Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore! A healthy spin on traditional Italian cacciatore made in a slow cooker. Served over zucchini noodles for a minimal effort, low carb dinner that's big on flavor. Gluten Free + Paleo + Low Calorie
Lightly spray a large slow cooker with nonstick spray. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium high. Pound the chicken breasts to no more than 1" inch thickness. Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken in a single layer.
Cook on the first side for 3 to 4 minutes, until browned, moving the chicken as little as possible until it has a light sear. Flip and brown on the other side, 2 additional minutes. Transfer the chicken to the slow cooker.
Reduce the skillet heat to medium. Add the onion and cook until beginning to soften, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar. Cook for 1 minute, or until the garlic is fragrant and the vinegar has reduced. Transfer the veggies the slow cooker, along with any pan drippings over the chicken breasts.
Next add the crushed tomatoes, green bell pepper, mushrooms, and Italian seasoning. Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 hours or low for 4 to 5 hours, until the chicken is cooked through. Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and set aside.
Stir in the remaining 1/2 teaspoon balsamic vinegar in the slow cooker. Cook for another 30 minutes to let the sauce thicken then return the chicken breast to the slow cooker to warm 5-10 minutes. Serve the chicken over pasta, rice or zucchini noodles with a generous amount of sauce. Top with grated parmesan and chopped parsley.
Notes
The balsamic vinegar is 1 tablespoon plus 1/2 teaspoon total for this recipe.