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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare the cooking vessel by thoroughly spraying the interior with nonstick cooking spray to ensure easy food release and minimal cleanup.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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.
- 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