Chicken Cacciatore (Hunter-Style Chicken)
Description
Chicken Cacciatore is a rustic Italian dish meaning “hunter-style chicken.” It features bone-in chicken simmered in a hearty tomato sauce with bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, and herbs. This dish is rich in flavor, comforting, and perfect for a wholesome family dinner served with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
Time Required
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Ingredients (Serves 4)
4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or drumsticks or breasts)
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
2 tbsp olive oi
1 medium onion, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper (red or yellow), sliced
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
2 tbsp tomato paste
½ cup dry white wine (optional; sub with chicken broth)
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp dried thyme
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1 bay leaf
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Fresh basil (optional)
Instructions
Season and brown chicken:
Pat the chicken dry and season with salt and pepper. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear chicken skin-side down until browned (about 5 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.
Sauté vegetables:
In the same pan, sauté onion for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add garlic, bell pepper, and mushrooms. Cook for 5 minutes until slightly caramelized.
Deglaze and build sauce:
Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Pour in white wine (or broth) to deglaze the pan, scraping up brown bits.
Simmer:
Add diced tomatoes, oregano, thyme, red pepper flakes, and bay leaf. Stir to combine.
Cook chicken:
Return chicken to the pan, skin-side up. Cover and simmer on low for 30–35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Finish and serve:
Remove bay leaf. Garnish with parsley and fresh basil if desired. Serve with pasta, mashed potatoes, polenta, or crusty bread.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Calories: ~375 kcal
Protein: 28g
Fat: 22g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Fiber: 3
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 680mg
Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on ingredients and portions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use boneless chicken?
A: Yes! Boneless thighs or breasts work well. Reduce cooking time by 10–15 minutes.
Q: Can I make it ahead?
A: Absolutely. Chicken Cacciatore tastes even better the next day as flavors deepen.
Q: What can I serve it with?
A: It’s delicious over pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, polenta, or even couscous.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Yes. Let it cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Q: Is wine necessary?
A: No. You can substitute wine with an equal amount of chicken br
oth.