I remember the first time I came across Jamie Oliver’s Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore recipe. It was a lazy Sunday afternoon, and I had just picked up a new slow cooker. I’d been craving something hearty but easy to make, and I stumbled upon the recipe while scrolling through a recipe website. The idea of a dish that would cook itself while I could relax and enjoy my day was irresistible.
As I looked over the ingredients, I couldn’t help but feel excited. Chicken, tomatoes, herbs, and the promise of rich flavors melding together over hours of cooking. It seemed almost too good to be true, but when I made it, I was blown away. The dish turned out to be the perfect balance of savory, tangy, and hearty. From that moment on, it became a regular in my weekly rotation, and I think you’ll love it just as much.
Jamie Oliver’s Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Recipe
This recipe is a crowd-pleaser. It’s straightforward, full of bold flavors, and, best of all, you don’t have to be chained to the stove all day. Jamie Oliver’s Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore is everything you want in a comfort meal-easy to prep, filling, and packed with that rich, rustic Italian flavor.
The beauty of this recipe lies in the simplicity of ingredients and method. You don’t need any fancy kitchen gadgets or hard-to-find ingredients. Just a slow cooker, a few pantry staples, and some fresh produce. It’s the kind of recipe that you can start in the morning, forget about, and come back to a delicious meal ready for dinner.
Ingredients Needed
When I first made this dish, I was surprised by how few ingredients it required for such an impressive result. Here’s the lineup:
- Chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on) – These are ideal for slow cooking because they stay juicy and tender, absorbing all the rich flavors.
- Olive oil – For browning the chicken and building a base of flavor.
- Onion and garlic – These form the flavor foundation with their aromatic, savory qualities.
- Red bell pepper – Adds sweetness and a bit of color.
- Canned tomatoes (crushed or whole) – A must for the sauce. Tomatoes give the dish its tangy depth.
- Tomato paste – For extra richness and to thicken the sauce.
- Herbs (oregano, basil, thyme) – Classic Italian herbs that complement the chicken and tomatoes perfectly.
- Red wine – A touch of red wine deepens the sauce’s flavor. Don’t worry; the alcohol cooks off.
- Olives (green or black) – Optional but adds a briny contrast to the dish.
- Capers – Another optional ingredient, but they add a great zing and complexity.
- Salt and pepper – To taste, for seasoning.
These ingredients are simple but together they create something magical. When everything cooks low and slow, you get the most tender chicken with a rich, flavorful sauce that’s perfect for serving over pasta or with crusty bread.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
The first time I made this, I was amazed at how easy the process was. Here’s how it goes:
- Prep the chicken: Start by seasoning the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Heat some olive oil in a large pan and brown the chicken on both sides until golden. This step adds depth to the flavor and keeps the chicken juicy.
- Cook the aromatics: In the same pan, sauté onions, garlic, and bell peppers until they soften. You’ll start to smell the amazing savory aroma filling your kitchen.
- Deglaze with wine: Pour in the red wine and scrape up any bits left from the chicken and veggies. These little bits are packed with flavor, and the wine helps to lift them off the pan.
- Transfer to the slow cooker: Add the onion mixture, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and herbs to the slow cooker. Nestle the browned chicken thighs into the sauce. If you’re using olives or capers, toss them in now.
- Slow cook: Set your slow cooker on low and let it do its thing for about 6-7 hours. The chicken should be falling off the bone when it’s ready.
- Finish up: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve the chicken with pasta, rice, or a hunk of crusty bread.
That’s it. The slow cooker does most of the work, and the result is a comforting, flavorful dish.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
One of the things I love most about this dish is how the ingredients interact. Here’s a breakdown of why some of the key components work so well together:
- Chicken thighs (bone-in): Bone-in chicken thighs are great for slow cooking because the bone adds flavor, and the dark meat is richer and more forgiving than chicken breasts. As it cooks, the collagen breaks down, making the chicken ultra-tender.
- Red wine: Red wine isn’t just for drinking; it’s a flavor booster. It adds a layer of complexity to the sauce, with the acidity cutting through the richness of the chicken and tomatoes. It helps to balance the flavors and makes the sauce smoother.
- Tomatoes and tomato paste: The tomatoes bring acidity and natural sweetness, while the paste helps thicken the sauce. Together, they create that beautiful, balanced base of flavor.
- Olives and capers: The briny nature of olives and capers contrasts with the richness of the chicken, adding depth and excitement to the sauce.
Expert Tips
If you want to take your Chicken Cacciatore to the next level, try these expert tips:
- Brown the chicken first: Don’t skip the browning step. It may seem like an extra hassle, but it makes a huge difference in the final flavor. The caramelization of the skin adds complexity and richness to the dish.
- Don’t rush the cooking: Slow cooking is all about patience. Let the chicken cook low and slow. If you cook it on high, you’ll lose that tender, fall-apart texture.
- Adjust the seasoning: Taste the sauce before serving. It may need a pinch more salt or a dash of vinegar to balance the flavors. The right seasoning can make a good dish great.
- Use bone-in thighs: While boneless skinless chicken can work in a pinch, bone-in thighs will yield a far juicier, more flavorful result.
Recipe Variations
One of the great things about Jamie’s recipe is how flexible it is. Here are a few ways to mix things up:
- Add mushrooms: If you’re a fan of earthy flavors, throw in some sliced mushrooms with the onions and garlic. They soak up all the flavors of the sauce.
- Use different olives: Switch between black, green, or even kalamata olives to change the flavor profile. Each type will bring its own unique twist.
- Make it spicy: Add a bit of red pepper flakes to give the dish some heat. It pairs really well with the richness of the chicken and the tomatoes.
- Swap for another protein: If you’re not into chicken, try pork or beef. Pork shoulder, for example, works beautifully in slow cooking and adds a different depth of flavor.
- Gluten-free options: Serve the dish with gluten-free pasta or rice for a gluten-free version.
Final Words
Jamie Oliver’s Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore is a perfect dish for busy days when you want something hearty but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. The combination of chicken, tomatoes, wine, and herbs creates a beautiful, comforting meal that feels like a special treat.
Plus, it’s one of those recipes that gets better the longer it sits. Leftovers the next day? Even better.
FAQs
What Ingredients Do I Need For Jamie Oliver’s Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore?
You’ll need chicken thighs, onion, garlic, tomatoes, bell peppers, olives, capers, chicken stock, and some herbs like oregano and thyme.
How Long Does It Take To Cook Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Cacciatore In A Slow Cooker?
It takes about 4 hours on high or 6-8 hours on low.
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead Of Thighs For The Cacciatore Recipe?
Chicken breasts can work, but thighs give more flavor and stay juicier. If using breasts, be sure not to overcook them.