Chicken Cacciatore is a rustic Italian dish that is hearty and satisfying served over zucchini "noodles" with simple pan-seared asparagus on the side. The slow cooker allows chicken thighs to get super tender while they cook in a flavorful tomato sauce.
Onions / Bell peppers - Prep as directed and combine. (Can be done up to 5 days ahead)
Slow cook chicken - Chop garlic. Combine garlic, onions, bell peppers, tomatoes (including liquid), Italian seasoning, salt, oregano and red pepper flakes in the bowl of a slow cooker. Nestle chicken thighs in the sauce. Cook chicken until tender and easily shredded with a fork, low for 7 to 8 hours (or high for 4 to 5 hours).
Asparagus - Trim asparagus. (Can be done up to 2 days ahead)
Heat a skillet or pan over medium heat. Toast pine nuts for 3 to 4 minutes, until fragrant. Set aside.
Return pan to medium-high heat and add oil (portion for the asparagus). Add asparagus and saute for 4 to 8 minutes, until tender but still crunchy. Season with some salt and transfer to a serving dish. Top with lemon juice and pine nuts.
While asparagus is cooking, heat a second skillet over medium heat. Add oil (portion for the zucchini ) and zucchini with a sprinkle of salt. Saute until zucchini is tender, ~2 minutes for zucchini noodles and 4 minutes for zucchini slices.
Taste chicken and sauce; season with some salt and pepper.
Serve chicken and sauce over zucchini noodles. Enjoy with asparagus on the side.