Rustic Chicken Cacciatore Recipe Slow-Cooked for Depth

Slow cooker chicken cacciatore by pioneer woman emerges as a game-changing dinner solution for busy households.

This rustic Italian classic transforms simple ingredients into a symphony of flavors that sing comfort and convenience.

Hearty chicken nestles among vibrant vegetables, slowly simmering to tender perfection.

Mediterranean-inspired seasonings weave magic through every morsel, creating a meal that feels both nostalgic and innovative.

Fragrant herbs and robust spices mingle, promising a dining experience that transcends ordinary weeknight cooking.

No complicated techniques or hours of preparation stand between you and a restaurant-quality feast.

One taste will transport your family straight to a cozy Italian kitchen, making this recipe an instant dinnertime champion.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 4 hours

Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 5

Inside the Dish: Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore

• Chicken Breasts, Chicken Thighs: Select fresh, hormone-free poultry with firm, plump texture and minimal liquid in the package for best flavor and quality.

• Onions, Garlic: Choose firm, heavy onions without soft spots, and garlic bulbs with tight, unbroken skin for maximum aromatic punch.
• Green Bell Pepper: Pick vibrant, glossy peppers with smooth skin and no blemishes for crisp texture.

• Crushed Tomatoes: Opt for premium canned tomatoes with rich, deep color and minimal added preservatives.
• Mushrooms: Select fresh mushrooms with smooth, unblemished caps and firm stems for robust earthiness.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Look for aged vinegar with deep, complex flavor profile and glossy appearance.
• Italian Seasoning: Choose a blend with vivid, fragrant dried herbs for authentic taste.
• Olive Oil: Select cold-pressed, extra virgin olive oil with rich golden-green color and clean aroma.

• Parsley: Pick bright green, crisp leaves with no wilting for fresh finish.
• Parmesan Cheese: Choose authentic wedges with nutty, granular texture for best flavor.

Kitchen Gear for Making Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore

• Slow Cooker: Large, electric cooking device for long, low-temperature cooking.
• Skillet: Medium-sized frying pan for browning chicken and sautéing vegetables.
• Cutting Board: Flat surface for chopping onions, garlic, and bell peppers.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp kitchen knife for precise vegetable and ingredient preparation.
• Wooden Spoon: Cooking utensil for stirring ingredients and mixing in slow cooker.
• Measuring Spoons: Small tools for accurately measuring seasonings and vinegar.
• Measuring Cups: Container for precise liquid and ingredient measurements.
• Tongs: Kitchen tool for safely handling and turning chicken during browning.
• Spatula: Flat utensil for scraping and transferring sautéed ingredients.

Making Your Own Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore

• Prepare Cooking Surface

Coat slow cooker interior with nonstick spray to ensure easy food release and simple cleaning afterward.

• Build Flavor Foundation

Sear chicken in hot skillet with olive oil, creating golden brown edges that lock in rich taste. Season generously with salt and pepper during browning process. Transfer perfectly seared pieces directly into slow cooker.

• Create Aromatic Base

Transform skillet into flavor hub by sautéing onions until soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and quick splash of balsamic vinegar, developing deep savory undertones that will elevate entire dish.

• Layer Delicious Components

Combine all ingredients inside slow cooker – crushed tomatoes, green bell peppers, mushroom slices, and Italian seasoning. Stir thoroughly ensuring every ingredient connects and mingles.

• Slow Cook With Precision

Allow chicken to simmer gently, transforming tough proteins into tender morsels. Cook chicken breasts for 2-3 hours on high setting or 4-5 hours on low. Chicken thighs require slightly longer cooking time for maximum tenderness.

• Finish and Serve

Remove chicken, letting sauce reduce and thicken naturally. Splash additional balsamic vinegar for bright complexity. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve over warm pasta or rice, garnishing with fresh parsley and sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for restaurant-quality presentation.

