Crock pot chicken cacciatore




Makes 4 servings


Each serving provides:

1 leaner

1 healthy fat

3 green

3 condiments

 

1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon olive oil

2 ¼ pounds chicken breast (raw weight)

¼ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon pepper

½ cup scallions

3 garlic cloves 

1 tablespoon + ½ teaspoon balsamic vinegar

3 cups crushed tomatoes

1 medium green bell pepper

1 ½ cups mushrooms

2 teaspoons Italian seasoning


Directions 

1.     Lightly coat a large slow cooker with nonstick spray. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium high. Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, 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 so that it gets a nice sear. Flip and brown on the other side, about 2 additional minutes. Transfer the chicken to the slow cooker. 

2.     Reduce the skillet heat to medium. With a paper towel, carefully wipe out the skillet. Add the remaining 1 teaspoon  olive oil. When  the oil is hot, add the scallions 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 to the slow cooker, along with any pan drippings.

3.     Top the chicken with the tomatoes, green bell pepper, mushrooms, and Italian seasoning. If using chicken breasts: cover 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. If using chicken thighs: cover and cook for 3 to 4 hours on HIGH or 5 to 6 hours on LOW. Remember you will get less chicken using thighs. This conversion is with chicken breast. Remove the chicken from the slow cooker as soon as it reaches 165 degrees F. If desired, chop or shred the chicken (or you can serve the pieces whole). 

4.     At this point, you can serve the sauce right away if you are in a hurry, BUT, if time allows, this is what I like to do for the best-ever sauce: Uncover the slow cooker and let cook on HIGH for 1 hour to allow the sauce to thicken and the flavor to further develop. Just before serving, stir in the remaining 1/2 teaspoon balsamic vinegar. Taste and season the sauce with additional salt/pepper as desired.  If you’ve chopped or shredded the chicken, return it to the sauce and toss to combine and warm through 


Substitute the mushrooms for zucchini cubes if you would rather;  I personally love all things mushroom. 

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