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    Home » Main Course Recipes » Chicken and Poultry Recipes

    Published: Apr 10, 2016 · Modified: Feb 8, 2021 by Renée · This post may contain affiliate links · 23 Comments

    Slow Cooker Chicken Vesuvio

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    A vertical photo collage of Slow Cooker Chicken Vesuvio along with a title text overlay graphic in the center.

    Moist and meaty chicken thighs, along with red potatoes are cooked low and slow in a white wine caper sauce for this Italian classic of Slow Cooker Chicken Vesuvio.

    A vertical closeup image of a pile of Vesuvio potatoes with chicken, capers and thyme.

    If you're looking for a robust chicken dinner that's packed full of delicious flavor and is also easy to prepare, then you need to add this chicken Vesuvio made in a slow cooker recipe to your meal calendar ASAP!

    **Please Note - The printable recipe card with detailed instructions, complete ingredient measurements, and nutritional information for making Chicken Vesuvio in a slow cooker is available at the end of this post. OR you can hit the "jump to recipe" button (found above) to be taken directly to the recipe. 

    This recipe was originally shared in 2016. This post has been updated with additional information, including a recipe card complete with nutritional information, but the recipe itself has remained unchanged.

    Subscribe to my Kudos Kitchen channel on YouTube. See you there!!

    Slow Cooker Chicken Vesuvio

    The ingredient list:

    **Note - The following lists of ingredients plus kitchen tools and equipment contain affiliate links (highlighted in blue) for your consideration and shopping convenience. #CommissionsEarned

    • olive oil
    • chicken thighs
    • shallots
    • white wine (I used a dry white)
    • red potatoes
    • chicken broth
    • capers
    • dry thyme (ground or leaves)
    • butter
    • lemon juice
    • salt and pepper (CAUTION: Go easy on the salt as the capers contain a good deal of briny flavor)

    Kitchen tools and equipment needed:

    • large skillet
    • spatula
    • large slow cooker (8 quarts)
    • tongs
    • chef's knife
    • measuring spoons
    • cutting board
    • large spoon
    • large slotted spoon
    • citrus juicer (optional)

    How this recipe came to be:

    Sometimes when I have an idea for a recipe and I need to make it without delay! That was the case for this Slow Cooker Chicken Vesuvio.

    So much so that I asked my husband to please go to the market and pick up some chicken thighs, because I didn't have the patience to wait for the ones I had in the freezer to thaw. Thanks, honey!

    Because I forgot to specify for him to buy boneless, skinless chicken thighs (the kind I normally use), my hubby picked up bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs.

    Since I had no room to complain (he was nice enough to go to the store for me), and since I really wanted to give my idea for Slow Cooker Chicken Vesuvio a try right away, the bone-in, skin-on chicken is what I used, and how I wrote the recipe.

    If however, you prefer boneless, skinless chicken thighs, go right ahead and use them. You won't need to alter the recipe one bit. Please continue with the same instructions written in the recipe.

    Overhead photo of Slow Cooker Chicken Vesuvio on a white scalloped plate.

    Why this recipe works:

    This Italian favorite of Chicken Vesuvio is a dish that works very well for the slow cooker.

    If you can spare 15 minutes in the morning to prepare the chicken and then nestle everything in the cooker, by the time you get home in the evening, you'll swear you're eating dinner at a fancy Italian restaurant. But it's one where you can visit while wearing your pj's if you're so inclined. LOL

    The skin on, or the skin off? That is the question...

    Traditionally, chicken Vesuvio is made with bone-in, skin-on chicken, so my husband was correct in his purchase. Since I'm not a big chicken skin eater (unless it's fried and crispy), I remove it before eating.

    In this recipe, the skin will help to add extra flavor to the sauce and potatoes, and the bones will add extra flavor to the meat itself.

    Whether you're using skin-on or skinless chicken, the step you don't want to neglect is the browning of the chicken before adding it to the cooker.

    That's the step that will add great depth and amazing flavor, and the one that will make your Slow Cooker Chicken Vesuvio a standout!

