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    Home » Keto, Paleo, or Gluten Free

    Updated: Mar 19, 2025 · Published: Nov 9, 2020 · by Angela · This post may contain affiliate links · 22 Comments

    Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore (Pollo alla Cacciatora)

    Jump to Recipe

    Slow Cooker Chicken cacciatore is an easy recipe that is hearty, tasty, and perfect for a weeknight dinner. It is the perfect meal for a busy weekday since there is little prep and then you let it cook all day long on low so it is ready by dinnertime. A winner of a chicken dinner!

    Simply serve chicken cacciatore with pasta, chicken broth rice, polenta, spaghetti squash, and zoodles. Make sure you know how much pasta to make per person.

    Or try any of my other recommendations below and you have a complete meal that is healthy and delicious. This recipe, like my Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak & Slow Cooker Hungarian Goulash, are family favorite that my kids request for dinner - it is that good.

    Jump to:
    • Why This is a Family Favorite Meal
    • What Does Cacciatore Mean?
    • What Goes Well with Chicken Cacciatore?
    • Ingredients for Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
    • How to Make Cacciatore in a CrockPot
    • Substitutions & Variations
    • Storing & Reheating Chicken Cacciatore
    • Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore

    Why This is a Family Favorite Meal

    It is a great Italian recipe packed with veggies like my Pasta Al Forno recipe. You can use whatever vegetables that your family love, it is any easy recipe to customize. Or adjust it to make it keto (omit the veggies) since it is already low carb as written like my Keto Classic Italian Lasagna recipe.

    After all, chicken with pasta is a great combination and this Italian recipe showcases that. If you like your chicken saucy, try a cream sauce with this yummy recipe for Creamy Chicken in a Lemon Dill Butter Sauce - OMG!

    What Does Cacciatore Mean?

    Simply put, cacciatore means “hunter” in Italian. In cuisine, alla cacciatora" refers to a meal prepared “hunter-style” which typically includes onions, herbs, tomatoes, often bell peppers and mushrooms, and sometimes wine.

    Cacciatore is traditionally made with braised chicken or rabbit. For this recipe, I am using boneless skinless chicken breasts but chicken thighs, rabbits, or even duck can be used for a lovely cacciatore meal. 

    This recipe is for pollo alla cacciatora. I have made it this way for years as it is just like grandma's authentic chicken cacciatore recipe that I grew up with.

    What Goes Well with Chicken Cacciatore?

    For those that want something low-carb, keto, grain-free, paleo, or Whole30, I recommend spaghetti squash, and cauliflower rice. Or eat it just as is like an Italian chicken stew all on its own like I do when I make Slow Cooker Loaded Chicken & Cauliflower Casserole. 

    For anyone with gluten sensitivity, try rice, soft polenta, gluten-free pasta, or even top a toaster oven baked potato. Try some classics like these recipes that go well with chicken cacciatore.

    • Air Fryer Green Beans
    • Italian Chopped Salad

    Need more side dishes and Italian recipes? Enjoy more ideas for what to serve with chicken cacciatore.

    Ingredients for Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore

    For this slow cooker version, the chicken cacciatore is made with boneless breasts. You can also use boneless skinless thighs. With a variety of Italian spices & vegetables, the dish comes together like a complete meal in in the CrockPot.  

    Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore ingredients
    • Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts - this is not a traditional cut but it works best in this recipe & kids seem to enjoy it more.
    • Marinara Sauce - jarred, like Rao's which is our favorite, or homemade both will work.
    • Tomato Paste - for a thicker more rustic sauce with deep tomato flavor.
    • Bell Peppers - sweet peppers in a variety of colors are pretty.
    • Onion - diced to add pungent flavor.
    • Mushrooms - button or white mushrooms sliced thick work best.
    • Spices & Herbs - garlic, dried basil, salt, pepper, & red pepper flakes.
    • Optional - red wine, heavy cream, or fresh basil leaves.

    See the recipe card for amounts & full instructions.

    How to Make Cacciatore in a CrockPot

    Here are the 4 easy steps for making slow cooker chicken cacciatore (pollo alla cacciatora) recipe:

    1. Season the Chicken
    2. Cut & Add the Vegetables
    3. Add Sauce Ingredients
    4. Cook in the Slow Cooker

    Just let the slow cooker do all the work. If you get the vegetables precut at the store, this is a quick dump & go chicken recipe.

    1 - Season the Chicken

    Place the four boneless skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker insert.   Season liberally on both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

    chicken seasoned in the slow cooker.

    2 - Cut & Add the Vegetables

    Dice the vegetables and add them to the slow cooker (oops, mushrooms were off to the right and camera shy!)

    Onions and vegetables added to the crockpot.

    3 - Add Sauce Ingredients

    For the last step, add the marinara sauce, tomato paste, dried herbs, and optional red wine.

    Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore final step adding the sauce and spices.

