Love chicken dinners? Love slow cooker meals? Love Italian food? Then you will LOVE this slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe! This healthy chicken cacciatore is packed with protein and plenty of vegetables that are slowly cooked for maximum flavor and minimal work. And of course, it’s low carb and keto. But everyone – no matter what diet they follow – will enjoy this Crock Pot chicken cacciatore. I’m sharing a lot of low carb serving ideas for crock pot chicken cacciatore below, but in my house we love having it over zoodles and topped with plenty of grated Parmesan cheese.
How To Make Chicken Cacciatore
It’s so easy to make this healthy chicken cacciatore in a Crock Pot, it’s been on repeat for busy nights at our house! The process is as simple as searing the chicken breast and browning the veggies before putting them all together in the slow cooker. And if you don’t have 5-10 minutes to brown the chicken and veggies you can skip that step, but I highly recommend the more flavorful method. The flavors are deeper and more developed – it’s definitely worth the little time that it takes!
Lightly brown the chopped veggies. I like to cook it for long enough that the onions start to caramelize.
Sear the chicken breast until browned. It doesn’t need to be cooked through, it will finish cooking in the slow cooker. TIP: Don’t move the chicken around while searing it. This will ensure that it browns well.
Crock Pot Chicken Cacciatore Ingredients
We’re making this slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe with chicken breast and a few other ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Onions, peppers, diced tomatoes and some fresh herbs – that’s it! Go see if you have everything you need! I’ll wait. 🙂 Okay, ready to cook up the best chicken cacciatore with me?
What Does Chicken Cacciatore Mean?
Cacciatore means “hunter” in Italian. So essentially, Chicken Cacciatore means a meal that is prepared “hunter-style” with onion, garlic, tomato and often times bell peppers. Sometimes wine is added to the mix, but I didn’t add it to my healthy chicken cacciatore recipe.
What Is Traditionally Served With Crock Pot Chicken Cacciatore?
Chicken cacciatore is traditionally served with a starch or grain – typically pasta, polenta, rustic bread, or mashed potatoes. Obviously none of those options are low carb. My chicken cacciatore recipe in crock pot is pictured with a simple side salad, but I also have a few other low carb side ideas that I’ll share below.
What Is The Origin Of Chicken Cacciatore?
The origin of chicken cacciatore is Italy! And within Italy, there are of course arguments over who has the best chicken cacciatore recipe. Cacciatore in Northern Italy might include white wine, while versions from Southern Italy might include red wine. Some versions here in the United States may be made with marinara sauce, but I kept it pretty classic with diced tomatoes.
Can You Make Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Ahead?
There are a few ways to make this slow cooker chicken cacciatore ahead of time. This meal reheats really well so you can cook the entire recipe and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to eat. Simply reheat in the microwave or stove top until hot. Another option to make it ahead is to cook the veggie portion of the cacciatore, store in the refrigerator, and then add it into the slow cooker when you’re ready to start cooking.
How To Freeze Easy Chicken Cacciatore
You can freeze this easy chicken cacciatore after you cook it, simply thaw in the refrigerator, and reheat in the microwave or stove top until hot. Another option is to turn this into a make-ahead freezer meal, simply follow the fast version below, but instead of putting it in the slow cooker, put it in a freezer bag and freeze flat. Let it thaw overnight and then cook as directed in the recipe card below. I haven’t tried this, so let me know if you do! It should work fine as you’re just prepping it ahead of time but still cooking it in the same way. PRO TIP: If you’re making this Crock Pot chicken cacciatore recipe with boneless breast, double the recipe and turn one into a freezer meal. See the directions above.
What To Serve With This Healthy Chicken Cacciatore Recipe
As I mentioned above, traditionally cacciatore is served with a carb – which doesn’t work for us low carb and keto people! It’s pictured with a simple side salad, which is a great side, but here are a few other ideas:
Keto Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes – You won’t lose any delicious chicken cacciatore sauce on a bed of fluffy mashed cauliflower. (And that’s a good thing.) Zucchini Noodles – The best option if you want to serve it on “pasta.” Roasted Radishes – These taste like roasted potatoes! Low Carb Garlic Bread – Be sure to soak up any extra sauce with this garlic bread that’s made out of cauliflower! MORE Keto Low Carb Side Dish Recipes & Vegetables
6-Quart Slow Cooker – This Crock Pot may be basic, but it does everything I need it to and for a great price! Ceramic Fry Pan – Both the chicken and veggies can be cooked in this pan and the ceramic surface means no sticking!
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