Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore with Polenta
This rustic stew cooks all day in the slow cooker so you can come home to a comforting, hot dinner. Not a fan of polenta? Try this healthy chicken dinner over pasta instead.
Ingredients
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2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
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2 cups chopped red bell peppers
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2 cups chopped yellow onion
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8 ounces cremini mushrooms, halved
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½ teaspoon kosher salt, divided
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3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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1 tablespoon tomato paste
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3 tablespoons minced garlic
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¼ cup chopped fresh oregano
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½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
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½ cup red wine
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4 pounds bone-in, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed
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1 (28 ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
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1 cup unsalted chicken broth
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¼ cup drained capers
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¼ cup pitted Kalamata olives
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3 cups water
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1 ⅓ cups uncooked instant polenta
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¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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¼ cup torn fresh basil
Description
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Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add bell peppers, onion, mushrooms and 1/4 teaspoon salt; cook, stirring often, until beginning to brown, about 8 minutes. Add flour, tomato paste, garlic, oregano and crushed red pepper; cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in wine; cook, stirring and scraping up any browned bits, for 30 seconds.
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Transfer the mixture to a 6-quart slow cooker. Stir in chicken, tomatoes, broth and capers. Cover and cook on Low for 8 hours.
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Transfer the chicken to a clean cutting board; let cool for 5 minutes. Remove bones and return the meat to the slow cooker. Stir in olives and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cover to keep warm.
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Meanwhile, bring water to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Whisk in polenta; cook, stirring often, until thickened, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan. Serve the chicken and sauce over the polenta, topped with basil.