Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore over Rice
Recipe by Christine Titus
Recipe by Christine Titus
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 1/2 cup red wine
- 1 small onion (chopped)
- 2 cans (14 1/2 oz. each) crushed tomatoes
- 4 large garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons italian seasonings
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt (or to taste)
- 8 oz. each) boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 package (8 oz) sliced fresh mushrooms
- 3 small bell peppers (colors of your choice sliced into thin strips (i used red, yellow and orange))
- Carbohydrate 1.82059062499426 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.468615624983735 g
- Fiber 0.308868747956725 g
- Protein 0.235447499867897 g
- Saturated Fat 0.0637687499965394 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (39g)
- Sodium 477.850374997603 mg
- Sugar 1.51172187703754 g
- Trans Fat 0.0254610624950512 g
- Calories 33 calories
Step-by-step
- In the bowl of your slow cooker (5-6 qt), add crushed tomatoes, wine, tomato paste, Italian seasonings, salt and black pepper.
- Whisk together to thoroughly combine.
- Add chicken thighs, onion, garlic, mushrooms & bell peppers.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high 3 1/2–4 hours.
- Serve over hot cooked rice, and garnish with black olives.
My Simple, Weeknight Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious and healthy meals can feel like a Herculean task. Between juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and after-school activities, the last thing I want is to spend hours in the kitchen. That’s where my slow cooker becomes my absolute best friend. It’s my secret weapon for creating flavorful, comforting meals with minimal effort. This Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore over rice is a perfect example. It's a dish that's both satisfying and surprisingly easy to make, even on the busiest of weekdays.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You simply toss everything into the slow cooker in the morning, and by dinnertime, you have a hearty, flavorful meal ready to serve. The slow cooking process allows the chicken to become incredibly tender and the flavors to meld beautifully. The rich tomato sauce, infused with herbs and spices, coats the chicken perfectly, creating a depth of flavor that you just can't achieve with quicker cooking methods. The addition of bell peppers and mushrooms adds a lovely sweetness and texture, while the black olives provide a briny, salty counterpoint. Served over fluffy rice, this dish is a complete meal that's perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in.
I love how versatile this recipe is. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables – zucchini, carrots, or eggplant would all be delicious additions. You can also adjust the seasonings to your liking. If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. For a richer sauce, use a little more tomato paste. The possibilities are endless!
Beyond the ease and deliciousness, this recipe also offers a sense of comfort. The aroma of simmering tomatoes and herbs fills the kitchen, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. It’s a dish that reminds me of home-cooked meals from my childhood, and it’s a pleasure to share that feeling with my family. So, if you're looking for a simple, yet impressive, weeknight meal, give this Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore a try. You won’t be disappointed.
Tips and Tricks for Success:
- Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs: While the recipe calls for boneless, skinless thighs, I often use bone-in, skin-on for even more flavor and richness. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Fresh herbs: If you have fresh herbs on hand, use them instead of dried. Fresh herbs will provide a brighter, more vibrant flavor.
- Wine selection: A dry red wine, like Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon, works best in this recipe. Don't worry if you don't have wine on hand; chicken broth can be substituted.
- Rice pairing: I prefer using long-grain white rice, but any type of rice will work well.
- Make-ahead option: You can assemble this dish the night before and cook it the next day. Just store it in the refrigerator overnight and cook as directed.
- Leftovers: The leftovers are just as delicious as the first serving! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
This Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore is more than just a recipe; it's a testament to the power of simple ingredients and a little bit of patience. It's a recipe that embodies the spirit of home-cooked goodness, and it's a dish that I'll continue to cherish for years to come. So, grab your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the deliciousness!
Enjoy!
