Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore with Peppers is a hearty and comforting Italian classic made effortless in a slow cooker. This dish features tender chicken simmered in a rich tomato sauce with bell peppers, onions, garlic, and Italian herbs.

The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a savory, aromatic meal that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, yet elegant enough for family dinners or entertaining guests.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it transforms simple ingredients into a flavorful, restaurant-quality dish with minimal effort. The chicken becomes incredibly tender, practically falling off the bone, while the peppers and onions soften and soak up the tomato-based sauce.

The combination of herbs, garlic, and wine adds depth and complexity without requiring constant attention. It’s a one-pot comfort meal that’s both satisfying and wholesome.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This recipe is a must-try because it combines classic Italian flavors with the convenience of a slow cooker. It’s perfect for busy lifestyles, allowing you to prep in the morning and come home to a ready-to-eat, home-cooked meal.

The dish is versatile, pairs well with pasta, rice, or crusty bread, and is a family-friendly favorite. Once you try it, it will become a staple in your weekly meal rotation.

Recipe Details

Preparation Time 30 minutes
Cooking Time 6–7 hours on low or 3–4 hours on high
Total Time 6 hours 15 minutes
Servings 4–6 servings
Calories Approximately 350–400 calories per serving
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Cooking Directions

1. Sear the Chicken

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season chicken with salt and pepper.
3. Sear chicken on both sides until golden brown, about 3–4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.

2. Prepare the Crockpot

1. Place sliced peppers, onion, and garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, white wine, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

3. Add Chicken

1. Place seared chicken on top of the vegetable and tomato mixture.
2. Cover the slow cooker with the lid.

4. Cook

1. Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours until chicken is tender and cooked through.

5. Finish and Garnish

1. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if necessary.
2. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Prep Ingredients: Slice bell peppers and onions, mince garlic.
2. Sear Chicken: Brown chicken in olive oil for added flavor.
3. Layer in Crockpot: Place vegetables, tomatoes, herbs, and seared chicken in the slow cooker.
4. Cook: Set on low or high, depending on your schedule.
5. Garnish: Finish with fresh parsley and serve.

How to Serve This Recipe

• Serve over cooked pasta, rice, or creamy polenta.
• Pair with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Add a side salad for a complete meal.

Recipe Tips

• Searing the chicken first adds depth of flavor but can be skipped for an even faster prep.
• Use a variety of bell peppers for a colorful, flavorful dish.
• If the sauce is too thin, remove the chicken and simmer on the stove for 5–10 minutes to thicken.
• Add mushrooms or olives for extra layers of flavor.

Variations

Chicken Cacciatore with Mushrooms

Add 1 cup of sliced mushrooms to the slow cooker for an earthy twist.

Spicy Chicken Cacciatore

Increase red pepper flakes or add a chopped chili pepper for heat.

Low-Carb Version

Serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of pasta.

Crockpot Cacciatore with Chicken Legs

Use bone-in, skin-on chicken legs for a richer, more rustic version.

Freezing and Storage Time

Refrigeration

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.

Freezing

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Special Equipment Needed

• Slow cooker / crockpot
• Skillet for searing chicken
• Knife and cutting board
• Spoon for stirring

FAQ

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts work well but may become slightly drier than thighs.

Can I make this recipe without wine?
Yes, simply omit wine or replace with extra tomato sauce or chicken broth.

Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely, mushrooms, zucchini, or olives are great additions.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, naturally gluten-free. Just serve with gluten-free pasta or rice.

Can I cook it on high instead of low?
Yes, cooking on high takes 3–4 hours instead of 6–7 hours on low.

Conclusion

Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore with Peppers is a comforting, flavorful Italian classic made easy with the slow cooker. Tender chicken, vibrant peppers, and a rich tomato-based sauce create a meal that is both satisfying and wholesome. With minimal prep and endless versatility, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners, offering a delicious taste of Italy right at home.