I remember the first time I tried Jamie Oliver’s Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore. I was in a rush, had a busy week, and didn’t feel like spending hours in the kitchen. I’d heard about the beauty of slow cookers, but I wasn’t fully convinced until I made this dish. It changed my whole perspective on comfort food. The moment I opened the lid after hours of slow cooking, the smell hit me-rich, savory, and full of flavors that only time could develop. It was like magic.
Chicken Cacciatore, an Italian classic, is one of those dishes that tastes even better the next day. When prepared in a slow cooker, it becomes an effortless yet sophisticated meal. Jamie Oliver’s recipe is one of my favorites, and it’s perfect for anyone who’s looking for an easy yet flavorful dish. Let’s dive into the details!
Jamie Oliver’s Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Recipe
Jamie Oliver’s recipe isn’t just any ordinary Cacciatore. He brings in a balance of flavors that come together beautifully in the slow cooker. The key is his blend of fresh herbs, rich tomatoes, and perfectly seasoned chicken that breaks down slowly into tender, melt-in-your-mouth goodness. The simplicity of the ingredients combined with the long cooking time makes it a standout.
This recipe is made for busy days when you need a comforting meal waiting for you after a hectic schedule. I still remember the first time I walked into my kitchen after a long day and the aroma from the slow cooker greeted me. It felt like the day was finally going to slow down, and everything was about to be okay.
Ingredients Needed
Before you begin, make sure you’ve got these ingredients on hand. The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity. You don’t need fancy, hard-to-find items. Most of these things can be found in your pantry or local supermarket.
- Chicken Thighs – Bone-in, skin-on, or boneless. Jamie suggests thighs because they stay juicy and tender after hours of cooking.
- Olive Oil – Adds richness and helps in browning the chicken.
- Onion – Sliced thinly, it caramelizes during the cooking process and adds sweetness.
- Garlic – For that deep, aromatic base.
- Bell Peppers – Red or yellow peppers work best here, providing a pop of sweetness and color.
- Canned Tomatoes – A can of chopped tomatoes gives that deep, tangy flavor.
- Tomato Paste – Adds richness and depth.
- Black Olives – For a salty kick.
- Red Wine – A splash brings acidity and complexity to the dish.
- Herbs – Fresh thyme and rosemary. They’ll infuse the dish with a rustic, earthy flavor.
- Bay Leaves – A must for any long-braised dish.
- Chicken Stock – Adds a savory backdrop to the entire sauce.
- Salt and Pepper – To taste.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
Making this dish is incredibly easy. Here’s how to bring it all together:
- Brown the Chicken: Start by heating some olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken thighs on both sides to get a crispy skin, which will lock in the juices and give the final dish texture.
- Prep the Base: In the same pan, sauté onions, garlic, and bell peppers until they soften and become fragrant. This is when you’ll start smelling that magic happening. You can also add a little salt to bring out their natural sweetness.
- Deglaze the Pan: Add a splash of red wine to the pan, scraping up all the delicious bits stuck to the bottom. This is key for flavor. Let it reduce for a minute.
- Assemble in the Slow Cooker: Now, transfer everything to the slow cooker. Layer the browned chicken, sautéed veggies, canned tomatoes, tomato paste, olives, herbs, bay leaves, and chicken stock. Don’t forget a good pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
- Slow Cook: Set the slow cooker to low and let it cook for 6-8 hours. The chicken will become incredibly tender, and the flavors will meld together beautifully.
- Final Touches: Before serving, remove the chicken skin (if you used skin-on thighs) and discard the bay leaves. Taste for seasoning and adjust if necessary.
Serve it with a side of creamy mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce!
Ingredient Science Spotlight
Each ingredient in Jamie’s Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore plays a specific role in building the final flavor profile. Here’s a deeper look at how they work together:
- Chicken Thighs: The beauty of thighs lies in their higher fat content compared to breasts, making them perfect for slow cooking. As they cook, they release juices and fat, creating a rich and succulent sauce.
- Olives and Red Wine: Olives add a briny, slightly bitter contrast, while red wine brings in acidity and complexity. Both are staples in Italian cooking, balancing the rich and tangy tomatoes.
- Tomatoes & Tomato Paste: The tomatoes provide a sweet and tangy base, while tomato paste intensifies the flavor, creating a deep, savory backbone for the sauce.
- Herbs: Fresh thyme and rosemary bring in that earthy, fragrant aroma, while the bay leaves contribute a subtle depth that’s essential in slow-braised dishes.
Expert Tips
- Don’t Skimp on Browning: While it’s tempting to toss everything into the slow cooker, the caramelization from browning the chicken and vegetables adds layers of flavor. Don’t rush this step.
- Use Bone-in Chicken: If you can, use bone-in chicken thighs. The bones release more flavor during cooking, making the sauce even richer.
- Add Veggies for Extra Texture: Feel free to toss in extra veggies like zucchini or mushrooms for added texture and nutrients. It’ll make the dish even more hearty.
- Let It Rest: After cooking, let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving. It gives the sauce time to settle, and the flavors will marry even more.
Recipe Variations
This recipe is highly versatile. Here are a few variations you can try:
- Add Spice: If you love heat, add some red chili flakes or a diced jalapeño to the mix for a spicy kick.
- Switch Up the Meat: Try using chicken breasts, pork, or even turkey thighs for a different twist.
- Go Vegetarian: Swap the chicken for eggplant or cauliflower for a plant-based version. Just add a bit more vegetable stock for extra flavor.
- More Olives: For a Mediterranean version, load up the dish with more olives or capers for that briny, salty note.
Final Words
What I love about this dish is how easy it is to make but how it feels like you’re serving something really special. Slow cooking unlocks flavors in a way that quick methods simply can’t match. Whether you’re looking for a cozy family meal or a dinner that’s perfect for entertaining, this chicken cacciatore will never disappoint.
FAQs
How Long Does Jamie Oliver’s Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Take To Cook?
It usually takes about 6 hours on low heat or 3 hours on high heat in the slow cooker.
Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore With Chicken Breasts Instead Of Thighs?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but thighs tend to be more tender and flavorful in this recipe.
What Can I Serve With Jamie Oliver’s Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore?
It’s great with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.