Chicken Cacciatore
Rustic Italian Comfort Food – Hearty, Healthy, and Flavor-Packed
Chicken Cacciatore (meaning “hunter-style chicken” in Italian) is a classic rustic dish made with tender chicken simmered in a rich tomato sauce with onions, peppers, garlic, and herbs. It’s a one-pan wonder that feels both cozy and vibrant — perfect for family dinners or meal prep. Serve it over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce!
⏱ Time & Yield
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 4
✅ Ingredients:
4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or boneless if preferred)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
2–3 garlic cloves, minced
1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes
½ cup chicken broth or dry white wine
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp dried thyme
½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt & black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish
Optional: Add mushrooms, olives, or capers for extra depth.
Instructions:
- Sear Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Season chicken with salt and pepper, then sear for 4–5 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
Sauté Veggies:
In the same pan, add onions and bell peppers. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until softened.
Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
Deglaze & Simmer:
Pour in chicken broth or wine and scrape up browned bits.
Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes.
Return Chicken:
Nestle chicken back into the sauce. Cover and simmer over low heat for 30–35 minutes, until chicken is tender and cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C).
Serve:
Garnish with parsley or basil and serve hot with your choice of side.
Tips for Success:
For crispy skin: Brown the chicken well before simmering.
Use boneless chicken: Reduce simmer time to 20–25 minutes.
Make it in the slow cooker: Brown chicken, then cook everything on LOW for 6–7 hours.
Add depth: A splash of balsamic vinegar or a handful of olives adds complexity.
❓ Quick Q&A:
Q: Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
A: Yes, but thighs stay juicier. If using breasts, monitor to avoid overcooking.
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Absolutely — it tastes even better the next day. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Q: What sides go best with Chicken Cacciatore?
A: Try pasta, polenta, mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty sourdough bread.
Q: Can I freeze it?
A: Yes! Cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving – based on chicken thighs, no sides):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~300 |
| Protein | ~26g |
| Carbohydrates | ~10g |
| Fat | ~18g |
| Fiber | ~2g |
| Sugar | ~5g |
| Sodium | ~450mg |
Note: Values will vary slightly depending on ingredients used and portion size.