Quick & Easy Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Recipe

Pioneer Woman’s slow cooker chicken cacciatore transforms ordinary weeknight meals into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Italian-inspired comfort food meets modern convenience through this rustic, soul-warming dish.

Home cooks appreciate how effortlessly robust flavors meld together during slow cooking.

Rich Mediterranean seasonings infuse tender meat with depth and complexity.

Traditional techniques merge seamlessly with contemporary kitchen tools, creating a hassle-free meal preparation method.

Fragrant herbs and vegetables dance together, developing nuanced taste profiles that tantalize hungry families.

Each bite promises a delightful journey through classic Italian-American cuisine: get ready to impress everyone at your dinner table.

Pro Tips for Pioneer Woman’s Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore

• Lock in Flavor: Sear chicken pieces until they develop a deep golden-brown crust, creating a rich, caramelized exterior that intensifies the overall taste profile.
• Capture Culinary Essence: Scrape up those delicious browned bits from the pan after sautéing, transforming them into a flavor-packed liquid that elevates the entire dish.
• Herb Magic Moment: Sprinkle fresh basil or oregano during the final cooking stage, allowing their vibrant essence to dance through the sauce without losing potency.
• Sauce Rescue Technique: Rescue a watery sauce by whisking cornstarch with cool water, then stirring into the slow cooker for a quick thickening transformation.
• Strategic Layering Trick: Position chicken as the foundation, topped with colorful vegetables and robust sauce, ensuring maximum flavor infusion and even cooking throughout.

How to Store Pioneer Woman’s Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore

• Freeze in Portions: Divide cooled Chicken Cacciatore into individual serving sizes before freezing. Transfer to vacuum-sealed bags or freezer-safe containers to prevent freezer burn and maintain flavor intensity. Label each container with the date and contents for easy meal tracking.
• Cool Rapidly: Before storing, spread the Chicken Cacciatore in a shallow dish to help it cool quickly and evenly. Rapid cooling prevents bacterial growth and preserves the dish's delicious taste and texture. Keep the dish at room temperature for no more than 2 hours before refrigerating.
• Reheat with Care: Thaw frozen Chicken Cacciatore in the refrigerator overnight for best results. Warm gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating and prevent the chicken from drying out.

Creative Twists on Pioneer Woman’s Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore

• Mediterranean Magic: Replace green bell peppers with roasted red peppers, add kalamata olives, and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top for a Greek-inspired version.
• Spicy Southern Spin: Incorporate diced jalapeños, add a dash of cayenne pepper, and mix in andouille sausage chunks for a Louisiana-style kick that elevates the traditional recipe.
• Herb Garden Fusion: Swap Italian seasoning with fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage, then stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and use white wine instead of balsamic vinegar for a more elegant herbal profile.
• Rustic Vegetarian Adaptation: Remove chicken entirely, double the mushrooms, add hearty lentils or chickpeas, and include extra vegetables like zucchini and eggplant to create a robust plant-based alternative.

Pioneer Woman’s Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore: A Savory, Italian Delight

Culinary magic unfolds with Pioneer Woman’s Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore, a recipe that whispers comfort and complexity in each savory bite.

Italian traditions merge seamlessly with modern convenience, creating a dish that celebrates home cooking’s authentic charm.

Rich tomato sauce bathes tender chicken in layers of herbal warmth, promising a meal that connects family around the table.

Remarkable slow cooking techniques transform simple ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience.

Simple preparations yield maximum flavor, making this recipe accessible for cooks of all skill levels.

Share this delightful discovery with friends, comment on your cooking adventure, and spread the delicious inspiration that makes home cooking a cherished art.

Why Pioneer Woman’s Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore is a Flavor-Packed Classic

• Unlock Incredible Flavor Depth: This slow cooker chicken cacciatore delivers a robust taste profile by carefully layering ingredients like balsamic vinegar, Italian seasoning, and perfectly browned chicken, creating a rich and complex culinary experience.
• Effortless Cooking Convenience: The slow cooker method transforms complex cooking into a simple, hands-off process that allows busy home cooks to prepare a restaurant-quality meal with minimal active kitchen time and maximum flavor development.
• Nutritious One-Pot Wonder: Packed with lean protein from chicken, vitamins from vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms, and a low-calorie profile at just 228 kcal, this dish offers a balanced and wholesome meal that doesn't compromise on taste or satisfaction.
• Versatile Serving Options: The beautifully simmered chicken and sauce can be elegantly served over multiple base options like pasta, rice, or noodles, making it adaptable to different dietary preferences and ensuring everyone at the table enjoys a delicious meal.

What You Need for Pioneer Woman’s Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore

• Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Tender, lean protein that absorbs rich sauce flavors; bone-in or boneless work well.

• Onion: Provides sweet, aromatic base for the sauce; choose fresh, firm onions.
• Green Bell Pepper: Adds crisp texture and mild sweetness; look for bright, smooth peppers.
• Mushrooms: Contributes earthy depth and meaty texture; select firm, unblemished mushrooms.
• Garlic: Intense flavor enhancer; fresh cloves are more potent than pre-minced.

