slow cooker chicken cacciatore

i don't know about you, but we are supposed to get a lot of rain over the next few days, today included. and finally, the rain is bringing lower temperatures with it. i know it seems like everyone is talking about how hot the summer is, so i'll spare you those details. besides, this meal isn't meant for hot summer nights. instead, it's for those cool, lower seventies days that accompany day long rain and thunder storms. those days make me long for warm, comforting dinners. and now that produce is so plentiful, delicious, and cheap this time of year, it's the perfect time for slow cooker dinners with farm fresh vegetables.

slow cooker chicken cacciatore
adapted from skinny taste
serves 4

about 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
28 ounces crushed tomatoes
12 ounces mushrooms, sliced
1 bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
1 medium onion, sliced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 bay leaf

1. season the chicken with salt and pepper. put everything into the slow cooker and mix to combine, and cook on low for about 8 hours. 
2. before serving, break up the chicken thighs with tongs or a spoon. 
3. serve over pasta and sprinkle with freshly grated parmesan.