Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 T olive oil, divided
• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 medium yellow onion
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 T balsamic vinegar
• 1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
• 1 medium green pepper
• 8 oz sliced mushrooms
• 2 t Italian seasoning

DIRECTIONS:

1. Lightly coat a large slow cooker with nonstick spray.
2. Heat 1 T tablespoon olive oil in large skillet over medium high
3. heat. Season both sides of chicken with salt and pepper, add to skillet and cook 3 – 4 minutes until browned. Turn and cook 2 additional minutes.
4. Transfer chicken to slow cooker. Add remaining 1 T oil to skillet and reduce heat to medium. Chop onion and add to skillet, cook 3 minutes. Add garlic and balsamic vinegar. Cook 1 minute, then transfer to the slow cooker. Top the chicken with the tomatoes, chopped green pepper, mushrooms and Italian seasoning.
5. Cover and cook on HIGH 1-1/2 to 2 hours or LOW for 4 to 5.
6. When chicken reaches 165 degrees, remove from the slow cooker.
7. Chop or shred chicken OR serve the pieces whole over rice, pasta or veggie noodles topped generously with sauce, a sprinkle of parsley and/or grated Parmesan cheese.