The Daily Balance

Who says complex, impressive dishes have to be complicated? Sure, anyone can throw some chicken/meat into a crock-pot and call it a meal, but why not get creative with the ingredients to mimic restaurant favorites?

I went to work to create an easy, crock-pot version of the traditional favorite, Chicken Cacciatore. It takes about 10 minutes to prepare.

You’ll need:

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 package of fresh mushrooms (I used baby bellas)
• 1/2 onion (sliced)
• 4 garlic cloves (2 minced, two whole)
• 1 jar of your favorite pasta sauce
• 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 3/4 cup dry white wine

First, pan-sear chicken breasts in 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Chicken does not need to be completely cooked-through, just seared.

Put the chicken into the crockpot.

Pour the pasta sauce on top and add all of the other ingredients into the pot.

Let sit 8 hours on low. When you are ready to eat, stir the contents of the pot and serve.

I like to top mine with mozzarella cheese, and I normally serve this with some fresh Italian bread — it’s perfect for dipping into the extra sauce.

ENJOY!

What is your favorite fancy meal to simplify in the crock-pot?

14 Responses to “Make it – Crock-pot Chicken Cacciatore”

1. Andrea @ CanYouStayForDinner.com said:

   Yumm! Your cacciatore looks delicious! I love using my slow cooker. It’s not fancy, but I make a mean pulled pork! Have a great Monday

   Posted on February 22, 2010 at 9:41 am | Reply
2. Jessica @ The Process of Healing said:

   That sounds great!! Crock pots are amazingness. I like to make buffalo chicken dip.. ok, not fancy but delicious nonetheless!

   Posted on February 22, 2010 at 10:12 am | Reply
3. Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg said:

   I have a crock pot that I have rarely used…since becoming vegetarian, I find that there aren’t as many slow cooker recipes that appeal to me! Your chicken looks fabulous though!

   Posted on February 22, 2010 at 10:14 am | Reply
4. Estela @ Weekly Bite said:

   I have to say pulled pork is my favorite crock pot meal

   It reminds me of Texas BBQ

   Posted on February 22, 2010 at 10:25 am | Reply
5. Sophie @ yumventures said:

   I love how crock pots are making a comeback! Great recipe =)

   Posted on February 22, 2010 at 11:08 am | Reply
6. Heather (Heather's Dish) said:

   this sounds so good! i wonder if you could sub beans or something instead of chicken…?

   Posted on February 22, 2010 at 11:17 am | Reply
7. Christie @ Honoring Health said:

   Yum, this looks delish! Thanks for sharing!

   Posted on February 22, 2010 at 12:57 pm | Reply
8. Sagan said:

   Mmmm.

   I like making steel-cut oats in the crockpot. Soup/stew is really good too. But I think I make oats the most! You can make a week’s worth of servings overnight and just put the rest in the fridge.

   Posted on February 22, 2010 at 1:25 pm | Reply
9. Caitlin @ Right Foot Forward said:

   That looks delicious! I have a crock pot, but I haven’t used it yet. I’m afraid to leave it on while I’m gone. Do you ever have any concerns?

   Posted on February 22, 2010 at 2:12 pm | Reply
10. La said:

    Seriously, how does melting mozz on top of anything instantly make it 1000x more appealing? AMAZIN.

    Posted on February 22, 2010 at 3:59 pm | Reply
11. Lisa said:

    oooh that looks delicious! YUM!!!!

    Posted on February 22, 2010 at 6:18 pm | Reply
12. Lauren said:

    Can you believe I’ve never had a crock-pot meal?

    Posted on February 22, 2010 at 6:36 pm | Reply
13. shelly said:

    I make that chicken recipe in the crockpot all the time! I love it!

    Posted on February 22, 2010 at 7:24 pm | Reply
14. Make it – Ode to the crockpot | The Daily Balance said:

    [...] thing that simply plugs into the wall and cooks EXACTLY how long I tell you to. Whether it’s chicken cacciatore, pork chops or my famous chili, you never get it wrong and for that, I thank [...]

    Posted on October 4, 2010 at 9:26 am | Reply