Jamie Oliver’s Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore is an Italian-inspired dish that’s packed with rich, comforting flavors. Slow cooking allows the chicken to become tender while the sauce, made from tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and vegetables, thickens and develops deep flavors. This hearty meal is perfect for family dinners or meal prep, offering a delicious and effortless way to enjoy traditional Italian cooking without spending hours in the kitchen.
What is Jamie Oliver Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore?
Jamie Oliver’s Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore is a rustic, slow-cooked chicken stew made with bone-in chicken thighs, tomatoes, bell peppers, olives, and fragrant herbs. The slow cooker method enhances the flavors by allowing the ingredients to simmer gently, resulting in tender chicken and a rich, flavorful sauce. It’s a versatile dish that pairs well with pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.
Other Popular Recipes
- Jamie Oliver Chicken Fricassee
- Jamie Oliver Chicken and Sweetcorn Soup
- Delia Smith Leeks In Cheese Sauce
Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Effortless cooking: The slow cooker does all the work, allowing the flavors to develop over time.
- Rich and comforting: Packed with savory flavors from tomatoes, herbs, and vegetables.
- Healthy: A nutritious meal filled with lean protein and vegetables.
- Family-friendly: A crowd-pleasing dish perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Great for meal prep: Ideal for making ahead, as the flavors intensify over time.
Ingredients Needed to Make Jamie Oliver Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
- Chicken thighs (6-8): Bone-in and skin-on for extra flavor and tenderness.
- Onion (1 large): Finely chopped, providing sweetness and depth.
- Garlic cloves (4): Minced, for an aromatic flavor.
- Bell peppers (2, mixed colors): Sliced, for a sweet, fresh flavor.
- Canned tomatoes (400g / 14 oz): Crushed or diced, forming the base of the sauce.
- Chicken stock (250ml / 1 cup): Adds flavor and moisture.
- Tomato paste (2 tbsp): Adds richness to the sauce.
- Olives (a handful): Optional, for a briny contrast.
- Dried oregano (1 tsp): A classic Italian herb.
- Bay leaves (2): Adds depth of flavor to the stew.
- Olive oil (2 tbsp): For browning the chicken and sautéing the vegetables.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, for seasoning.
Equipment
- Slow cooker (or crockpot)
- Frying pan for browning the chicken
- Knife and chopping board
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions to Make Jamie Oliver Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
1. Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables:
- Brown the chicken: Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Brown the chicken on both sides for about 4-5 minutes per side, then transfer to the slow cooker.
- Sauté the vegetables: In the same pan, add the chopped onion, garlic, and sliced bell peppers. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened, then transfer to the slow cooker.
2. Assemble the Cacciatore:
- Add the remaining ingredients: Pour the canned tomatoes, chicken stock, tomato paste, olives, oregano, and bay leaves into the slow cooker. Stir everything together.
- Season: Add more salt and pepper to taste.
3. Cook in the Slow Cooker:
- Set the slow cooker: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and falling off the bone.
4. Serve:
- Remove the bay leaves before serving. Serve the Chicken Cacciatore hot, with pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.
What Goes Well With Jamie Oliver Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
- Pasta: Serve with your favorite pasta, such as pappardelle or spaghetti, to soak up the rich sauce.
- Mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes complement the hearty flavors of the cacciatore.
- Crusty bread: Use warm, crusty bread to mop up the flavorful sauce.
- Rice: Serve over steamed rice for a gluten-free option.
- Steamed vegetables: Pair with steamed green beans or broccoli for a healthy side.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Jamie Oliver Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
- Brown the chicken first: Browning the chicken adds depth and richness to the final dish.
- Use bone-in chicken: Bone-in chicken thighs stay moist and tender during slow cooking.
- Customize the vegetables: Add mushrooms, zucchini, or carrots for extra flavor and texture.
- Adjust seasoning at the end: Taste the dish before serving and add more salt or pepper if needed.
- Use fresh herbs: If you have fresh basil or oregano, stir them in just before serving for a burst of freshness.
Easy Variations of Jamie Oliver Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
- Boneless option: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a quicker and easier version.
- Spicy version: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a fresh chili for a spicy kick.
- Vegan option: Replace the chicken with chickpeas or tofu for a plant-based version.
