Don’t you just love using your crockpot? It’s great for this hearty Italian chicken stew called chicken cacciatore. Cacciatore translates to hunter in Italian and traditional cacciatore recipes often use chicken or rabbit. This stew is actually meant to simmer for a long time so using your crockpot for this recipe is perfect. This crockpot chicken cacciatore recipe is not only an easy recipe for your crockpot but it if you have any leftovers it is also a great freezer meal. Simply freeze your leftovers and you can defrost them later and serve over spaghetti, linguini, or your favorite pasta. You could even try it with zucchini noodles if you’re doing low carb.
I usually always have chicken and spaghetti sauce on hand so not only is it great for the crockpot but no special ingredients are required. So, if you’re looking at your crockpot and wondering what to make, give this recipe a try.
Why I love this recipe
This recipe is also one of my favorite meals to make for meal trains or for new moms. I actually just made a double batch recently, one for our dinner and then a freezer meal for a meal train for a neighbor. It’s an easy meal to throw together in your crockpot and a classic. It’s also a very family friendly recipe.
What type of chicken should you use in this recipe?
You can use chicken breast or chicken thighs for this recipe. I find that when using a crockpot, chicken thighs tend to more juicy. Feel free to use whichever you happen to have on hand.
What size crockpot do I need for this recipe?
For this recipe, you’ll want a 6 quart or larger crockpot.
How do I store leftovers?
You can keep leftovers in your refrigerator in an airtight container for three to four days. Reheat over low medium heat on your stove top or you can also use your microwave to reheat leftovers.
How do I freeze this recipe?
If you want to freeze any leftovers, simply let them cool and then freeze the sauce with two tablespoons of tomato paste in a large freezer safe zip lock bag or freezer safe storage container. You’ll want to add the tomato paste because defrosting will cause the leftovers to become watery (mostly due to the zucchini). Defrost overnight and then reheat in a microwave safe dish or you can also reheat in a large pot on the stove-top over low medium heat. I don’t recommend freezing any leftover pasta, instead make fresh pasta when you reheat this freezer friendly chicken cacciatore.
What ingredients do I need to make this recipe?
To make this crockpot chicken cacciatore, you’ll need:
- Chicken breast or thighs
- Olive oil
- Chunky vegetable tomato sauce
- Zucchini chopped
- Red onion
- Yellow bell pepper
- Mushrooms
- Italian blend seasoning
- Garlic
- Salt and pepper
- Tomato paste (only needed if freezing leftovers)
How do I make this chicken cacciatore in the slow cooker?
To make this recipe, begin by gathering and measuring your ingredients. You’ll need:
- 1 lb cubed chicken breast or thighs
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 jars chunky vegetable tomato sauce
- 1 zucchini chopped into small pieces
- 1 red onion finely chopped
- 1 yellow bell pepper finely chopped
- 1 can can of mushrooms (about 4 ounces) drained
- 1 tbsp Italian blend seasoning
- 2 tbsp minced garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
Next, spray your crockpot with non-stick spray. Next, add the chicken (you can use cubed breast or thighs) and olive oil. Add the garlic, zucchini, red onion, yellow bell pepper, mushrooms, and tomato sauce. Next, add the Italian blend seasoning and salt and pepper. Cook on low for six to eight hours or on high for four hours. Add salt and pepper to taste and serve over linguini or spaghetti noodles and top with Parmesan cheese.
Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore
Equipment
- Crockpot
Ingredients
- 1 lb cubed chicken breast or thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 jars chunky vegetable tomato sauce
- 1 zucchini chopped into small pieces
- 1 red onion finely chopped
- 1 yellow bell pepper finely chopped
- 1 can can of mushrooms (about 4 ounces) drained
- 1 tbsp Italian blend seasoning
- 2 tbsp minced garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by spraying your crockpot with non-stick spray.
- Next, add the chicken (you can use cubed breast or thighs) and olive oil.
- Add the garlic, zucchini, red onion, yellow bell pepper, mushrooms, and tomato sauce.
- Next, add the Italian blend seasoning and salt and pepper.
- Cook on low for six to eight hours or on high for four hours.
- Add salt and pepper to taste and serve over linguini or spaghetti noodles and top with Parmesan cheese.
To freeze for later
- To freeze the sauce, add two heaping tablespoons of tomato paste and mix well.
- Let cool and then freeze flat in a freezer safe container or freezer bag.
- To serve from frozen, defrost and heat on a stove top or heat in the microwave in a microwave safe dish.
Need even more ideas for your slow cooker? Join our Slow Cooker and Crockpot Recipe group on Facebook for more recipes and crockpot inspiration.
If you liked this crockpot chicken cacciatore recipe, you might also like:
- The BIG List of Crockpot Recipes
- Freezer Friendly Baked Spaghetti Squash & Meatballs
- Freezer Friendly Beef Enchiladas
- Italian Sausage & Cream Cheese Stuffed Peppers
- Easy Crockpot Lemon & Garlic Whole Chicken
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