Chicken Cacciatore in a Slow Cooker
Looking for an easy and delicious meal that cooks itself? Then, this slow cooker chicken cacciatore is a perfect choice. Simply toss all the ingredients into your crock pot and let them simmer to perfection all day long. This delectable dish pairs beautifully with thin spaghetti, especially when you use garlic and herb-flavored varieties for an extra kick.
Recipe Details
A hearty Italian dish, chicken cacciatore offers rich flavors with minimal effort. It’s a great choice for busy weekdays or lazy weekends, thanks to the convenience of the slow cooker.
Yield
This recipe serves 4 and yields 4 delicious chicken breast halves.
Preparation and Cooking Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours and 10 minutes
Ingredients for Chicken Cacciatore
Ensure you have these ingredients on hand for your slow cooker chicken cacciatore:
- 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
- 1 (28 ounce) jar of spaghetti sauce (such as Classico® Cabernet Marinara with Herbs)
- 1 (6 ounce) can of tomato paste
- ¼ pound sliced fresh mushrooms
- ½ yellow onion, minced
- ½ green bell pepper, seeded and diced
- 3 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1½ teaspoons dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions for Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
Follow these simple steps to prepare your own mouthwatering chicken cacciatore:
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by preparing all your ingredients. Mince the onion and garlic, dice the bell pepper, and slice the mushrooms. This initial step ensures your cooking process is seamless.
Step 2: Arrange in the Slow Cooker
Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker. Over the chicken, pour the spaghetti sauce and add the tomato paste. Then, layer in the mushrooms, minced onion, diced bell pepper, and garlic.
Step 3: Season Your Cacciatore
Sprinkle the oregano, basil, and black pepper over the mixture. If you prefer a bit of heat, add the red pepper flakes. This step adds depth to the flavors as they meld together during cooking.
Step 4: Cook in the Slow Cooker
Set your slow cooker to the low setting. Cover and cook for approximately 6 hours, or until the chicken is tender and flavors have had time to infuse fully.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once cooked, serve the chicken cacciatore over your favorite pasta, such as thin spaghetti. For an added touch, try using a garlic and herb-flavored pasta to complement the dish.
Benefits of Using a Slow Cooker
Using a slow cooker for recipes like this has multiple benefits. Firstly, it saves valuable time in the kitchen by allowing you to set it and forget it. Furthermore, slow cooking often enhances the flavors, making each ingredient taste more robust and harmonious.
Healthier Cooking Method Suggestions
While this recipe is already quite healthy, you can consider making a few optional changes. For instance, you may use low-sodium spaghetti sauce to reduce salt intake. In addition, selecting a whole-grain or vegetable-based pasta can up the nutritional value of the dish. Finally, opt for organic chicken breasts to enjoy even more health benefits.
Key Benefits of Chicken Cacciatore Ingredients
This slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe isn’t just delicious; it’s also packed with nutritional benefits:
– Chicken breast: High in protein and low in fat, making it a lean and nutritious option.
– Mushrooms: A good source of B vitamins and antioxidants.
– Bell peppers: High in vitamin C, which is essential for immune support.
– Garlic: Known for its heart health benefits and its ability to enhance the immune system.
– Spices: Both oregano and basil contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
Conclusion: Enjoy Your Flavorful and Easy Meal
To sum up, slow cooker chicken cacciatore is a delectable and simple meal that fits perfectly into a busy lifestyle. So, set it in the morning, and by the evening, you’ll have a wholesome dish ready to serve. Embrace the convenience and superb taste of this Italian classic today!
