Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore

There is something wildly satisfying about throwing everything into one pot, walking away, and coming back to a dinner that tastes like you’ve been stirring it for hours. This Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore with potatoes is that kind of meal. The chicken turns meltingly tender, the sauce thickens into a rich Italian-style stew, and the potatoes soak up every drop of flavour. It is proper comfort food without the effort.

What I love most about this Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore is how ridiculously easy it is while still delivering big, bold flavour. It sits proudly alongside favourites like Slow Cooker Asian Glazed Chicken, Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken, and even hearty slow-cooked pies. If you are after a reliable, flavour-packed chicken cacciatore recipe that practically cooks itself, this is the one to bookmark.

What Makes This Recipe So Good

• It’s Proper Set And Forget Comfort Food: This Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore truly cooks itself. Once everything is in the pot, the slow cooker gently builds flavour for hours while you get on with your day.
• Fall-Off-The-Bone Tender Chicken: Cooking low and slow allows the chicken to become incredibly soft and juicy, soaking up every bit of that rich tomato and herb sauce.
• Built-In Side With The Potatoes: The baby potatoes cook right in the sauce, absorbing all the flavour and turning this chicken cacciatore into a complete one-pot dinner.
• Classic Italian Flavour Without The Fuss: Tomatoes, garlic, herbs, capsicum and olives slowly simmer together to create deep, layered flavour without standing over the stove.
• Weeknight Friendly But Weekend Worthy: It’s simple enough for a busy Tuesday but hearty and comforting enough to serve when you want something that feels a little special.

What You’ll Need For This Slow Cooker Beauty

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This Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore keeps things simple but layered with flavour.

• Chicken Thighs: Bone-in thighs stay juicy during long cooking and deliver richer flavour than breast meat. They become fall-apart tender in the slow cooker and soak up every bit of sauce.
• Baby Potatoes: Cooking right underneath the chicken, they absorb all the tomato and herb flavours while turning this into a full, satisfying one-pot meal.
• Crushed Tomatoes And Passata: Using both gives the sauce body and depth. The crushed tomatoes add texture, while the passata creates a smooth, rich base for this classic chicken cacciatore recipe.
• Red Wine: Optional but worth it. A splash of wine deepens the flavour and gives your slow cooker chicken that slow-simmered, traditional Italian character.

Note: Please see recipe card at the bottom for a full list of ingredients with measurements.

Make It Your Own

Want to tweak this Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore to suit what’s in your fridge or your mood? Here are some easy add-ins and swaps that work beautifully without changing the heart of the dish.

• Add A Parmesan Rind: Drop one into the sauce at the start of cooking for an extra savoury depth. Remove before serving.
• Stir Through Fresh Basil At The End: A handful of torn fresh basil added just before serving brightens up the rich tomato sauce.
• Add A Splash Of Balsamic Vinegar: Just a teaspoon or two at the end can balance the acidity and add subtle sweetness.
• Swap Potatoes For Cannellini Beans: If you want something lighter, stir in drained white beans during the last hour of cooking for extra protein and creaminess.

How To Make Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore

1. Optional Sear: Season chicken with salt and pepper, then heat a oil and sear skin-side down for 3 minutes until golden, sear other side for another 3 minutes.

2. Layer The Potatoes First: Arrange the potatoes in a single layer in the base of a 6-quart slow cooker to create a sturdy, flavour-soaking foundation.

3. Add Ingredients: Place chicken over potatoes and pour remaining ingredients on top, leaving out the olives and mushrooms for now.

4. Cook Until Tender: Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 8 hours, until the chicken is tender and falling off the bone.

5. Finish: Stir in the mushrooms and olives during the last 30 minutes of cooking, then taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt if needed.

6. Serve And Spoon Over Sauce: Serve hot over rice, pasta or spaghetti squash, making sure to spoon plenty of the rich sauce over the top.

Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore is rich, saucy and packed with flavour, so it pairs beautifully with simple sides that can soak up every spoonful. Garlic Cheese Bread is perfect for mopping up that tomato and herb sauce, while Focaccia Three-Cheese Italian Grilled Cheese turns dinner into something extra indulgent and comforting.

If you’re after something a little lighter but still hearty, Cauliflower Fried Rice makes a great base to serve underneath your slow cooker chicken. It keeps things balanced while still catching all that beautiful cacciatore sauce in every bite.

Slow Cooker Secrets You’ll Thank Me For Later

• Sear If You Can, Skip If You Must: Browning the chicken first gives you deeper flavour and better texture, but if it’s been one of those days, you can absolutely toss it straight in and still win dinner.
• Let The Potatoes Breathe: Keep them in a single layer so they cook evenly and don’t turn into mash underneath the chicken. They’re there to soak up flavour, not disappear.
• Hands Off The Lid: I know it’s tempting to peek, but every lift releases heat and adds extra cooking time. Trust the process and walk away.
• Add Mushrooms Late: Stir them in during the last 30 minutes so they stay tender and juicy instead of shrinking into sad little sponges.
• Taste At The End: Slow cooking softens flavours, so always check for salt before serving. A small adjustment can make everything pop.
• Give It A Short Rest: Letting it sit for 5 to 10 minutes before serving helps the sauce thicken slightly and settle, making it easier to spoon generously over everything.

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