    3 - Cook in the Slow Cooker

    After stirring all the ingredients together, set your slow cooker/Crockpot to low.  If yours has a timer also set it for 8 hours or just keep track of the time.  This recipe will be done after it simmers on low for 8 hours.  If you want a chicken Crockpot meal that takes only 4 hours, try some saucy Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken.

    Keep the lid closed and try to only stir 1 or 2 times during those hours.  This helps keep the temperature even, the moisture in the slow cooker, and the old saying "if you are looking, you ain't cooking" comes to mind!

    Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore plated on top of cooked spaghetti.

    Substitutions & Variations

    This Italian classic is wonderful as is but here are a few other ideas to make this recipe. These alternative ingredients and changes are just as good as the recipe below.

    • Chicken Breasts - use boneless skinless chicken thighs instead. If you use bone-in breasts, the cooking time will be longer - make sure to test that the meat is 165° internal temperature.
    • Marinara Sauce - use crushed tomatoes canned or jarred instead.
    • Spicy - double the amount of red pepper flakes.

    This recipe is already low-fat, low-carb, and gluten-free. No changes are needed. If you love this, try my recipe for Italian Short Ribs made in the Instant Pot.

    Chicken alla cacciatora over spaghetti on a plate with fresh basil leaves.

    Storing & Reheating Chicken Cacciatore

    This recipe is great for meal planning. It can be made ahead of time since it stores very well in both the refrigerator and freezer. Store in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

    Reheat thawed cacciatore in the microwave or stovetop. Additional sauce may be needed to ensure the chicken is moist & doesn't dry out.

    Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore on a plate.

    Product Recommendations for this Recipe:

    Crock-Pot 6 Quart Cook & Carry Programmable Slow Cooker with Digital Timer, Stainless Steel (SCCPVL610-S-A)
    $69.99
    Crock-Pot 6 Quart Cook & Carry Programmable Slow Cooker with Digital Timer, Stainless Steel (SCCPVL610-S-A)
    Buy Now
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    05/12/2025 06:25 pm GMT

    Rao's Homemade Tomato Sauce, Roasted Garlic, 24 oz, Versatile Pasta Sauce, Carb Conscious, Keto Friendly, All Natural, Premium Quality, Made with Sweet Italian Tomatoes and Caramelized Garlic
    Rao's Homemade Tomato Sauce, Roasted Garlic, 24 oz, Versatile Pasta Sauce, Carb Conscious, Keto Friendly, All Natural, Premium Quality, Made with Sweet Italian Tomatoes and Caramelized Garlic
    Buy Now
    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.

    Simply Organic Basil Certified Organic, 0.54-Ounce Container
    $7.30
    Simply Organic Basil Certified Organic, 0.54-Ounce Container
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    05/12/2025 05:31 pm GMT

    Simply Organic Crushed Red Pepper, Certified Organic | 1.59 oz | Capsicum annuum L.
    $7.55
    Simply Organic Crushed Red Pepper, Certified Organic | 1.59 oz | Capsicum annuum L.
    Buy Now
    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.
    05/12/2025 05:31 pm GMT

    The Short Order Cook is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.  If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission on the sale at no additional cost to you. This helps with the costs of running the blog. Thank you! 

     
     
    Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore

    Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore

    Angela
    Chicken cacciatore is an easy slow cooker recipe that is hearty, tasty, and perfect for a weeknight dinner. This Crockpot cacciatore recipe is so easy and results in a rich tomato sauce packed with vegetables, chicken, and flavor.
    5 from 4 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Share on Facebook
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 8 hours hrs
    Total Time 8 hours hrs 15 minutes mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine Italian
    Servings 6
    Calories 193 kcal

    Equipment

    • Slow Cooker

    Ingredients
      

    • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
    • 1 & ½ teaspoon salt
    • 1 teaspoon black pepper
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 medium onion diced (omit for keto version)
    • 1 C bell pepper seeded and diced
    • 1 C white mushrooms sliced
    • 1 28oz Jar Rao's Marinara sauce
    • 1 TB tomato paste
    • ½ teaspoon dried basil
    • ½ tsp red pepper flakes
    • ½ C red wine OPTIONAL (omit for keto version)
    • ½ C heavy whipping cream OPTIONAL (add at the end for keto version)
    • fresh basil leaves - for garnish washed and dried
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    • Place the four boneless skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker insert.   Season liberally on both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
    • Dice the vegetables and add them to the chicken in the slow cooker.
    • For the last step, add the marinara sauce, tomato paste, basil, red pepper flakes, and optional red wine. Stir to combine sauce ingredients evenly over the chicken breasts at the bottom.
    • After stirring all the ingredients together, set your slow cooker/Crockpot to low.  If yours has a timer also set it for 8 hours or just keep track of the time. 
    • FOR KETO/TOMATO CREAM SAUCE VERSION - If you want to add more fat to your diet, such as on a keto diet, at this point add ½ C of heavy whipping cream to the chicken cacciatore and stir to combine.  Let warm and combine for about 30 minutes on warm before serving.  
    • For side dishes or what to serve this with, see the detailed section above.   Garnish with fresh basil. ENJOY!

