Slow-Cooked Chicken Cacciatore: A Delicious and Hearty Italian Classic
Indulge in a comforting bowl of Chicken Cacciatore with this incredibly easy and flavorful crock pot recipe. This classic Italian dish, known for its rich tomato sauce and tender chicken, transforms into a true masterpiece with the slow cooking method. With a little bit of prep work and a whole lot of patience, you’ll end up with a meal that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds), cut into pieces
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 large carrot, peeled and sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 3/4 cup to 1 cup red wine (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Parmesan or Romano cheese, for serving (optional)
- Cooked pasta, for serving (optional)
Preparation Time: 45 minutes
Cooking Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Instructions:
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Prepare the Chicken: Start by washing and drying your chicken pieces thoroughly with paper towels. This step is crucial to ensure that the skin crisps up nicely when browned.
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Brown the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. While the oil is heating, roll each piece of chicken in flour, coating them evenly. Once the oil is hot, place the chicken pieces in the skillet. Cook until they are golden brown on all sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. This step not only adds flavor but also helps to lock in the juices of the chicken. Once browned, transfer the chicken pieces to your crock pot.
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Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet used for browning the chicken, add the chopped onion, sliced mushrooms, sliced carrot, green bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté the mixture for 8-10 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and fragrant. The remnants of the chicken left in the skillet will infuse the vegetables with extra flavor.
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Prepare the Tomato Sauce: Stir in the diced tomatoes and tomato paste with the sautéed vegetables. Mix well, then pour in the red wine. Sprinkle in the dried oregano and basil, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture cook for an additional 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the flavors to meld together and create a rich, robust sauce.
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Combine in the Crock Pot: Add the tomato and vegetable mixture to the crock pot, stirring gently to combine with the browned chicken. Make sure the chicken pieces are well coated with the sauce and vegetables.
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Slow Cook the Dish: Cover the crock pot and set it to cook on HIGH for 1 hour. After this initial hour, reduce the heat to LOW and continue cooking for an additional 6-7 hours. This long, slow cooking process ensures that the chicken becomes incredibly tender and the flavors fully develop.
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Final Touches: After the cooking time is complete, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. The chicken should be fork-tender and the sauce should be thickened to your liking.
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Serve: Serve the Chicken Cacciatore over cooked pasta for a hearty meal. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan or Romano cheese if desired. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Cooking Tip: To streamline your cooking process, consider preparing the vegetables and browning the chicken the day before. Simply store them in the refrigerator overnight and then proceed with combining them in the crock pot the next day. Using canned tomatoes can also save time and add convenience.
Enjoy this savory and satisfying Chicken Cacciatore that brings the essence of Italian home cooking right to your table! 🥘🍝🧀