- Add red wine: For an extra depth of flavor, stir in a splash of red wine along with the stock.
- Creamy cacciatore: Stir in a little cream or crème fraîche at the end for a richer sauce.
Best Practices to Store Jamie Oliver Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
- Refrigerate leftovers: Store leftover Chicken Cacciatore in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze for later: This dish freezes well. Freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Label and date: Always label your containers before freezing to track freshness.
Best Practices to Reheat Jamie Oliver Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
- Stovetop reheating: Reheat the Chicken Cacciatore gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
- Microwave method: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
How Can I Make Jamie Oliver Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Healthier?
- Use skinless chicken: Opt for skinless chicken thighs to reduce the fat content.
- Add more vegetables: Increase the vegetable content by adding more bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini.
- Use low-sodium stock: Choose low-sodium chicken stock to control the salt content.
- Reduce oil: Use less olive oil for browning the chicken to cut down on calories.
- Serve with whole grains: Pair the dish with whole wheat pasta or brown rice for added fiber.
Nutrition Value (per serving):
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in Chicken Cacciatore?
Yes, chicken breasts can be used instead of thighs. However, since chicken breasts cook faster and can dry out, it’s best to cook them on the lower end of the recommended time and check for doneness earlier.
Can I make Chicken Cacciatore without a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make Chicken Cacciatore on the stovetop or in the oven. For the stovetop, simmer the ingredients over low heat for about 45 minutes to an hour. For the oven, bake in a covered dish at 180°C (350°F) for 1 hour.
Can I freeze Chicken Cacciatore?
Yes, Chicken Cacciatore freezes well. After cooling, transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How do I thicken the sauce in Chicken Cacciatore?
To thicken the sauce, remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking in the slow cooker, or stir in a slurry of cornstarch mixed with water during the final stages of cooking.
Final Words
Jamie Oliver’s Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore is a flavorful, comforting dish that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. With tender chicken and a rich tomato-based sauce, this slow-cooked meal is ideal for busy days when you want a delicious dinner without the hassle. Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy the rich flavors of this Italian-inspired classic!
More By British Baking Recipes
- Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Curry Chicken
- Jamie Oliver Slow Cooker Chicken Casserole
- Jamie Oliver Slow Roast Leg of Lamb
- James Martin Slow-cooked Brisket
- Delia Smith Slow Cooker Brisket
Jamie Oliver Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 420
- Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Jamie Oliver’s Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore is a rustic, slow-cooked chicken stew made with bone-in chicken thighs, tomatoes, bell peppers, olives, and fragrant herbs. The slow cooker method enhances the flavors by allowing the ingredients to simmer gently, resulting in tender chicken and a rich, flavorful sauce. It’s a versatile dish that pairs well with pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.
Ingredients
- Chicken thighs (6-8): Bone-in and skin-on for extra flavor and tenderness.
- Onion (1 large): Finely chopped, providing sweetness and depth.
- Garlic cloves (4): Minced, for an aromatic flavor.
- Bell peppers (2, mixed colors): Sliced, for a sweet, fresh flavor.
- Canned tomatoes (400g / 14 oz): Crushed or diced, forming the base of the sauce.
- Chicken stock (250ml / 1 cup): Adds flavor and moisture.
- Tomato paste (2 tbsp): Adds richness to the sauce.
- Olives (a handful): Optional, for a briny contrast.
- Dried oregano (1 tsp): A classic Italian herb.
- Bay leaves (2): Adds depth of flavor to the stew.
- Olive oil (2 tbsp): For browning the chicken and sautéing the vegetables.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, for seasoning.
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables:
- Brown the chicken: Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Brown the chicken on both sides for about 4-5 minutes per side, then transfer to the slow cooker.
- Sauté the vegetables: In the same pan, add the chopped onion, garlic, and sliced bell peppers. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened, then transfer to the slow cooker.
2. Assemble the Cacciatore:
- Add the remaining ingredients: Pour the canned tomatoes, chicken stock, tomato paste, olives, oregano, and bay leaves into the slow cooker. Stir everything together.
- Season: Add more salt and pepper to taste.
3. Cook in the Slow Cooker:
- Set the slow cooker: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and falling off the bone.
4. Serve:
- Remove the bay leaves before serving. Serve the Chicken Cacciatore hot, with pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.
