Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore {Easy & Freezer Friendly}

This crockpot chicken cacciatore recipe is not only an easy recipe for your crockpot but if you have any leftovers it is also a great freezer meal.

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.

Why I love this recipe

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.

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 crockpot chicken cacciatore?

To make this recipe, you’ll need:

• Chicken breast or thighs: You can use chicken breast or chicken thighs in this recipe.
• Olive oil: I recommend extra virgin olive oil.
• Tomato sauce: You’ll need two jars that are about 24 ounces.
• Zucchini, squash, white onion, yellow bell pepper: The vegetables for the cacciatore.
• Mushrooms: You can use canned or fresh.
• Italian blend seasoning and garlic: To season the cacciatore.
• Salt and pepper: I recommend doing salt and pepper to taste.
• Tomato paste (only needed if freezing leftovers)

Need even more ideas for your slow cooker? Join the Slow Cooker and Crockpot Recipe group on Facebook for more recipes and crockpot inspiration.

If you liked this crockpot recipe, you might also like:

• Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches
• Freezer Friendly Baked Spaghetti Squash & Meatballs
• Freezer Friendly Beef Enchiladas
• Easy Crockpot Lemon & Garlic Whole Chicken

Don’t forget to save this recipe for later with Pinterest!