Crockpot Citrus Chicken Cacciatore

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 7 hours
🍽 Serves: 4
★★★★★
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Looking for a comforting, flavorful dish that practically cooks itself? This Crockpot Citrus Chicken Cacciatore is a delightful twist on a classic Italian favorite, blending zesty citrus notes with tender chicken and vibrant vegetables. It's perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend meal.

Ingredients for Crockpot Citrus Chicken Cacciatore

The star of this dish is the chicken breasts, which become incredibly tender and flavorful after slow cooking. Onions and garlic provide a savory base, while red and yellow bell peppers add sweetness and color. Mushrooms bring an earthy depth to the stew. The mixture of diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and a hint of orange juice and lemon juice creates a sauce that’s both savory and slightly tangy. A sprinkle of dried oregano and thyme gives it a classic Italian flair. Finally, a touch of olive oil ensures everything cooks up nice and succulent, while fresh parsley adds a burst of freshness right before serving.

Tips & Tricks

  • For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the citrus juices and some olive oil overnight.
  • If you're short on time, you can skip browning the chicken, but it does add a nice depth of flavor.
  • For a thicker sauce, remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking to let some liquid evaporate.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs beautifully with a side of fluffy jasmine rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce. A crisp green salad or some crusty bread would also complement it perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use bone-in chicken?
Absolutely! Just adjust the cooking time as bone-in chicken may take a little longer to cook.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, this dish freezes well. Just store it in an airtight container and it should keep for up to 3 months.
What if I don't have fresh citrus?
In a pinch, bottled orange and lemon juice will work, but fresh juice is recommended for the best flavor.

Crockpot Citrus Chicken Cacciatore Recipe Walkthrough

Start by heating some olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. You want to get a nice sear on the chicken breasts, so cook them for a few minutes on each side until they're golden brown. Don't worry about cooking them through — they’ll finish in the crockpot. Once browned, transfer the chicken to your crockpot.

In the same skillet, throw in the onions and garlic. Sauté them until they're softened and fragrant, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Add these aromatic goodies to the crockpot with the chicken.

Next, layer in the sliced bell peppers and mushrooms on top of the chicken. These will soften beautifully and soak up all the flavors as they cook.

Now, pour in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, orange juice, and lemon juice. These liquids will mingle with the veggies and chicken, creating a delicious broth.

Sprinkle the oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper over everything. Give it all a gentle stir to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.

Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours. This slow cooking process will make the chicken incredibly tender and allow all the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Just before serving, garnish with a generous amount of fresh parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Easy prep and hands-off cooking thanks to the trusty crockpot.
  • A refreshing citrus twist that brightens up the traditional cacciatore flavors.
  • Hearty and nutritious, packed with protein and colorful veggies.
  • Perfect for meal prep — leftovers taste even better!

Ingredients

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 large onion, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
8 oz mushrooms, sliced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
3/4 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp olive oil
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and brown the chicken breasts on both sides. Transfer to the crockpot.
2. In the same skillet, sauté the onions and garlic until softened, then add to the crockpot.
3. Add the sliced bell peppers and mushrooms to the crockpot.
4. Pour in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, orange juice, and lemon juice.
5. Sprinkle the oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper over the ingredients.
6. Stir gently to combine all ingredients well.
7. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or until the chicken is tender.
8. Before serving, garnish with fresh parsley.

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