Mohamed Shili This savory Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore is prepared using boneless skinless chicken breasts, crushed tomatoes, baby bella mushrooms, green bell pepper, and onions. This delicious Chicken Cacciatore recipe is a hearty dinner that takes about 4 to 6 hours to prepare and can serve up to 6 people.
Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Ingredients
- 900 g (2 pounds) of boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 tsp of kosher salt
- 0.5 tsp of black pepper
- 1 tbsp + 2 tsp of extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1.5 tbsp of balsamic vinegar, divided
- 1 can (800 g/28 ounces) of crushed tomatoes
- 1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
- 225 g (8 ounces) of sliced baby bella (cremini) mushrooms
- 2 tsp of Italian seasoning
- Optional: Pasta, rice, or noodles for serving; chopped parsley and grated Parmesan for garnish
How To Make Pioneer Woman Chicken Cacciatore In The Slow Cooker
- Prepare the slow cooker: Begin by generously coating the interior of the slow cooker with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Brown the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, season the chicken with salt and pepper, and brown each side for about 3-4 minutes until golden, then transfer the chicken to the slow cooker.
- Sauté the vegetables: In the same skillet, add 2 teaspoons of olive oil and sauté the chopped onion until it becomes soft and translucent, which usually takes about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and vinegar: To the sautéed onions, add the minced garlic and 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar, cook for another minute until the garlic is fragrant, then transfer this mixture to the slow cooker.
- Combine all ingredients: Add the crushed tomatoes, chopped green bell pepper, sliced mushrooms, and Italian seasoning to the slow cooker, stirring well to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
- Cooking time: Set your slow cooker to HIGH and cook the chicken for 1.5-2.5 hours if using breasts or 3-4 hours if using thighs; alternatively, cook on LOW for 4-5 hours for breasts or 5-6 hours for thighs.
- Thicken the sauce: For a thicker sauce, after the chicken is cooked and removed, let the sauce simmer on HIGH for an additional hour with the lid off.
- Final adjustments and serve: Stir in the remaining 0.5 teaspoons of balsamic vinegar, adjust the seasoning with extra salt and pepper if necessary, and serve the chicken and sauce over your choice of pasta, rice, or noodles, garnished with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan if desired.
Recipe Tips
- Brown the chicken well: To enhance the flavor of your Chicken Cacciatore, ensure you thoroughly brown the chicken pieces until they are golden brown on all sides.
- Deglaze the pan: After sautéing the onions and garlic, deglaze the skillet with a bit of broth or water to capture any brown bits, which add depth to the dish’s flavor.
- Layer the ingredients: Place the chicken at the bottom of the slow cooker and then top with vegetables and sauce to ensure even cooking and flavor distribution.
- Herb freshness: Add fresh herbs like basil or oregano in the last hour of cooking to preserve their vibrant flavor and aroma in your dish.
- Adjust consistency: If the sauce is too thin after cooking, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with water and stir into the slow cooker, cooking on high for an additional 10-15 minutes to thicken.
What To Serve With Chicken Cacciatore
Serve your hearty Chicken Cacciatore with polenta cakes, roasted artichokes, garlic spinach, sautéed kale, and a crisp fennel salad for an enriching dining experience.
You can also pair this dish with a side of balsamic-glazed Brussels sprouts or caper-dressed zucchini for an added touch of flavor.
How To Store Chicken Cacciatore
To Refrigerate: Place leftover Chicken Cacciatore in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh and tasty for up to 4 days when properly stored in the refrigerator. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain the dish’s best quality.
To Freeze: Chicken Cacciatore can be frozen for up to 3 months. Cool the dish completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or bag. Label with the date to keep track of its longevity. Avoid freezing with pasta or rice as they can become mushy when reheated.
How To Reheat Chicken Cacciatore
In The Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the Chicken Cacciatore in an oven-safe dish, cover with aluminum foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes or until thoroughly warmed. Adding a splash of broth can keep it moist.
In The Microwave: Transfer the Chicken Cacciatore to a microwave-safe container. Cover and heat on high for 3-4 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Covering prevents splattering and retains moisture.
In The Air Fryer: Reheat the Chicken Cacciatore in the air fryer at 360°F for about 8-10 minutes. Check halfway and stir if possible to ensure even reheating. This method works great for achieving a slightly crispy texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I do if the sauce is too runny?
If the sauce is too thin, a mixture of cornstarch and water can be added. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker, then cook on high for an additional 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens to your liking.
Can Chicken Cacciatore be made ahead of time?
Yes, Chicken Cacciatore is an excellent dish for making ahead. It can be fully prepared and stored in the refrigerator overnight, which can actually enhance the flavors as they meld together.
Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Nutrition Facts
Serving: 1(Of 6)
- Calories: 228kcal
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 32g
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 73mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 6g
Try More Slow Cooker Recipes:
Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
Description
This savory Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore is prepared using boneless skinless chicken breasts, crushed tomatoes, baby bella mushrooms, green bell pepper, and onions. This delicious Chicken Cacciatore recipe is a hearty dinner that takes about 4 to 6 hours to prepare and can serve up to 6 people.
Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Ingredients
How To Make Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
- Prepare the slow cooker: Begin by generously coating the interior of the slow cooker with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Brown the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, season the chicken with salt and pepper, and brown each side for about 3-4 minutes until golden, then transfer the chicken to the slow cooker.
- Sauté the vegetables: In the same skillet, add 2 teaspoons of olive oil and sauté the chopped onion until it becomes soft and translucent, which usually takes about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and vinegar: To the sautéed onions, add the minced garlic and 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar, cook for another minute until the garlic is fragrant, then transfer this mixture to the slow cooker.
- Combine all ingredients: Add the crushed tomatoes, chopped green bell pepper, sliced mushrooms, and Italian seasoning to the slow cooker, stirring well to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
- Cooking time: Set your slow cooker to HIGH and cook the chicken for 1.5-2.5 hours if using breasts or 3-4 hours if using thighs; alternatively, cook on LOW for 4-5 hours for breasts or 5-6 hours for thighs.
- Thicken the sauce: For a thicker sauce, after the chicken is cooked and removed, let the sauce simmer on HIGH for an additional hour with the lid off.
- Final adjustments and serve: Stir in the remaining 0.5 teaspoons of balsamic vinegar, adjust the seasoning with extra salt and pepper if necessary, and serve the chicken and sauce over your choice of pasta, rice, or noodles, garnished with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan if desired.
