Italian recipes are a labor of love, y’all, and the proof is in the pudding. It is no wonder the country is so well-known for its culinary masterpieces! I am all about culinary masterpieces, but for a while, I existed in a point of contention because my life didn’t afford me the opportunity to spend hours in the kitchen every day. If you’re in the same boat, you’ve come to the right place. Today’s gem is Chicken Cacciatore, one of the culinary masterpieces finding its ingredient roots in Italy but its convenient roots in My Family Dinner.
Our Chicken Cacciatore delivers all the traditional flavors you’d expect from a chicken cacciatore. While you go about your day, shuffling kids to school and activities, caring for your home, and slaying at your job, succulent chicken, tomato, bell pepper, Italian seasoning, and aromatics meld together in a slow cooker. The aroma is so tantalizing, it’ll leave you counting down the minutes until the dinner hour.
The difference that truly sets our Chicken Cacciatore recipe apart is the way it is prepared and cooked. On a day when spare time is available, just a few minutes of adding the ingredients to a freezer bag are required to be ready to enjoy this recipe. When pasta day arrives, just pull the meal from your freezer, add the contents of the freezer bag to your crockpot, and set it to low.
By the time dinner rolls around, everything will be done for you. It is the lowest maintenance way to serve up the most scrumptious meals, and it is exactly what we are doing together here today. If you’re like me, you were ready to go at the mention of “Italian recipes,” so, “Andiamo!”
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Cacciatore Freezer Meal Recipe!
- Healthy: Loaded with vegetables and lean protein, Chicken Cacciatore offers everything you need to live a healthy lifestyle.
- Flavorful: The slow-cooked sauce results in deep, rich flavors.
- One-Pot Meal: Minimal clean-up necessary, which means this recipe is a great go-to for busy nights.
Chicken Cacciatore Freezer Meal Recipe
Our Chicken Cacciatore delivers all the traditional flavors you'd expect from a chicken cacciatore. While you go about your day, shuffling kids to school and activities, caring for your home, and slay at your job, succulent chicken, tomato, bell pepper, seasonings are melding together in your slow cooker. The aroma is tantalizing!
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 4 hours hrs
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
1 gallon freezer bag
1 Slow Cooker
- 4 Chicken thighs boneless/skinless
- 14.5 oz Diced tomatoes
- 1 Bell pepper sliced
- 1 Onion sliced
- 2 tsp Garlic powder
- 1/2 cup Chicken broth Gluten-free
- 1 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper
- 1-2 tbsp Capers
For Serving:- Capers Optional
- Gluten-Free pasta or Rice
Prep/Freezer Directions:Prepare a gallon freezer bag, labeling according to your preferred method.
Add all ingredients into the freezer bag, seal and shake to evenly coat.
After shaking, re-seal bag, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to three months.
Slow Cooker Directions:Thaw freezer bag in fridge 12-24 hours before cooking.
Dump contents of the freezer bag into a slow cooker.
Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
Serve with GF pasta or rice and enjoy! Optional: Garnish with capers and fresh herbs.
Instant Pot Cooking Directions:- Dump the contents of the freezer bag into the Instant Pot, add ½ cup water.
- Set to High Pressure for 15 minutes, then allow a 10-minute natural release followed by a quick release.
- Serve with GF pasta or rice and enjoy! Optional: Garnish with capers and fresh herbs.
Make it Gluten-Free: - Recipe is naturally Gluten-Free.
Make it Dairy Free: - Recipe is naturally Dairy Free.
Keyword Chicken Cacciatore, Chicken Freezer Meals, easy freezer meals for new moms, Slow cooker Chicken Recipe
Equipment needed to make Easy Chicken Cacciatore Freezer Meal
- 1 gallon freezer bag
- 1 Slow Cooker
Ingredients for your Chicken Cacciatore
- 4 Chicken thighs, boneless/skinless
- 14.5 oz Diced tomatoes
- 1 Bell pepper, sliced
- 1 Onion, sliced
- 2 tsp Garlic powder
- 1/2 cup Chicken broth, Gluten-free
- 1 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper
- 1-2 tbsp Capers
- For Serving:
- Capers, Optional
- Serve over Gluten-Free pasta or Rice
How to Make Chicken Cacciatore
Prep/Freezer Directions:
- Prepare a gallon freezer bag, labeling according to your preferred method.
- Add all ingredients into the freezer bag, seal and shake to evenly coat.
- After shaking, re-seal bag, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to three months.
Slow Cooker Directions:
- Thaw freezer bag in fridge 12-24 hours before cooking.
- Dump contents of the freezer bag into a slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
- Serve with GF pasta or rice and enjoy! Optional: Garnish with capers and fresh herbs.
What to Serve with your Make-Ahead Chicken Cacciatore?
Sides:
Desserts:
Mocktails:
Popular Substitutions and Additions
Substitutions:
- Red Wine: To deepen the flavor of your Chicken Cacciatore, substitute a portion of the chicken broth with red wine. This will yield a rich, robust flavor that is classic in many Italian dishes. Ensure the alcohol fully cooks off by simmering it well before freezing.
- Mushrooms: If bell peppers aren’t your favorite or you desire an umami flavor, mushrooms are a fantastic substitute. They add a meaty texture and an earthy flavor, complementing the chicken perfectly.
Additions:
- Artichoke Hearts: Stirring in some quartered artichoke hearts adds a Mediterranean flair to our recipe.
- Carrots: If you’d like to be even more traditional with this recipe, add diced carrots to it. A number of traditional Chicken Cacciatore recipes call for it, and they’ll add a wonderful flavor to the overall dish.
How to Reheat and Store Chicken Cacciatore
Best way to store best Freezer Meal Chicken Cacciatore Leftovers?
Storing this meal is easy, if you have any left. Just keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and it will remain fresh. Also, make sure to allow the recipe to cool to room temperature before storing.
How long will Chicken Cacciatore last in the fridge?
When you have properly allowed your leftovers to cool to room temperature, and you have stored your dish in airtight containers, this recipe will stay fresh for three to five days.
Can I Freeze Healthy Chicken Cacciatore Freezer Recipe?
Our method of preparation is to freeze raw, then cook directly from the freezer. This method yields the best flavor and texture. You’re able to store leftovers, but just know that the second round will be less exciting and scrumptious as the first.
To freeze this recipe raw, add all the ingredients into a gallon freezer bag, shake the bag to coat. Remove excess air and seal for up to three months.
How to Reheat DIY Chicken Cacciatore Freezer Meal?
This meal is reheatable in the oven, on the stovetop, and in the microwave. To reheat in the oven, place desired amount of leftovers on an oven safe dish, preheat to 325, and reheat for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. When you are using the microwave, be sure to avoid overheating, by short bursts of 30-60 seconds. Stir between each interval to ensure even heating. When reheating on the stovetop, put a splash of broth on a skillet, over medium heat, and stir occasionally until heated evenly through your leftovers.
Healthy Chicken Cacciatore FAQs
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