• Crushed Tomatoes: Rich, smooth sauce foundation; san marzano tomatoes offer best flavor.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Adds tangy complexity and depth; use high-quality aged version.
• Olive Oil: Helps with browning and adds richness; extra virgin preferred.
• Italian Seasoning: Blend of dried herbs that provides traditional Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out ingredient flavors.

• Parsley: Fresh herb for bright finishing touch; adds color and light flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides salty, umami complement; freshly grated recommended.
• Pasta, Rice, or Noodles: Serving base to absorb delicious sauce.

How to Make Pioneer Woman’s Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore

Step 1: Prepare Slow Cooker

Spray the interior of your slow cooker generously with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 2: Brown Chicken Perfectly

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Brown each side for 3-4 minutes until golden and develop a rich, delicious exterior. Transfer browned chicken to the slow cooker.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

In the same skillet, add olive oil. Sauté chopped onions until they become soft, translucent, and release their sweet flavors, approximately 5 minutes.

Step 4: Create Flavor Base

• Minced garlic
• Balsamic vinegar

Cook for 1 minute until garlic becomes fragrant. Transfer this flavor-packed mixture to the slow cooker.

Step 5: Combine All Ingredients

• Crushed tomatoes
• Chopped green bell pepper
• Sliced mushrooms
• Italian seasoning

Stir thoroughly to ensure even distribution of ingredients.

Step 6: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cooking times:

• HIGH: 1.5-2.5 hours
• LOW: 4-5 hours

• HIGH: 3-4 hours
• LOW: 5-6 hours

Step 7: Enhance Sauce Consistency

After cooking, remove chicken. Let sauce simmer on HIGH with lid off for 1 additional hour to thicken and concentrate flavors.

Step 8: Final Touch and Serving

Stir in balsamic vinegar. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve over pasta, rice, or noodles. Optional garnishes include chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.

Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Recipe

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4.6 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty chicken cacciatore from the Pioneer Woman brings rustic Italian flavors straight to your kitchen. Tender chicken simmers with herbs, tomatoes, and bell peppers, creating an effortless meal that transports your taste buds to countryside comfort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 900 g (2 pounds) of boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Vegetables:

• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
• 225 g (8 ounces) of sliced baby bella (cremini) mushrooms
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 1 teaspoon of kosher salt
• 0.5 teaspoon of black pepper
• 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon + 2 teaspoons of extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 1.5 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, divided
• 1 can (800 g/28 ounces) of crushed tomatoes

Optional Garnish and Serving:

• Pasta, rice, or noodles for serving
• Chopped parsley
• Grated Parmesan

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Instructions

1. Prepare the cooking vessel by thoroughly spraying the interior with nonstick cooking spray to ensure easy food release and minimal cleanup.
2. Create a golden exterior on the chicken by heating 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then carefully sear each side for 3-4 minutes until a rich, caramelized color develops. Transfer the browned chicken to the slow cooker.
3. In the same skillet, add 2 teaspoons (10 milliliters) of olive oil and gently cook the chopped onions until they become soft, translucent, and slightly fragrant, approximately 4-5 minutes.
4. Introduce minced garlic and 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) of balsamic vinegar to the onions. Continue cooking for an additional minute to release the garlic’s aromatic qualities, then carefully transfer the mixture to the slow cooker.
5. Combine all remaining ingredients within the slow cooker: crushed tomatoes, diced green bell pepper, sliced mushrooms, and Italian seasoning. Stir thoroughly to ensure even distribution of ingredients and consistent flavor profile.
6. Select your cooking method based on chicken cut: for chicken breasts, set the slow cooker to HIGH and cook for 1.5-2.5 hours (90-150 minutes), or LOW for 4-5 hours (240-300 minutes). For chicken thighs, cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours (180-240 minutes) or LOW for 5-6 hours (300-360 minutes).
7. After cooking, remove the chicken and allow the sauce to reduce and thicken by simmering on HIGH with the lid removed for an additional 45-60 minutes.
8. Enhance the sauce’s complexity by stirring in the remaining 0.5 teaspoons (2.5 milliliters) of balsamic vinegar. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
9. Plate the tender chicken over your preferred base such as pasta, rice, or noodles. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese for an elegant finishing touch.

Notes

• Leftovers develop deeper, more intense flavors when stored properly, making next-day meals even more delicious.
• Refrigerate in sealed containers for easy 3-4 day meal planning, perfect for busy households.
• Fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese provide a vibrant, zesty garnish that brightens the entire dish.
• Versatile serving options include pasta, rice, or crusty bread, ensuring a satisfying meal for everyone.
• Removing the lid during the final cooking hour concentrates flavors and naturally thickens the sauce without extra ingredients.
• Slow cooker method transforms tough chicken into a meltingly tender, flavor-packed meal with minimal kitchen effort.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 250 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg