Chicken Cacciatore

Chicken Cacciatore 🇮🇹🍅

This Chicken Cacciatore is a classic Italian dish that’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for cozy family dinners. Tender chicken pieces are simmered in a rich, rustic tomato sauce packed with savory olives, sweet peppers, and aromatic herbs. This one-pot wonder is as comforting as it is delicious, making it ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Let’s dive into how to make this soul-warming dish step by step.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Comfort Food Classic : A rustic, satisfying meal straight from the heart of Italy.
2. One-Pot Simplicity : Minimal cleanup with all the flavors melding together beautifully.
3. Packed with Flavor : Juicy chicken, tangy olives, sweet peppers, and rich tomato sauce create layers of taste.
4. Versatile : Serve over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread for a complete meal.
5. Customizable : Add mushrooms, wine, or extra veggies for variety.

Ingredients

(Serves 4–6)

• 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or drumsticks, or a mix )
• Salt and pepper , to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion , diced
• 1 red bell pepper , sliced
• 3 garlic cloves , minced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes , halved (or crushed canned tomatoes )
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup pitted Kalamata olives , sliced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat )
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley , chopped (for garnish )

Optional Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup red wine (deglaze the pan with wine for added depth )
• 8 oz mushrooms , sliced (add for extra earthiness )

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

1. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper .
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
3. Sear the chicken, skin-side down, for 5–7 minutes , or until golden brown. Flip and sear the other side for 3–4 minutes . Remove the chicken and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Vegetables

1. In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes , or until softened.
2. Add the red bell pepper and cook for another 3–4 minutes , stirring occasionally.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute , or until fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

1. Optional : Pour in the red wine and deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.
2. Add the cherry tomatoes , diced tomatoes , chicken broth , Kalamata olives , oregano , thyme , and red pepper flakes (if using ). Stir to combine.

Step 4: Simmer the Chicken

1. Return the seared chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce.
2. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the chicken simmer for 30–35 minutes , or until the chicken is cooked through and tender (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C ).

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
2. Serve hot and enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of this Chicken Cacciatore !

Tips for Success

1. Use Bone-In Chicken : Bone-in, skin-on chicken adds more flavor and stays juicier during cooking.
2. Deglaze with Wine : Red wine enhances the depth of the sauce—don’t skip it if you have it on hand.
3. Add Mushrooms : Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions and peppers for an earthy twist.
4. Storage : Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days . Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
5. Freeze for Later : Freeze portions of the dish in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months . Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

Perfect Pairings

This Chicken Cacciatore pairs beautifully with:

• Pasta : Serve over cooked spaghetti, pappardelle, or rigatoni for a hearty meal.
• Rice or Polenta : Spoon the chicken and sauce over creamy polenta or fluffy rice.
• Crusty Bread : Warm, crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the rich tomato sauce.
• Steamed Vegetables : Serve with broccoli, green beans, or roasted Brussels sprouts for added nutrition.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx.)

(Based on 6 servings)

• Calories : ~300 kcal
• Protein : ~25g
• Carbohydrates : ~12g
• Fat : ~18g
• Fiber : ~3g

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific brands and portion sizes.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Cacciatore is a comforting, rustic dish that brings the flavors of Italy to your table. With its tender chicken, savory sauce, and vibrant vegetables, it’s a meal that’s both satisfying and easy to love. Whether you’re serving it for dinner, meal prepping for the week, or bringing it to a potluck, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone.

The best part? It’s endlessly customizable, so you can tweak the ingredients, add wine or mushrooms, or pair it with different sides to make it your own. So grab your skillet, toss in those ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.