    How to make slow cooker chicken Vesuvio:

    • In a large skillet over medium/high heat, brown the chicken thighs in olive oil on both sides, working in two batches.
    • Cut three pounds of red potatoes into 2" chunks and layer the browned chicken and potatoes into a large (8 quart) slow-cooker.
    Slow Cooker Chicken Vesuvio Collage 1
    • Season the layers of potatoes with salt and pepper to taste, and top the final layer of potatoes with 1 jar (3.5 ounces) of capers.
    • Going back to the skillet, and on low heat and add ¾ cup of white wine.
    • Add 2 cups of chicken broth to the skillet, making sure to scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
    • Stir in dried thyme and butter.
    Slow Cooker Chicken Vesuvio Collage 3
    Slow Cooker Chicken Vesuvio Collage 4
    • Pour the pan sauce over the potatoes and chicken in the slow cooker.
    • Cover and cook on low for 8 hours.
    • Right before serving, add fresh lemon juice and stir.
    • Use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken and potatoes from the cooker. 
    • Serve and enjoy.
    Slow Cooker Chicken Vesuvio Collage 5
    Slow Cooker Chicken Vesuvio

    Additional slow cooker main courses:

    Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches: (shown below)

    When you need to feed a crowd during the holidays with something that’s delicious, and completely stress-free, these Slow-Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches are just what the doctor ordered.

    Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches

    Slow Cooker Beef with Peppers, Onions, and Dill (shown below)

    This super flavorful Slow Cooker meal is soon to become a family favorite for all the beef lovers...and who can blame them?

    Slow Cooker Beef with Peppers, Onions and Dill

    Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Tacos (shown below)

    Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Tacos with Rice and Beans is an easy and flavorful “dump” recipe that will please the entire family. It’s so simple, so flavorful, and takes only minutes to prepare.

    pulled pork tacos on a plate with lime wedges and fresh cilantro

    Slow Cooker Chicken Vesuvio (shown below) THIS IS THE PLACE!!

    A vertical collage image of Chicken Vesuvio make in a slow cooker with a title text graphic overlay.

    Below is the printable recipe card along with the exact ingredient measurements and nutritional information for making today's easy Italian chicken dinner in the slow cooker.

    ⭐If you've made this recipe, or are excited to make this recipe, I'd appreciate it if you'd take a moment to leave it a star rating on the recipe card, along with a comment if you're so inclined. Thank you. 🙂

    Slow Cooker Chicken Vesuvio

    Slow Cooker Chicken Vesuvio

    Renee Goerger
    Moist and meaty chicken thighs, along with red potatoes are cooked low and slow in a white wine caper sauce for this Italian classic of Slow Cooker Chicken Vesuvio.
    4.41 from 5 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save recipe Saved Recipe!
    Prep Time 15 mins
    Cook Time 8 hrs
    Total Time 8 hrs 15 mins
    Course Slow Cooker - Main Course
    Cuisine Italian Cuisine
    Servings 4
    Calories 252 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 8 chicken thighs bone-in, skin-on
    • 1½ tablespoons olive oil
    • salt and pepper to taste
    • 3 pounds red potatoes cut into 2" chunks
    • 1 jar 3.5 ounces capers, undrained
    • 3 large shallots peeled and minced
    • ¾ cup white wine
    • 2 cups chicken broth
    • 3 tablespoons butter
    • 2 teaspoons dried thyme
    • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

    Instructions
     

    • Season the chicken thighs on both sides with salt and pepper to taste.
    • In a large skillet over medium/high heat, brown the chicken thighs on both sides, four at a time.
    • Place four chicken thighs in the bottom of a slow cooker.
    • Top the thighs with half of the cut up potatoes. Season the potatoes with salt and pepper.
    • Top the potatoes with the remaining browned chicken thighs and the remaining potatoes that have been seasoned with salt and pepper.
    • Pour the capers over the potatoes in the cooker and top evenly with the shallots.
    • Add the wine to the skillet and over medium/low heat, stir in the chicken broth making sure to scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
    • Stir in the thyme and butter until melted.
    • Pour the pan sauce over the chicken and potatoes in the slow cooker.
    • Cover and cook on low for 8 hours.
    • Right before serving add the fresh lemon juice and stir.
    • Remove the chicken and potatoes with a slotted spoon and serve.

    Notes

    Boneless skinless chicken thighs may be used in place of bone-in, skin-on, chicken thighs.
    Do not omit the browning of the chicken. This is necessary for flavor, and in making the pan sauce.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1servingCalories: 252kcalCarbohydrates: 19gProtein: 18gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 276mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2g
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    I sincerely hope you've enjoyed today's chicken main course for the slow cooker as much as I've enjoyed bringing it to you!

    A direct overhead photo of Chicken Vesuvio made in a slow cooker on a white plate with a fork and a colorful napkin.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Nellie Tracy says

      February 03, 2021 at 1:41 pm

      Such a great weeknight dinner recipe! LOVE it!

