If you’re looking for a hearty, flavorful dish that’s also low in carbohydrates, our Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore fits the bill perfectly. With tender chicken, nutritious vegetables, and savory herbs, this dish brings comfort and nourishment in every bite, all while keeping your diet in check.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 bell peppers, sliced
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Equipments
- Slow cooker
- Skillet
- Wooden spoon
- Knife
- Cutting board
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Low Carb – Step By Step
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Begin by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, ensuring they are spread evenly in the pan. Cook until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant, usually about 3–5 minutes. This step is crucial because cooking the aromatics releases their full flavors, setting the perfect base for your cacciatore.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
In the same skillet, add the chicken thighs. Brown them on each side for about 3–4 minutes. You’re not cooking them through here—just giving them a tantalizing, golden crust. This gives depth and richness to your dish once it cooks in the slow cooker. Don’t worry if the center is still pink; the slow cooker will handle that.
Step 3: Prepare the Slow Cooker Mixture
In your slow cooker, combine the browned chicken, sautéed onions and garlic, sliced bell peppers, crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, oregano, basil, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to ensure even distribution of all ingredients. The magical blend of these elements transforms the dish into a flavorful feast as it slowly cooks and melds together.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Set your slow cooker to low and let it work its magic for 6–7 hours. Alternatively, you can set it to high and cook for 3–4 hours. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to intensify, and the chicken becomes irresistibly tender. You’ll know it’s ready once the chicken is completely cooked and easy to shred.
Step 5: Finishing Touches
Once cooked, taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary, adding more salt or pepper as desired. For a vibrant touch, garnish with freshly chopped parsley right before serving. This final step not only enhances the visual appeal of the dish but also adds a fresh burst of flavor.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Low Carb
Serve this delectable chicken cacciatore warm with a side of cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a low-carb meal. It’s also delightful on its own, allowing you to savor the full-bodied flavors achieved from slow cooking.
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Feel free to substitute chicken thighs with drumsticks or breasts, but adjust the cooking time accordingly to prevent dryness.
- For a richer sauce, you can add a splash of red wine before slow cooking, which pairs well with the tomatoes.
Pumped-Up Protein: High Protein Chicken Cacciatore
Looking for a protein-packed version? Swap chicken thighs with skinless chicken breasts to increase protein content. Pair it with a protein-rich side like quinoa or chickpeas for a satisfying meal.
An extra tablespoon of dietary yeast can boost the protein and add umami richness. This adjustment not only caters to muscle strengthening needs but also retains the authentic taste of cacciatore everyone loves.
Low-Carb Boost: Cutting the Carbs in Cacciatore
Our slow cooker chicken cacciatore is already low in carbs, but you can take it a step further by omitting the crushed tomatoes and substituting with fresh tomatoes blended with a dash of no-carb sweetener for a hint of sweetness without added sugars.
Adding more non-starchy vegetables such as mushrooms or spinach contributes additional vitamins and flavors without increasing carbohydrate content, making this dish not just low-carb but even more wholesome.
Storage Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This dish also freezes well; simply place in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in a microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.
FAQs
How long does chicken cacciatore last in the fridge?
It lasts up to 4 days when properly stored in an airtight container.
Can I use a different cut of chicken?
Yes! Drumsticks and breasts work great, though cooking times may vary.
Is it necessary to brown the chicken first?
While optional, browning enhances flavor and texture, making the dish even more delicious.
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
Indeed! Use the sauté function for initial steps, then select the poultry setting for pressure cooking.
Will the dish be spicy?
This recipe is mild, but you can add spice easily with chili flakes or spicy peppers.
Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Low Carb
Equipment
- – Slow cooker
- Skillet
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 6 chicken thighs boneless, skinless
- 1 onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 bell peppers sliced
- 14 oz crushed tomatoes canned
- 1 cup chicken broth low sodium
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 0.5 tsp dried thyme
- salt and pepper to taste
- fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, add onions and garlic, cooking until onions are translucent.
- Add chicken thighs to the skillet and brown on each side for 3–4 minutes.
- Transfer chicken, onions, garlic, bell peppers, tomatoes, chicken broth, and seasonings to the slow cooker.
- Set the slow cooker on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.