hearty Irish potato cabbage chicken bacon soup for a different take on cozy comfort food.
Recipe Overview
I want you to see at a glance what you’re getting into. This is one of those comforting crockpot dishes that feels fancy but is surprisingly simple.
- Cuisine: Italian
- Category: Main Course
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours on Low
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Servings: 6
The Secret Ingredient That Makes All the Difference
I’m so excited to share this with you. It’s the kind of tip that can transform many of your easy slow cooker chicken recipes.
The game-changer is anchovy paste. Before you scroll away, hear me out. You won’t taste fish. It simply melts into the sauce, adding an incredible depth of savory, umami flavor. This is the professional chef’s trick for making tomato-based sauces taste rich and complex without being overpowering.
Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore with Peppers Italian Hunter Style Recipe
The “Upgraded” Ingredient List
The Pro-Method (Step-by-Step)
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore with Peppers Italian Hunter Style Recipe!
Nutrition Information
Why This Method is Better (My Pro-Tips)
I’ve refined this approach through lots of trial and error. These small changes make a huge impact on the final dish.
We’re going to sear the chicken thighs first. This creates a beautiful fond at the bottom of your pan that will flavor the entire dish. It also gives the chicken skin a wonderful texture that holds up during the long cook time. This step is what elevates this from a lazy dinner to a pro-level meal. For another impressive yet easy main course, check out our elegant puff pastry croque madame that’s perfect for brunch or a special dinner.
The “Upgraded” Ingredient List
Using quality ingredients is key. Don’t worry, these are all easy to find at your local grocery store.
- 2 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp anchovy paste (the secret!)
- 1 large yellow onion, sliced
- 3 bell peppers (mixed colors), sliced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup dry red wine
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
The Pro-Method (Step-by-Step)
Follow these steps carefully. Each one builds toward that incredible final flavor.
- Pat your chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides. This helps achieve that perfect sear.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 5-6 minutes until golden brown. Flip and sear for another 2 minutes. Transfer to your slow cooker.
- In the same skillet, add your sliced onions and peppers. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until they just begin to soften. This step builds flavor.
- Add the minced garlic and anchovy paste to the skillet. Cook for just 30 seconds until fragrant. This wakes up all those flavors.
- Pour in the red wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up all those browned bits. Let it reduce by half, about 2-3 minutes.
- Transfer everything from the skillet into the slow cooker with the chicken. Add the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, oregano, and smoked paprika. Gently stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be fall-off-the-bone tender.
- Stir in the fresh basil right before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them
I’ve made these mistakes so you don’t have to. Learning from them will make your cooking journey much smoother.
The biggest error is adding the fresh basil too early. If you add it at the beginning, it will lose all its bright, fresh flavor. Always stir in fresh herbs at the very end. This preserves their vibrant color and aroma.
Another common issue is watery sauce. If your sauce seems too thin after cooking, remove the chicken and transfer the sauce to a saucepan. Simmer it uncovered for 10-15 minutes to reduce and thicken. This simple fix makes all the difference.
Variations for the Adventurous Cook
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, feel free to get creative. Cooking should be fun and personal.
Try adding sliced mushrooms along with the peppers for an earthier flavor. You could also stir in a tablespoon of capers at the end for a briny kick. For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the other dried spices.
Nutrition Notes
This is one of those healthy crockpot meals that doesn’t taste like “health food.” It’s naturally nourishing and satisfying.
- Calories: 320 per serving
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fat: 16g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 8g
Your Pro-Level Questions Answered
These are the questions I get asked most often by readers trying this recipe for the first time.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
You can, but I don’t recommend it for this particular recipe. Chicken thighs stay moist and tender through the long cooking process. Breast meat tends to dry out. If you must use breasts, reduce the cooking time by 1-2 hours and check for doneness earlier.
What should I serve with this dish?
This chicken cacciatore is fantastic over creamy polenta or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. It also pairs beautifully with pasta, mashed potatoes, or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. Don’t waste that incredible sauce!
Can I make this Whole30 compliant?
Absolutely! Simply omit the red wine and use additional chicken broth instead. Double-check that your anchovy paste doesn’t contain any non-compliant ingredients. This makes it a perfect Whole30 crockpot recipe.
A Few Final Secrets
I want to leave you with some extra confidence in the kitchen. These small touches will make your cooking stand out.
Let the dish rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together perfectly. The chicken will also reabsorb some of the juices, making it even more tender. This resting period is a professional technique that really works. For a quick no-bake dessert to follow this meal, try our delicious chunky monkey banana bites that combine chocolate and peanut butter in a healthy treat.
Don’t be afraid to make this your own. Cooking is about personal expression. The best recipes are the ones you adapt to suit your family’s tastes. This chicken cacciatore is a wonderful canvas for your culinary creativity.
Now that you have all my secrets, I’d love to hear about your experience! Did the anchovy paste transform your sauce like it does mine? What variations did you try? Share your results and any questions in the comments below—I read every single one and can’t wait to see how your Hunter-Style Chicken turns out
