SLOW COOKER CHICKEN CACCIATORE

Ingredients

6 skinless chicken thighs I used bone-in
salt and black pepper to taste
2-3 Tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic minced
½ medium white onion chopped
1/4 cup diced red bell peppers
1 cup sliced carrots
1 cup sliced mushrooms
28 oz can diced tomatoes drained
6 oz can tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon dried oregano
¼ teaspoon dried rosemary
¼ teaspoon dried thyme
6 Kalamata olives
½ cup chopped kale stems removed
2 teaspoons corn starch plus 3 teaspoons water whisked together in a small bowl (to thicken up sauce - leave out for lower carb or if you want a thinner sauce consistency)
2 Tablespoons fresh chopped parsley plus more for serving
Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Instructions

Season chicken with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken until golden brown, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer chicken to slow cooker. Alternatively, if pressed for time, skip browning and add chicken straight to a 6-quart slow cooker.
Add the garlic, onion, bell peppers, carrots, mushrooms, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme and salt, and black pepper to taste. Stir to combine. **(Do not worry if the mixture looks dry, the tomatoes will release more liquid as this cooks - if you like this dish saucier or soup-y - you can add ½ cup chicken broth or water)
Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-7 hours.
30 minutes prior to serving, stir in the olives, kale and cornstarch/water slurry into the slow cooker and cook for an additional 20-30 minutes on HIGH, or until sauce thickens up slightly and kale is wilted.
Sprinkle with chopped parsley, basil leaves and taste and season with additional salt or black pepper, as needed.
Serve hot over zucchini noodles, cauliflower rice, pasta or your favorite sides and top with grated parmesan, if desired.

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