      Reply
    2. Stephie says

      October 03, 2016 at 1:29 pm

      I made this the other night and it was great! Super easy. I was planning to reduce down the liquid after cooking to make a sort of gravy, but ran out of time. Next time. 🙂

      Reply
      • Renée says

        October 04, 2016 at 4:25 pm

        That's a great idea, Stephanie. I'm going to do that next time too. Glad you liked it!

        Reply
    3. Angie | Big Bears Wife says

      April 13, 2016 at 8:20 am

      Normally when I cook chicken I always go for boneless, skinless chicken BUT when I cook thighs I always want the thigh bone and skin. This is perfect for us!

      Reply
    4. Nutmeg Nanny says

      April 12, 2016 at 9:54 pm

      Thank goodness for husbands who go to the store for us! My hubs is the same and it's a lifesaver! This chicken looks so good and I love all the flavors you packed into this slow cooker dish.

      Reply
    5. Des @ Life's Ambrosia says

      April 12, 2016 at 12:26 pm

      Chicken thighs are my favorite cut! They are so flavorful. I am loving this dish, especially the capers. This would be a family favorite for sure!

      Reply
    6. Katerina @ Diethood says

      April 12, 2016 at 8:50 am

      WOW! That looks incredible! I especially love the fact that it's made in the slow cooker. Huge bonus!! 😀

      Reply
    7. Melissa Bailey | Hungry Food Love says

      April 12, 2016 at 8:02 am

      I love everything capers. I can believe I was not aware of kitchen Vesuvio... need to make it soon!

      Reply
    8. Veronica Gantley says

      April 12, 2016 at 6:10 am

      You can never have enough slow cooker recipes. I love this one it looks so easy.

      Reply
    9. Lauren kelly nutrition says

      April 12, 2016 at 5:57 am

      What a fantastic recipe Renee! Pinned!

      Reply
    10. Sabrina says

      April 12, 2016 at 2:36 am

      I love cooking chicken in the slow cooker! It comes out so tender and delicious!

      Reply
    11. Michelle @ The Complete Savorist says

      April 12, 2016 at 12:08 am

      Chicken Vesuvio has a very special place in my heart. I love that you've found a way to make it in the slow cooker and still look delicious.

      Reply
    12. Heather | All Roads Lead to the Kitchen says

      April 11, 2016 at 8:31 pm

      This sounds like such a perfectly comforting dinner. I have some boneless skinless thighs in the fridge, so this is going on the menu in the next couple of days. So excited to add a jar of capers...mmm...

      Reply
    13. Becky Hardin | The Cookie Rookie says

      April 11, 2016 at 8:11 pm

      Great looking dish...those potatoes look sooo good

      Reply
    14. Valerie | From Valerie's Kitchen says

      April 11, 2016 at 7:26 pm

      Such a warm, comforting dish. And, love that you did it in the slow cooker! Gotta love a man who'll run to the grocery store at a moment's notice 🙂

      Reply
    15. The Food Hunter says

      April 11, 2016 at 5:27 pm

      I love everything about this. Planning to make it for my mom the next time she visits

      Reply
      • Renée says

        April 11, 2016 at 7:13 pm

        I made this for my mom and she absolutely loved it!

        Reply
    16. Martha @ A Family Feast says

      April 11, 2016 at 3:26 pm

      This is my kind of meal...chicken, capers and wine! And better yet - made in the slow cooker so it's super easy!

      Reply
    17. Bintu | Recipes from a Pantry says

      April 11, 2016 at 1:04 pm

      I love a good reason to break out my slow cooker, especially in the summer because we don't have AC. And those glasses are gorgeous!

      Reply
    18. Stephanie says

      April 11, 2016 at 10:47 am

      This looks so wonderfully flavorful! And I love slow cooker meals!

      Reply
    19. Ginny McMeans says

      April 11, 2016 at 10:08 am

      I love the slow cooker and that white wine caper sauce sounds so good!

      Reply
    20. Liz says

      April 10, 2016 at 1:19 pm

      Love all your slow cooker recipes, Renee. Thank you and have a Wonderful Week.

      Reply
      • Renée says

        April 10, 2016 at 1:55 pm

        Thank you, Liz! You do the same, and I hope you'll try this recipe.

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm Renee! I've been a passionate home cook for over 40 years. I specialize in easy-to-make comfort food dishes from appetizers to desserts and everything in between.

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