Description
Hearty and flavorful, this easy chicken cacciatore is made in the slow cooker for convenience (with instructions for the stovetop too). Serve over pasta, rice, polenta or mashed potatoes for a satisfying meal. Gluten-free and dairy-free.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken (thighs or drumsticks or both)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup chopped mushrooms (fresh or frozen)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 can (14 oz.) diced tomatoes in juice
- 1 cup chicken broth
Instructions
Slow Cooker Method:
- Season Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt and paprika.
- Sear Chicken: In a large skillet, heat up 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sear the seasoned chicken for 4–5 minutes per side over high heat for extra flavor. Set the seared chicken aside.
- Combine Sauce Ingredients: Place all ingredients except the chicken into an 8-quart slow cooker. Stir well to combine.
- Add Chicken and Cook: Add the chicken into the slow cooker and stir to coat thoroughly. Cover with the lid and cook on high for 3 hours or 6 hours on low in the slow cooker.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the chicken hot with the sauce over gluten-free pasta rice, or any preferred side.
Stovetop Method:
- Season Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt and paprika.
- Sear Chicken: In a large skillet, heat up 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sear the seasoned chicken for 4–5 minutes per side over high heat for extra flavor. Set the seared chicken aside.
- Prepare Sauce: In the same skillet as before, sauté the onions, peppers, mushrooms, and garlic first in olive oil until softened, then add the dried oregano, tomato paste, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth.
- Cook on Low: Add the seared chicken to the skillet with the sauce and then simmer covered on low heat for 45 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through in the middle and the juices run clear.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the chicken hot with the sauce over gluten-free pasta rice, or any preferred side.
Notes
Chicken: I recommend using skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks which will result in juicier and more flavorful meat.
Condiments: I’ve using ground paprika and dried oregano to add flavor. But you can also add other types of seasonings such as garlic powder or onion powder if you want more flavor.
Vegetables: The typical vegetables used to create the hearty and rustic flavor profile of chicken cacciatore are onions, garlic, bell peppers, and mushrooms.
Tomato Paste: Not the same as tomato sauce, tomato paste is a highly concentrated and thick paste that is adds a lot of flavor (a little goes a long way).
Diced Tomatoes: You can either used canned diced tomatoes for convenience or dice fresh roma tomatoes instead.
Chicken Broth: You can use either chicken broth or chicken stock (here’s how to make your own chicken stock). If you are Celiac or gluten-intolerant, make sure to use gluten-free chicken broth. Alternatively, you may use vegetable broth instead.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian
