Imagine a dish that combines the rustic charm of Italian countryside cooking with the convenience of modern slow cooking - this Chicken Cacciatore is about to become your new obsession! Tender chicken thighs slowly simmered in a rich tomato sauce, paired with creamy sweet potatoes and bright lemony asparagus, this recipe is a flavor explosion that will transport your taste buds straight to a cozy Italian kitchen. Whether you're a busy home cook or a culinary enthusiast, this one-pot wonder promises to deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 2 sweet potatoes, diced
- 1 lb asparagus, trimmed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Prepare chicken thighs by patting them dry with paper towels and seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown chicken thighs on both sides for approximately 3-4 minutes per side to develop a golden crust.
- Transfer browned chicken thighs to the crockpot.
- In the same skillet, sauté chopped onions, sliced bell peppers, and minced garlic until slightly softened, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add diced tomatoes, dried oregano, and dried basil to the skillet. Stir and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Pour the vegetable and tomato mixture over the chicken thighs in the crockpot.
- Dice sweet potatoes into 1-inch cubes and layer them around the chicken in the crockpot.
- Cover and cook on low heat for 6 hours, allowing the chicken to become tender and flavors to meld.
- One hour before serving, prepare the asparagus. Trim the woody ends and toss with remaining olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Roast asparagus in a preheated 400°F oven for 10-12 minutes until tender and slightly crisp.
- Once crockpot cooking is complete, carefully remove chicken thighs and sweet potatoes.
- Plate the chicken thighs, surround with roasted sweet potato cubes, and serve with lemony asparagus on the side.
Tips
- Pat the chicken thighs completely dry before browning to ensure a perfect golden crust that locks in flavor.
- Don't skip the browning step! This crucial process develops deep, rich flavors that will elevate your entire dish.
- For extra depth, consider adding a splash of red wine to the tomato mixture before adding to the crockpot.
- Use fresh herbs if possible - they can dramatically enhance the overall taste of the dish.
- Check the chicken's internal temperature - it should reach 165°F for food safety.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir into the sauce during the last hour of cooking.
- The asparagus can be seasoned with some grated Parmesan cheese before roasting for an extra flavor boost.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 120mg
