I’ve always found comfort in cooking, especially when there’s a simple, heartwarming meal on the table. One of my favorite go-to dishes is Jamie Oliver’s Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore. The first time I tried it, I had just moved into a new apartment. The kitchen was bare, but I had a slow cooker, a few ingredients, and a craving for something flavorful. I threw everything in, set the timer, and let it do its thing. When I came back a few hours later, the smell that greeted me was nothing short of magic. That’s the beauty of slow cooking – it transforms humble ingredients into something spectacular without demanding much attention. This recipe became a staple in my weekly rotation.
Jamie Oliver’s Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Recipe
Jamie Oliver’s take on Chicken Cacciatore is a revelation. The slow cooker gives the chicken time to absorb all the flavors, creating a rich, saucy dish that’s packed with tomatoes, olives, and herbs. The beauty of this dish is in its simplicity. It’s a perfect example of how slow cooking can elevate basic ingredients. This recipe is as easy as it gets but still feels like a special meal.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s what you’ll need to make this dish:
- Chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on): I’ve always preferred bone-in thighs for slow cooking. They stay moist and juicy as they cook, plus they infuse the sauce with more flavor.
- Onions: Adds sweetness and depth when caramelized in the slow cooker.
- Garlic: No Italian dish is complete without garlic. It provides an aromatic base.
- Bell peppers (red and green): These contribute a mild sweetness and vibrant color to the dish.
- Tomatoes (chopped, canned): A key component. They break down and thicken into a rich sauce.
- Olives (green or black): I love the saltiness they bring. It balances the sweetness of the tomatoes.
- Herbs (bay leaves, oregano, thyme): These herbs create an earthy, fragrant foundation.
- Red wine: The acidity cuts through the richness of the chicken and the sauce. It also enhances the depth of flavor.
- Chicken broth: This helps create the base of the sauce.
- Olive oil: Used for browning the chicken and sautéing the onions and garlic.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
I’ve made this dish dozens of times, and each time it’s like a little ritual. Here’s the step-by-step process:
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Prep The Chicken
- Heat some olive oil in a pan and brown the chicken thighs. This step isn’t essential, but I find that it helps deepen the flavor. Plus, it adds a nice crispy texture to the skin.
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Sauté The Aromatics
- In the same pan, toss in the chopped onions and garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant. The caramelized onions make a huge difference in flavor, trust me.
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Transfer To The Slow Cooker
- Place the browned chicken, sautéed onions, garlic, bell peppers, and chopped tomatoes into the slow cooker. Add olives, herbs, and red wine, and pour in the chicken broth.
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Slow Cook
- Set your slow cooker to low and let it cook for about 6-7 hours, or until the chicken is tender and falling off the bone. It’s during this time that all the flavors meld together.
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Serve
- Serve over pasta, rice, or even mashed potatoes. The sauce is rich enough to stand on its own, but a hearty side really brings it all together.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
Each ingredient in this dish plays an important role:
- Chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on): These are the MVPs of slow cooking. The skin provides flavor and richness, while the bone infuses the dish with additional depth. The fat from the skin melts into the sauce, giving it a luxurious texture.
- Olives: The briny saltiness cuts through the rich sauce, adding complexity and balance. They also provide healthy fats and antioxidants.
- Tomatoes: Rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, tomatoes give the sauce both acidity and sweetness. The long cooking time breaks them down into a velvety base for the chicken.
- Herbs and garlic: These aromatics build the flavor profile from the ground up. Fresh herbs like thyme and oregano release their oils over time, creating a fragrant, savory sauce. Garlic, when slow-cooked, becomes soft and sweet, adding a subtle depth to the dish.
Expert Tips
- Don’t skip browning the chicken: It’s an extra step, but it deepens the flavor. The Maillard reaction that happens when you brown the chicken adds complexity.
- Let it cook low and slow: Resist the urge to speed up the cooking process. The low heat allows the flavors to develop and the chicken to become tender.
- Use bone-in chicken: Skinless, boneless chicken will cook faster but won’t provide the same depth of flavor or richness. Bone-in thighs make the dish more authentic and flavorful.
- Add a splash of balsamic vinegar: A small amount of balsamic vinegar just before serving can give the dish a nice acidity and extra layer of flavor.
- Adjust the olives to taste: Depending on whether you’re using green or black olives, you might want to adjust the quantity. Some olives can be very salty, so taste the sauce before adding more.
Recipe Variations
The beauty of this recipe is that it’s versatile. Here are a few ways you can mix it up:
- Swap the chicken thighs for chicken breasts: While not as juicy, chicken breasts can still work if you prefer a leaner option.
- Add mushrooms: If you’re a fan of earthy flavors, throw in some mushrooms. They absorb the sauce and add an extra umami kick.
- Spicy version: Add red pepper flakes or some fresh chilies for a bit of heat.
- Vegetarian version: Replace the chicken with hearty vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, or even cauliflower for a plant-based twist.
Final Words
Jamie Oliver’s Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore is one of those dishes that feels like a hug in a bowl. It’s simple, flavorful, and perfect for a cozy meal. Whether you’re feeding a family or prepping for a busy week, it’s a recipe that never disappoints. Plus, it’s nearly impossible to mess up. Let the slow cooker do the work, and you’ll have a delicious meal waiting for you at the end of the day.
FAQs
Can I Use Bone-in Chicken For Jamie Oliver’s Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore?
Yes, bone-in chicken works well and adds more flavor to the dish. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly.
How Long Does It Take To Cook Chicken Cacciatore In A Slow Cooker?
It usually takes about 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high for the chicken to cook perfectly.
Can I Make This Chicken Cacciatore Recipe Ahead Of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it the night before and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it when you’re ready to serve.