Chicken Cacciatore Recipe

Chicken Cacciatore is the kind of feel-good comfort food that fills your kitchen with rustic Italian aromas and promises a cozy night in. This classic dish brings together tender chicken, a savory tomato sauce, and a melody of earthy vegetables for a meal that tastes like it simmered all day in nonna’s kitchen. Whether you’re gathering everyone around the table for a family Sunday or making a nourishing weeknight dinner, Chicken Cacciatore delivers bold flavors, rich sauce, and hearty satisfaction with every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Chicken Cacciatore lies in the straightforward list of ingredients that each play an essential part—the chicken brings the heartiness, while vegetables and herbs build the sauce’s depth, and a swirl of olive oil ties everything together. Let’s look at how each ingredient shines in this beloved Italian classic.

• Extra-virgin olive oil: Adds richness and helps create that irresistible golden sear on the chicken.
• Boneless skinless chicken thighs: Stay juicy and tender throughout simmering, soaking up all those savory flavors.
• Kosher salt: Highlights the natural flavors in both the chicken and the sauce.
• Ground black pepper: Lends a gentle heat and complexity that ties the dish together.
• Yellow onion: Brings sweetness and a subtle foundation to the sauce’s flavor base.
• Green bell pepper: Adds color, crunch, and a lively hint of bitterness you’ll love in every mouthful.
• Garlic: Delivers deep aromatic notes that shout “homemade Italian.”
• Dry white wine or chicken broth: For deglazing and creating layers of taste—wine adds brightness, while broth keeps things mild and comforting.
• Crushed tomatoes (28 ounces): The heart of the sauce, rich and robust—go for a good quality can for the best flavor.
• Baby bella (cremini) mushrooms: Earthy, meaty, and perfect for soaking up every drop of tomato goodness.
• Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that’s like adding a pinch of the Italian countryside to your pot.
• Balsamic vinegar: Balances the sauce with a pop of tangy sweetness.
• Whole wheat pasta, brown rice, polenta, zucchini noodles, or spaghetti squash: Choose your favorite base to soak up all that glorious sauce.
• Chopped fresh parsley or basil: Brings bright, herby freshness to your finished plate.
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: A final savory flourish that’s simply non-negotiable!

How to Make Chicken Cacciatore

Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken thighs dry and sprinkling both sides generously with kosher salt and ground black pepper. This little attention to seasoning sets the stage for a full-flavored Chicken Cacciatore, ensuring every bite of chicken is crave-worthy from the inside out.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a deep, sturdy pot or Dutch oven over medium-high. When the oil shimmers, arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer, letting them develop a deep golden sear for 3 to 4 minutes. Flip and repeat on the other side for about 2 minutes. Don’t fuss with the chicken too much—you want that lovely, caramelized crust. Transfer seared thighs to a clean plate; they’ll finish cooking soon.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

Turn the heat to medium, and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the chopped yellow onion and green bell pepper, stirring occasionally until softened and fragrant, about 4 minutes. This is where your kitchen starts smelling incredible!

Step 4: Add Garlic

Stir in the minced garlic and let it sizzle for a minute, just until you catch that heady aroma—don’t let it burn. The garlic intensifies the savory notes in the Chicken Cacciatore sauce.

Step 5: Deglaze with Wine or Broth

Pour in the dry white wine (or chicken broth if you prefer). Give everything a good stir, scraping up any tasty brown bits from the pot’s bottom. Simmer for about 3 minutes until the liquid reduces by half, layering in even more flavor.

Step 6: Build the Sauce

Add the crushed tomatoes (with juices), sliced baby bella mushrooms, Italian seasoning, and balsamic vinegar. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Leave the lid off and let those ingredients meld together for 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the mushrooms to soak up all that goodness.

Step 7: Nestle and Finish the Chicken Cacciatore

Return the chicken thighs (and those savory drippings) to the pot, nestling them right into the simmering sauce. The chicken should be mostly submerged for maximum juiciness. Partially cover the pot and let everything cook together for another 15 to 20 minutes. The chicken will finish cooking through, the sauce will get even richer, and the mushrooms will turn perfectly tender.

Step 8: Choose How to Serve the Chicken

If you like, transfer the chicken to a board and chop or shred it before returning it to the sauce. Otherwise, serve the pieces whole. Taste the sauce, add more salt and pepper if needed, and toss the chicken to coat or serve with that luscious red sauce ladled over each portion.

How to Serve Chicken Cacciatore

Garnishes

Finish your Chicken Cacciatore with a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil and plenty of grated Parmesan. These additions bring brightness and a touch of decadence that make the dish pop both in flavor and in presentation. Don’t skip them—they truly tie the whole meal together.

Side Dishes

You can serve Chicken Cacciatore over whole wheat pasta, brown rice, creamy polenta, or even a bed of zucchini noodles for a lighter option. Each choice soaks up that saucy goodness in its own way. A crisp green salad or some roasted broccoli makes a perfect fresh and healthy companion.

Creative Ways to Present

For a twist, try spooning the mixture over baked and shredded spaghetti squash for a gluten-free, veggie-packed base. Or stuff leftovers into a crusty hoagie roll, top with mozzarella, and broil for an incredible Chicken Cacciatore sandwich—trust me, it’s a total game changer!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Chicken Cacciatore actually tastes even better the next day! Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and enjoy for up to four days. The sauce will thicken further, and the chicken absorbs even more flavor.

Freezing

If you want to freeze your Chicken Cacciatore, let it cool completely first. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or zip bags and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, place the chicken and sauce in a saucepan over medium-low, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce. Warm gently, stirring occasionally, until hot throughout. You can also microwave it in short bursts for quick meals.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in Chicken Cacciatore?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well, but be mindful to not overcook them as they can dry out faster than thighs. For best results, keep the pieces a little larger so they stay juicy during simmering.

Is it necessary to use wine, or can I skip it?

Using dry white wine adds complexity and depth of flavor to Chicken Cacciatore, but if you prefer not to cook with alcohol, low-sodium chicken broth is a totally fine stand-in and yields a delicious result.

Can Chicken Cacciatore be made in advance?

Yes! In fact, making Chicken Cacciatore a day ahead allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave for a quick and satisfying meal.

What are the best vegetables to add if I want to bulk it up?

In addition to mushrooms and peppers, you can toss in zucchini, carrots, or even a handful of chopped spinach for more veggie-packed goodness—just add them with the mushrooms and let the sauce work its magic!

How do I make Chicken Cacciatore gluten-free?

Chicken Cacciatore is naturally gluten-free as long as you pair it with gluten-free pasta, rice, polenta, or vegetables. Just double-check labels on your crushed tomatoes and Italian seasoning to ensure no hidden gluten.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to bring a burst of Italian comfort to your dinner table, you can’t go wrong with this Chicken Cacciatore. Simple, deeply flavorful, and endlessly versatile, it’s a dish that never fails to impress. Give it a try, add your own spin, and watch it become a beloved staple in your kitchen!

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