nice & slow chicken cacciatore

I've never made chicken cacciatore before and I was also looking for something I could just toss in the crockpot. I came across this recipe and decided to try it out. It wasnt okay, seemed a little bland. It needs something else, but I am not quite sure what. My husband liked it but also thought it was missing something.

1/4 c. Italian dressing
3 lb. chicken thighs & drumsticks
1/2 lb. fresh mushrooms
1.5 c. chopped onion
1/2 c. red pepper strips
1/2 c. green pepper strips
1 clove garlic
1 can (14.5oz) crushed tomatoes
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. dried thyme leaves
3 c. instant white rice, uncooked.

• Heat dressing in large skillet on medium-high heat.
• Add chicken, in batches; cook 2 to 3 minutes on each side or until browned on both sides.
• Place mushrooms, onions, peppers, and garlic in slow cooker.
• Top with chicken.
• Combine tomatoes, salt & thyme; pour over ingredients in slow cooker.
• Cover with lid.
• Cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours (or on HIGH for 5 hours).
• Cook rice as directed on package.
  
• Serve chicken mixture over the rice.
  

I already scooped all the chicken out before I realized I didnt take a picture lol