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Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore (Easy Italian Chicken in Tomato Herb Sauce)

Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore (Easy Italian Chicken in Tomato Herb Sauce)

This Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore is the perfect cozy, hands-off dinner. Tender bone-in chicken thighs slow cook for hours in a rich tomato sauce loaded with garlic, onions, peppers, mushrooms, and fresh herbs. The result is fall-off-the-bone chicken with a hearty sauce that’s amazing served over spaghetti (or mashed potatoes, rice, or polenta).

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken + Sauce

  • 8 skinless bone-in chicken thighs, patted dry

  • ½ tsp kosher salt

  • ¼ tsp black pepper

  • 1 tsp olive oil

  • 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste

  • 1 tbsp garlic, minced

  • 1 small yellow onion, diced

  • 1 red bell pepper, diced

  • 8 oz baby bella mushrooms, sliced

  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

  • 1 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped

  • 1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped

  • 1 tsp fresh oregano, chopped

  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

  • 1 ½ cups chicken broth

  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For Serving

  • 1 box (16 oz) spaghetti noodles

Instructions

  • Prep the chicken: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels.

  • Season: Sprinkle chicken evenly with salt and pepper.

  • Add to slow cooker: Place chicken thighs in the slow cooker.

  • Add sauce ingredients: Add olive oil, tomato paste, garlic, onion, bell pepper, mushrooms, diced tomatoes, herbs, red pepper flakes, and chicken broth.

  • Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours, until chicken is tender and nearly falling off the bone.

  • Cook pasta: About 15 minutes before serving, cook spaghetti noodles according to package directions. Drain.

  • Serve: Spoon chicken and sauce over spaghetti.

  • Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and enjoy!

Notes

Don’t skip patting chicken dry—it helps flavor and texture.
✅ Want a thicker sauce? Remove the lid during the last 30 minutes or stir in 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water.
✅ Prefer more flavor? Brown chicken in a skillet for 2 minutes per side before adding to slow cooker.
✅ Add extras: sliced olives, capers, or a splash of red wine for deeper Italian flavor.
✅ Serve it with parmesan cheese (highly recommended!).