slow cooker chicken cacciatore (hunter's stew)

Ingredients For slow cooker chicken cacciatore (hunter's stew)

• 3-4 lb

  boneless/skinless thighs or breasts
• 1 lg

  onion, thinly sliced
• 1 lg

  bell pepper, sliced
• 4 tsp

  garlic, minced
• 1/2 c

  medium brown roux ~or~ 2 pkts mccormick's brown gravy mix
• 1 Tbsp

  dried basil
• 1 tsp

  oregano or italian seasoning
• 2 Tbsp

  dried chives (optional)
• 2 can

  (6 oz) tomato paste
• 2

  bay leaves
• 1 can

  (15 oz) diced or stewed tomatoes (optional)
• 1 can

  10.5 oz v-8 juice
• salt & pepper to taste
• 2 c

  chicken broth or stock
• 1/2 c

  red or burgundy wine
• 1 tsp

  olive oil
• 12 oz

  fresh mushrooms, sliced
• 1+ tsp

  crushed red pepper flakes (optional)