Ways to Make It Your Own Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore

Replace chicken with turkey thighs or lean pork for a different protein experience. Each meat brings unique flavors and textures to the dish.

Add red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for extra heat and depth. Experiment with different spice levels to match your taste preferences.

Incorporate zucchini, spinach, or kale during the last hour of cooking for added nutrition and color. Fresh vegetables introduce exciting layers of flavor and nutrients.

Use coconut milk instead of traditional dairy to create a creamy sauce with a subtle tropical hint. This option works perfectly for those avoiding dairy products.

How to Serve Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore

• Serve Over Comforting Carbs: Spoon the tender, flavor-packed chicken and rich sauce over warm, fluffy rice, al dente pasta, or soft egg noodles for a hearty meal that hugs your taste buds.
• Sprinkle Fresh Herb Magic: Garnish with vibrant chopped parsley or fragrant basil leaves to add a burst of color and bright, fresh flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• Cheese Lover's Dream Topping: Generously grate some nutty Parmesan cheese over the top, letting it melt slightly into the warm sauce and create an irresistible creamy layer of deliciousness.
• Create a Complete Meal Companion: Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables on the side to balance the rich chicken and add extra nutrition and texture to your dinner plate.

Planning Ahead with Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore

• Maximize Meal Prep: Cook extra chicken and store in portioned containers for quick weekday lunches or dinner shortcuts.
• Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover chicken in airtight containers, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Seal tightly to maintain moisture and prevent flavor loss.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Transfer cooled chicken to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Properly stored, the dish remains delicious for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat with Care: Warm gently in a microwave or skillet, adding a splash of broth to prevent drying. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly and maintain the chicken's tender texture.

Rustic Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Recipe

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4.7 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Hearty chicken cacciatore by the Pioneer Woman emerges as a rustic Italian-inspired dish simmering with rich tomato and herb flavors. Slow cooker magic brings tender chicken and robust sauce together for a comforting meal you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 900 g (2 lbs) boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
• 225 g (8 oz) sliced baby bella (cremini) mushrooms
• 1 can (800 g/28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 2 tsps Italian seasoning
• 1 tbsp + 2 tsps extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 1.5 tbsps balsamic vinegar, divided
• pasta, rice, or noodles for serving
• chopped parsley
• grated Parmesan

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Instructions

1. Searing Preparation: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then sear each side for 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Transfer browned chicken to the slow cooker.
2. Aromatics Development: In the same skillet, sauté onions until soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and balsamic vinegar, cooking briefly to release aromatic qualities. Transfer the fragrant mixture to the slow cooker.
3. Ingredient Integration: Combine crushed tomatoes, green bell pepper, mushrooms, and Italian seasoning in the slow cooker. Stir thoroughly to distribute ingredients evenly and create a harmonious flavor profile.
4. Slow Cooking Process: For chicken breasts, cook on HIGH for 1.5-2.5 hours or LOW for 4-5 hours. For chicken thighs, cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours or LOW for 5-6 hours until chicken is tender and fully cooked.
5. Sauce Refinement: Remove chicken and allow sauce to reduce by simmering on HIGH with the lid off for 45-60 minutes. Stir in remaining balsamic vinegar and adjust seasoning to taste.
6. Final Presentation: Plate the chicken over pasta, rice, or noodles. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese to elevate the dish’s visual appeal and flavor complexity.

Notes

• Sear for Flavor Lock: Browning chicken before slow cooking creates a deep, rich caramelized exterior that intensifies the overall taste and texture of the dish.
• Timing is Critical: Chicken breasts and thighs require different cooking durations; always adjust slow cooker settings to prevent dry or undercooked meat.
• Sauce Reduction Technique: Removing the lid and simmering helps concentrate flavors and thicken the sauce, transforming a good dish into an exceptional culinary experience.
• Finishing Touches Matter: Adding a splash of balsamic vinegar at the end and garnishing with fresh herbs and cheese elevates the final presentation and adds complexity to the flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg