Savory Chicken Cacciatore Recipe

Chicken Cacciatore recipe is the epitome of comfort food—simple, hearty, and bursting with rich flavors. This classic Italian dish, which translates to "hunter's chicken," has been warming hearts and satisfying appetites for generations. It’s a one-pan meal that combines tender chicken, bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, and olives, all simmered in a savory sauce that’s perfect over pasta or served with crusty bread to soak up every drop.

The beauty of Chicken Cacciatore lies in its versatility and ease. Whether you're cooking for a weeknight family dinner or preparing a meal to impress guests, this dish is an absolute crowd-pleaser. The combination of slow-cooked chicken with the fragrant herbs and vegetables in a tomato-based sauce is comfort at its best. The best part? It’s incredibly simple to make, requiring just a handful of pantry staples and some basic cooking techniques.

Whether you're new to cooking or a seasoned chef, Chicken Cacciatore is an accessible and satisfying recipe that brings an authentic Italian touch to your kitchen. So roll up your sleeves and let’s dive into making this mouthwatering dish!

What You’ll Need for Chicken Cacciatore Recipe

To make Chicken Cacciatore, you don’t need any obscure ingredients—just fresh, wholesome items you probably already have in your kitchen. Here’s a list of what you’ll need for this hearty dish:

For the Chicken Cacciatore:

• 4 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts if preferred)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing the chicken)
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), thinly sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes (or tomato puree)
• ½ cup chicken broth (preferably low-sodium)
• ¼ cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced (optional but adds depth of flavor)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (for a slight kick—optional)
• ½ teaspoon sugar (to balance acidity)
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For Serving:

• Pasta (such as spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine), or a loaf of crusty bread to soak up the sauce

How to Make for Chicken Cacciatore Recipe

Chicken Cacciatore is a one-pot meal that comes together easily with minimal prep. The key is to allow the chicken to sear until golden and then simmer gently in a flavorful sauce so it becomes tender and absorbs all the delicious flavors. Follow these steps to create the ultimate Chicken Cacciatore:

Step 1: Brown the Chicken

Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken to the pan, skin-side down if using skin-on chicken. Brown the chicken for about 5-6 minutes on each side, until golden and crispy. This step adds great flavor to the dish, so don’t rush it!

Once browned, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. You’ll finish cooking it later in the sauce.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add 1 thinly sliced onion and 1 sliced bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and starting to caramelize. This brings out their natural sweetness, which will balance the savory sauce.

Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant. Garlic can burn quickly, so watch it closely.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Next, pour in 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes and ½ cup chicken broth. Stir to combine. To season, add 1 teaspoon dried oregano, ½ teaspoon dried basil, and ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (if using) for a little heat. For some sweetness and to balance the acidity of the tomatoes, add ½ teaspoon sugar. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 4: Simmer the Chicken

Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, skin-side up. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken and let everything come to a simmer. Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and cook for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and tender. You can check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer—it should read 165°F (75°C).

In the final 10 minutes of cooking, add ¼ cup sliced kalamata olives (optional) to the sauce. They will infuse the dish with a briny flavor that enhances the savory sauce.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once the chicken is cooked through, remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor.

Serving and Storage Tips for Chicken Cacciatore Recipe

Serving Ideas:
Chicken Cacciatore is traditionally served over a bed of pasta, but it’s also wonderful alongside mashed potatoes or creamy polenta. If you prefer a low-carb option, you can serve it over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. The rich sauce is perfect for soaking up with a loaf of crusty bread for dipping. For a balanced meal, consider pairing it with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables on the side.

Storage Tips:
This dish makes excellent leftovers! Once it’s completely cooled, store the Chicken Cacciatore in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors only get better as it sits, so it’s a great dish to make ahead. When reheating, simply warm it up on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

Freezing:
If you want to make a batch for later, Chicken Cacciatore freezes beautifully. Once cooled, transfer the chicken and sauce to a freezer-safe container or bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and then warm it gently on the stovetop.

Mistakes to Avoid for Chicken Cacciatore Recipe

While Chicken Cacciatore is an easy dish to make, there are a few common pitfalls that could affect the flavor or texture of the final product. Avoid these mistakes to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time.

1. Not Browning the Chicken Enough

One of the biggest mistakes you can make is skipping the step of browning the chicken properly. This isn’t just for aesthetics—it helps develop flavor. When the chicken is browned, it creates a delicious crust that adds depth to the sauce. Don’t rush this step! Take the time to sear the chicken on each side until golden and crispy. It’s worth the extra few minutes.

2. Overcrowding the Pan

If you’re cooking for a crowd or doubling the recipe, be mindful not to overcrowd the pan when searing the chicken. Overcrowding the pan can cause the chicken to steam rather than brown, resulting in a less flavorful and less crispy crust. If necessary, brown the chicken in batches.

3. Not Letting the Sauce Simmer Long Enough

For the best flavor, the sauce should simmer for a while to allow the flavors to meld together. Don’t rush this step! If you cut down the simmering time, the flavors will remain too sharp and the sauce won’t have that rich, deep taste that makes Chicken Cacciatore so comforting.

4. Forgetting to Adjust the Seasoning

After you’ve added the tomatoes and chicken broth, always taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning. Tomatoes can be acidic, and some chicken broths are saltier than others, so make sure to taste before serving. Add extra salt, pepper, or herbs as needed to make the sauce pop.

5. Using Dry Chicken

Overcooking chicken can lead to dry, tough meat. Make sure to cook the chicken thighs until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). If you’re using boneless chicken breasts, be careful not to overcook them, as they can dry out much faster than thighs.

Tips and Tricks for Chicken Cacciatore Recipe

With just a few tricks up your sleeve, you can take this Chicken Cacciatore recipe from good to amazing. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of this dish:

1. Use Bone-In, Skinless Chicken Thighs

Bone-in chicken thighs are perfect for this recipe because they stay juicy and tender during the simmering process. They also add more flavor to the sauce. Skinless thighs are ideal for this dish, as the skin won’t render or become soggy in the sauce.

2. Make It Spicy

If you like a bit of heat, add ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to the sauce. This will give the dish a bit of a kick without overwhelming the flavors.

3. Enhance the Sauce with Red Bell Peppers or Mushrooms

For an extra layer of flavor and texture, try adding sliced red bell peppers or mushrooms when sautéing the onions and peppers. These vegetables will soak up the sauce and add more richness to the overall dish.

4. Make It Ahead for Better Flavor

Like many slow-cooked dishes, Chicken Cacciatore actually gets better the longer it sits. If you have time, prepare the dish a day in advance and let the flavors meld overnight in the fridge. Reheat it gently the next day for a super flavorful meal.

5. Experiment with Fresh Herbs

While dried herbs work beautifully in this dish, fresh herbs can elevate the flavor even more. Consider adding fresh basil or rosemary to the sauce towards the end of cooking for an added burst of freshness. Just be sure to remove the rosemary sprigs before serving.

Suggestions

Chicken Cacciatore is an incredibly versatile dish, and there are many ways you can personalize it to suit your tastes or dietary preferences. Here are a few ideas to help you get creative with this classic recipe:

1. Serve Over Different Carbs

While Chicken Cacciatore is traditionally served over pasta, there are plenty of other options that pair beautifully with the savory sauce:

• Polenta: Creamy polenta is a wonderful option for soaking up the rich sauce. Make a smooth and buttery polenta, and serve it as a base for the chicken and sauce.
• Mashed Potatoes: For an extra comforting option, serve the Chicken Cacciatore over creamy mashed potatoes. The fluffy texture complements the tender chicken and flavorful sauce perfectly.
• Cauliflower Rice: If you're looking for a low-carb alternative, cauliflower rice is a great substitute for regular rice or pasta. It absorbs the sauce well while keeping the dish light and healthy.

2. Add More Vegetables

Chicken Cacciatore is already packed with vegetables like bell peppers and onions, but you can easily sneak in more veggies for added nutrients and flavor:

• Mushrooms: Add sliced mushrooms when you sauté the onions and peppers for extra umami. Mushrooms absorb the flavors of the sauce beautifully.
• Zucchini: Add thinly sliced zucchini in the final stages of cooking. It will soften but still retain its texture, adding freshness to the dish.
• Spinach or Kale: Stir in some spinach or kale right at the end of cooking. These greens will wilt into the sauce and give the dish a healthy boost.

3. Try a Meatless Version

While Chicken Cacciatore is traditionally made with chicken, you can easily make a vegetarian version by using tofu or tempeh as a protein substitute. For a vegan version, make sure to swap out the chicken broth for vegetable broth, and use a plant-based oil for sautéing.

4. Add a Dash of Balsamic Vinegar

For an extra layer of depth, add a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar to the sauce as it simmers. The tangy sweetness of balsamic will enhance the tomatoes and bring a bit of brightness to the dish.

FAQ

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but keep in mind that they may dry out faster than chicken thighs. To prevent this, be careful not to overcook the chicken breasts, and check for doneness using a meat thermometer (165°F or 75°C). Chicken thighs are ideal for this recipe due to their ability to stay juicy during the long simmering time.

2. Can I make Chicken Cacciatore in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?
Absolutely! To make Chicken Cacciatore in a slow cooker, follow the same steps for browning the chicken and sautéing the vegetables. Then, transfer everything to the slow cooker, add the remaining ingredients, and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. For an Instant Pot, use the sauté function to brown the chicken and vegetables, then set it to cook under high pressure for 15-20 minutes. Be sure to quick-release the pressure when done.

3. Can I freeze Chicken Cacciatore?
Yes, Chicken Cacciatore freezes beautifully! After it has cooled, transfer the chicken and sauce to a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove over low heat. You may need to add a little extra chicken broth to loosen the sauce.

4. How long will leftovers last in the fridge?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop as the dish sits, so it’s perfect for meal prepping or making ahead.

5. Can I make Chicken Cacciatore spicier?
Yes, if you like heat, you can add red pepper flakes, chopped jalapeños, or even cayenne pepper to the sauce for extra spice. Start with a small amount and taste as you go to achieve your desired level of heat.

Conclusion

Chicken Cacciatore is a comforting, flavorful dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special meal with family and friends. With tender chicken thighs, a rich tomato-based sauce, and plenty of aromatic vegetables, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you choose to serve it over pasta, polenta, or mashed potatoes, Chicken Cacciatore offers a hearty, satisfying meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility—feel free to customize the vegetables, swap in your favorite herbs, or even try it with a different protein. With simple ingredients and a few easy steps, you can create a dish that tastes like it’s been simmering all day, without all the fuss. Whether you’re cooking for your family, prepping for the week ahead, or entertaining guests, Chicken Cacciatore is sure to impress.

So next time you're craving a savory, delicious meal, give this Chicken Cacciatore recipe a try. You’ll be rewarded with tender, juicy chicken and a sauce so rich and flavorful, you’ll want to drizzle it on everything. Happy cooking!

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