3-Ingredient Chicken Cacciatore
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Want a super easy dinner that tastes great? Try this 3-ingredient chicken cacciatore! You can make a yummy Italian meal with just chicken, sauce, and veggies. It’s perfect for busy days when you don’t have time to cook.
This recipe is a snap to make. Just toss everything in your slow cooker and let it do the work. In a few hours, you’ll have a tasty meal that smells amazing. Serve it over pasta or with bread for a filling dinner your family will love.
Exact Ingredients (+ Possible Substitutes)
Here’s what you’ll need for this simple 3-ingredient chicken cacciatore:
- 4-6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 (24 oz) jar of spaghetti sauce
- 1 (16 oz) bag of frozen mixed vegetables
You can easily swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand:
For the chicken: Try bone-in thighs or drumsticks for more flavor. Chicken tenders work too if you prefer smaller pieces.
For the sauce: Any pasta sauce will do – marinara, tomato basil, or even arrabbiata for some heat. Crushed tomatoes with Italian herbs are another tasty option.
For the veggies: Use fresh bell peppers and onions instead of frozen mix. Or try canned mushrooms, artichoke hearts, or olives for an Italian twist.
Feel free to add some extra flavor with garlic, Italian seasoning, or a splash of red wine. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility, so have fun with it!
Instructions
Start by greasing your crockpot. This prevents the chicken from sticking.
Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot. Pour the spaghetti sauce over them, making sure they’re well coated.
Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours. The chicken should be tender and easy to shred when done.
About an hour before serving, add your mixed vegetables to the crockpot. Stir them in gently.
Let everything cook together for the final hour. This allows the veggies to warm up and absorb some flavor.
When ready, use two forks to shred the chicken right in the crockpot. Mix it with the sauce and veggies.
Taste and add salt and pepper if needed. Your 3-ingredient chicken cacciatore is now ready to enjoy!
Serve over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the tasty sauce.
Tips, Tricks & Storing
Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for easy eating. Cut them into smaller pieces to cook faster and soak up more flavor.
Try different jarred sauces to change up the taste. Marinara, arrabbiata, or vodka sauce work great.
Add extra veggies like zucchini, carrots, or spinach for more nutrition. Frozen mixed vegetables are convenient and cook quickly.
Don’t lift the slow cooker lid too often. This lets heat escape and increases cooking time.
Make sure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internal temperature before serving. Use a meat thermometer to check.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat thoroughly in the microwave or on the stove.
Freeze portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Serve over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
For a thicker sauce, remove chicken when done and simmer sauce uncovered for 15-20 minutes.