    Notes

    Per the recipe with onion & red wine but no heavy cream.  

    Nutrition

    Calories: 193kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 18gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 71mgSodium: 702mgPotassium: 497mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1186IUVitamin C: 35mgCalcium: 31mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword chicken, crock pot, crockpot, diabetic, dinner, easy, gluten-free, grain-free, keto, paleo, slow cooker, whole30
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Caroline Parrott says

      November 09, 2020 at 8:52 am

      Perfect timing! I was just looking for a couple new cool weather crock pot ideas. Thank you! ps-thighs be OK instead of breasts right? Would you change anything considering that substitution?

      Reply
      • Angela says

        November 09, 2020 at 8:59 am

        Yes, chicken thighs would do just fine. If you are using boneless skinless thighs, the cooking time would be the same. I would likely use 6 for this recipe vs 4 breasts given that the thighs are a smaller portion size. Enjoy and let me know what you think once you try the thighs.

        Reply
    2. Karie says

      November 09, 2020 at 12:24 pm

      This looks delicious! I need new recipes for chicken.

      Reply
      • Angela says

        November 09, 2020 at 4:32 pm

        I think everyone is on the lookout for new chicken dinner ideas and I hope you enjoy this homemade cacciatore.

        Reply
    3. Cindy Mailhot says

      November 09, 2020 at 1:54 pm

      Crock pot cooking is one of my favorite cooking methods during the work week. This looks yummy.

      Reply
      • Angela says

        November 09, 2020 at 4:31 pm

        CrockPot for the weekday chicken recipe win!

        Reply
    4. Alexis Farmer says

      November 09, 2020 at 4:44 pm

      Chicken cacciatore looks good! I’ve never had it but definitely need to try it now.

      Reply
      • Angela says

        November 11, 2020 at 1:55 pm

        I hope you enjoy this new recipe.

        Reply
    5. Annette says

      November 09, 2020 at 7:49 pm

      I love a delicious Italian dinner!!! Great for a cooler evening!!

      Reply
    6. Elaina says

      November 10, 2020 at 10:10 am

      Yum, we've been eating a lot more at home and I was starting to run out of ideas.

      Reply
    7. Sabrina DeWalt says

      November 10, 2020 at 10:27 am

      This recipe looks wonderful. We always like to have some easy, low prep recipes for those nights we just don't feel like putting in the effort.

      Reply
    8. Amanda says

      November 10, 2020 at 3:10 pm

      This looks hearty & delicious! Slow cooker recipes are a life saver for this busy mom.

      Reply
    9. Kendra says

      November 10, 2020 at 3:35 pm

      5 stars
      Yum! What a wonderful comfort meal! I had no idea what Cacciatore meant! Very cool to learn about it!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        November 11, 2020 at 11:21 am

        Glad you liked the recipe, Kendra, plus learned something along the way.

        Reply
    10. Barbara says

      November 10, 2020 at 7:37 pm

      Looks good!

      Reply
    11. Dee | Grammy's Grid says

      November 11, 2020 at 1:23 pm

      Looks yummy! Thanks so much for linking up with me at my #UnlimitedMonthlyLinkParty 18, open until November 26. Shared.

      Reply
    12. Elise Ho says

      November 14, 2020 at 1:08 pm

      5 stars
      It's been a while since I have dragged out my slow cooker. Now I am thinking that it is time 🙂

      Reply
      • Angela says

        November 15, 2020 at 4:14 pm

        It is worth dragging it out, this recipe is easy, comforting, and delicious.

        Reply
    13. Helen at the Lazy Gastronome says

      November 14, 2020 at 3:27 pm

      Great recipe and so easy! Thanks for sharing at the what's for dinner party. I hope you're enjoying your weekend.

      Reply
    14. Miz Helen says

      November 16, 2020 at 11:45 am

      5 stars
      Thanks so much for sharing your awesome post with us at Full Plate Thursday,510 this week. Hope you are having a great week and come back to see us soon!
      Miz Helen

      Reply
    15. Grace says

      April 19, 2023 at 5:02 pm

      5 stars
      Loved this slow cooker chicken cacciatore! I used prepared fajita veggies and added calamari olives. I didn’t have fresh basil in my spice rack, so I used McCormick Italian seasoning instead. To save calories, I didn’t use pasta or rice, but that would have been great with the sauce. It was delicious and will I will definitely make it again!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        April 21, 2023 at 9:42 am

        All of that sounds amazing. I eat this plain too - it's so good that you don't miss the pasta or rice. Thanks for sharing the olives idea - delish.

        Reply

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