Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore - recette canadienne de poulet
Easy

Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore

(224)
6 hr 15 min6380 cal

By Chef Marco Deluca·Red Seal Certified Chef|April 1, 2024

Le cacciatore à la mijoteuse c'est le souper qu'on prépare le matin et qui embaume tout l'appartement quand on rentre du travail. Des hauts de cuisse, des tomates en conserve, des poivrons, des champignons, des olives et un mélange d'herbes italiennes. Six heures à feu doux et la viande tombe de l'os. Servez sur des pâtes ou avec du pain croûté pour saucer.

slow-cooker-instant-potquébécois

Ingredients

Servings:
6

Instructions

👨‍🍳Chef's Notes

Mise en Place Saves Time

Even for quick recipes, spend 3 minutes measuring and prepping everything before you turn on the heat. It sounds counterintuitive, but it actually speeds up cooking because you're never scrambling mid-recipe.

Use a Meat Thermometer

The only reliable way to know chicken is safe and perfectly cooked is an instant-read thermometer. Pull at 74°C (165°F) in the thickest part. No guessing, no cutting into it and losing juices.

Low & Slow is Key

I always cook chicken on LOW rather than HIGH in the slow cooker. The extra time (6-8 hours vs 3-4) breaks down collagen more gently, producing silkier, more tender meat that shreds effortlessly.

About This Recipe

Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore is the ultimate comfort food that fills your home with a warm, inviting aroma as it cooks throughout the day. This dish is special because it combines tender chicken thighs, vibrant bell peppers, earthy mushrooms, and briny olives in a rich tomato sauce, creating a symphony of flavors that resonates with Canadian homes. It's perfect for busy weeknights, as you can prepare it in the morning and let the slow cooker do its magic, resulting in a meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day.

What makes this dish particularly beloved among Canadian home cooks is its simplicity and the way it brings family together around the table. The slow cooking process transforms the chicken into a succulent, fall-off-the-bone delight, while the medley of ingredients adds depth and character. Whether served over pasta or alongside crusty bread, it evokes a sense of nostalgia and shared moments, making it a dinner staple for many households.

Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore

To ensure your Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore turns out perfectly, focus on the right cooking temperatures and timing. Cook on low for six hours to allow the flavors to meld beautifully while keeping the chicken moist and tender. If using chicken breasts instead of thighs, be cautious—breasts can dry out more easily, so consider checking them for doneness at around four hours. Always let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving to enhance the flavors.

What to Serve With It

For an authentic Canadian twist, serve your Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore over a bed of hearty whole wheat pasta or with rustic sourdough bread that’s perfect for soaking up that luscious sauce. A light side salad with fresh greens and a zesty vinaigrette complements the dish well. You might even include a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top for that extra touch of indulgence.

Storage & Reheating

Leftovers of this Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore store wonderfully in the fridge for up to four days. When reheating, do so gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to prevent dryness. If you want to freeze it, portion it out into airtight containers, and it will keep well in the freezer for up to three months. Just remember to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain its delicious flavor.

Nutrition Per Serving

380
Calories
38g
Protein
16g
Fat
17g
Carbs
Fiber6g
Sugar6g
Sodium556mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this recipe?+

Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but be mindful that they can dry out more easily. Check for doneness earlier to ensure they remain juicy.

What can I substitute for olives in this dish?+

If you're not a fan of olives, you can omit them or replace them with capers for a similar briny flavor that complements the sauce.

How do I adjust the spice level in this Chicken Cacciatore?+

To adjust the spice level, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes for heat or using mild Italian sausage alongside the chicken for a more robust flavor without overwhelming spice.

Can I add other vegetables to this dish?+

Absolutely! Feel free to toss in other vegetables like zucchini or carrots to add more nutrition and flavor to your Chicken Cacciatore.

What kind of wine should I use for this recipe?+

A dry red wine works wonderfully in this dish. It enhances the depth of flavor in the sauce. Just remember to use one that you would enjoy drinking!

Reviews

4.9 / 5 (224 reviews)
Daniel V.
May 4, 2025

Followed the recipe exactly and it was perfect.

Nicole O.
Feb 23, 2025

Easy to follow and turned out amazing. A new favourite.

Kevin J.
Oct 7, 2025

This is comfort food at its finest. Pure perfection.

Recipe at a Glance

Prep:
15 min
Cook:
6 hr
Total:
6 hr 15 min
Servings:
6
Difficulty:
Easy

Pro Tips

  • 1Ne brusquez pas l'étape de saisie — les morceaux dorés au fond de la poêle sont de la saveur concentrée pure.
  • 2Utilisez un chaudron à fond épais qui distribue la chaleur uniformément. Une cocotte du Bay ou un poêlon en fonte du Canadian Tire font parfaitement le travail.
  • 3Assaisonnez généreusement — le poulet absorbe les saveurs comme une éponge, et un poulet sous-assaisonné c'est l'erreur de cuisine la plus courante.

Variations

  • Remplacez les poitrines par des hauts de cuisse si la recette le permet — les hauts de cuisse sont plus tolérants et plus difficiles à trop cuire.
  • Ajoutez un trait de vin blanc ou de vinaigre de cidre lors du déglacement pour plus de profondeur.
  • Version sans lactose: utilisez l'huile d'olive au lieu du beurre et le lait de coco au lieu de la crème.

Slow Cooker & Instant Pot

Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore

Your family will LOVE this Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore. Bookmark it now!

by ChickenRecipes.ca

Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore - recette canadienne de poulet
Chef Marco Deluca

Chef Marco Deluca

Head Chef & Recipe Developer

Marco is a Red Seal certified chef with over 15 years of professional kitchen experience across Canada. After training at George Brown College in Toronto and working in acclaimed restaurants from Vancouver to Montreal, he founded ChickenRecipes.ca to share his expertise with home cooks. Marco specializes in making restaurant-quality chicken dishes accessible for everyday Canadian kitchens.

Red Seal Certified ChefGeorge Brown College Culinary Arts Graduate15+ years professional kitchen experience

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