Super versatile: Serve it over pasta, rice, polenta, or even zucchini noodles for a healthy twist.
Meal prep win: Double the recipe and freeze extras for future quick dinners.

Equipment You’ll Need for This Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore

Your slow cooker is the star of this dish, but there are a few other tools that will make this recipe even easier:

Slow cooker: I use a 6-quart model for this recipe. Smaller sizes may require scaling down.
Skillet: For browning the chicken and sautéing the aromatics before they go into the slow cooker. This step adds incredible depth of flavor.
Meat thermometer: Optional but recommended. It ensures your chicken reaches the perfect internal temperature of 165°F.

Tip: If you’re in the market for a slow cooker, look for one with a programmable timer. You can set it, forget it, and know your food won’t overcook.

Simple Ingredients for Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore

This easy chicken cacciatore recipe focuses on fresh, simple ingredients that pack big flavor. Here are the key players:

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work beautifully. Thighs tend to stay juicier, but breasts are leaner—pick your preference.
Crushed tomatoes: A 28-ounce can of good-quality crushed tomatoes creates the base of the sauce. No need for fancy brands; even store-brand works here.
Baby bella mushrooms: These add a deep, earthy flavor. I buy them pre-sliced to save time.
Balsamic vinegar: My secret ingredient! It adds a subtle sweetness and a touch of acidity to balance the sauce.

Substitution tip: No green bell pepper in the fridge? Red, yellow, or orange bell peppers work perfectly too.

Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Recipe Details

Servings: 4–6 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 5 hours 30 minutes

Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Ingredients

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, plus 2 teaspoons, divided
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, plus 1/2 teaspoon, divided
1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
8 ounces sliced baby bella (cremini) mushrooms
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
Optional: Whole wheat pasta, rice, polenta, zucchini noodles, or baked spaghetti squash for serving
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore

Lightly coat your slow cooker with nonstick spray.
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper. Once the oil is hot, brown the chicken for 3–4 minutes on one side, then flip and cook 2 additional minutes. Transfer the chicken to the slow cooker.
Reduce the heat to medium. Wipe out the skillet and add the remaining 2 teaspoons olive oil. Sauté the onion for 3 minutes until it softens. Stir in the garlic and 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, cooking for 1 more minute. Transfer this mixture to the slow cooker.
Add the crushed tomatoes, green bell pepper, mushrooms, and Italian seasoning to the slow cooker, layering over the chicken.
Cover and cook on HIGH for 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 hours (breasts) or 3 to 4 hours (thighs). For LOW, cook 4–5 hours (breasts) or 5–6 hours (thighs).
Remove the chicken when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Chop or shred it, if desired.
For a thicker sauce, uncover and let it cook on HIGH for 1 hour. Stir in the remaining 1/2 teaspoon balsamic vinegar and season to taste.
Serve hot over your preferred base (pasta, rice, polenta, etc.), garnished with parsley and Parmesan.

Jake’s Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore

Brown the chicken: Don’t skip searing—it locks in the juices and enhances the flavor.
Layer smartly: Place the chicken at the bottom for even cooking and juicy results.
Double the batch: Leftovers freeze like a dream for easy future meals.
Use fresh herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds brightness to this dish right before serving.
Thickening hack: Simmer the sauce uncovered in the slow cooker for one hour, or use a cornstarch slurry.

Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Variations

Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes for a subtle heat.
Low-carb option: Serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
Cheesy upgrade: Top the hot dish with shredded mozzarella and broil until bubbly.
Veggie-packed: Toss in extra chopped zucchini or carrots.

Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken?

It’s best to thaw chicken before using it in a slow cooker to ensure it cooks evenly and reaches a safe temperature.

What can I serve with this dish?

It pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, polenta, or roasted vegetables. For a lighter option, try it with zucchini noodles.

How do I store leftovers?

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

What’s the best way to thicken the sauce?

Simmer uncovered in the slow cooker for an hour or stir in a cornstarch slurry.

Can I skip browning the chicken?

You can, but browning adds a depth of flavor that makes this dish even more irresistible.

Ready to try Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore? Share your favorite serving ideas or shortcuts in the comments below—I can’t wait to hear your kitchen wins!