Chicken Cacciatore is a comforting, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With tender chicken and a rich tomato sauce, it’s an easy yet impressive meal to make. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this Italian classic is sure to satisfy. Let’s get started on a recipe that brings warmth and great taste to your table.
Why We Love This Chicken Cacciatore
Chicken Cacciatore is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. The rich, savory flavors of braised chicken combined with a hearty tomato sauce create a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is easy to follow and guarantees a delicious, family-friendly dinner.
Here’s why we absolutely love this dish:
- Flavorful and Hearty: The combination of tender chicken thighs, tomatoes, garlic, and herbs delivers a depth of flavor that’s hard to beat. As the chicken simmers, it absorbs all the aromatic goodness, making every bite melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
- Versatile for Any Meal: Chicken Cacciatore works just as well for a weeknight dinner as it does for a special occasion. You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences, making it a recipe you’ll turn to time and again.
- Comforting Yet Light: Despite its hearty nature, Chicken Cacciatore isn’t heavy or greasy. The balance of lean chicken and fresh vegetables keeps it light, while the rich sauce adds all the comfort you need.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Like most stews, Chicken Cacciatore actually tastes better the next day, once all the flavors have had time to meld together. This makes it a perfect dish for meal prep or an easy dinner you can enjoy throughout the week.
This dish is all about simplicity and flavor, and once you try it, you’ll see why it’s a favorite in so many homes.
Ingredients
Chicken Thighs (Bone-In, Skinless) – Preferred for tenderness and flavor.
Olive Oil – Used for browning the chicken and sautéing veggies.
Onion – Adds savory flavor to the sauce.
Garlic – Provides a fragrant base.
Red Bell Pepper – Adds sweetness and color.
Diced Tomatoes – The main base of the sauce.
Chicken Broth – Adds depth and moisture to the sauce.
Dried Oregano – Key herb for flavor.
Dried Basil – Complements oregano with a sweet, aromatic flavor.
Red Pepper Flakes – Optional for a bit of heat.
Salt & Pepper – Essential for seasoning.
Fresh Parsley – Garnish to add color and freshness.
Instructions
Now that you have your ingredients ready, it’s time to bring them together to create a delicious Chicken Cacciatore. Follow these simple steps to make this savory dish come to life:
Brown the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a pan, add chicken thighs, cook 5-7 minutes per side until golden, then set aside.
Sauté Vegetables: In the same pan, cook onion and red bell pepper for 4-5 minutes until softened.
Add Garlic & Spices: Stir in garlic, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
Make the Sauce: Add diced tomatoes, chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Stir and scrape up the browned bits from the pan.
Simmer Chicken: Add chicken back to the pan, cover, and simmer for 30-40 minutes until cooked and tender.
Finish & Serve: Adjust seasoning, garnish with parsley, and serve hot. Enjoy your delicious Chicken Cacciatore!
Pro Tips
To ensure your Chicken Cacciatore turns out perfectly every time, here are some expert tips and tricks to elevate the dish:
Use Bone-In Chicken Thighs
While boneless, skinless chicken thighs are tempting, bone-in chicken thighs are ideal for this dish. The bones help infuse the sauce with extra flavor, and the meat stays juicy and tender as it simmers.
Brown the Chicken Well
Don’t rush the browning step. It’s easy to get impatient, but taking the time to achieve a nice golden crust on the chicken will develop deeper flavors in the sauce. The caramelized bits left in the pan also enhance the sauce’s richness.
Simmer Low and Slow
Allow the chicken to cook slowly in the sauce. This helps the flavors meld together and ensures the chicken becomes tender and easily pulls apart. Avoid turning up the heat to speed up the process—slow simmering is key to a flavorful result.
Add Fresh Herbs for Extra Flavor
If you have fresh oregano, basil, or thyme on hand, feel free to swap out the dried versions for a more aromatic touch. Fresh herbs can add a vibrant, bright flavor to the dish, especially when added toward the end of cooking.
Make It Ahead
Like many stews and braised dishes, Chicken Cacciatore tastes even better the next day. If you have time, make it a day ahead and store it in the fridge. The flavors will deepen, and you’ll have an even easier meal to enjoy the next day!
Pair with Starches
Chicken Cacciatore pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. For a classic touch, serve it over creamy polenta or pasta to soak up the savory sauce. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try it with a side of steamed rice or a crisp salad.
Don’t Forget the Garnish
A sprinkle of fresh parsley isn’t just for decoration—it adds a burst of color and a hint of freshness that balances the richness of the dish.
Variations
One of the best things about Chicken Cacciatore is its versatility. You can easily customize the recipe to suit your tastes or make use of ingredients you have on hand. Here are a few variations to consider:
Add More Veggies
If you love a hearty, vegetable-packed dish, feel free to add extra vegetables. Mushrooms, olives, or even zucchini can be added to the sauce along with the bell pepper for more texture and flavor. This is a great way to sneak in some extra nutrients!
Make It Spicy
Want a little more heat? In addition to the red pepper flakes, consider adding some chopped fresh chili peppers or a dash of hot sauce. This variation is perfect for those who love a bit of spice in their meals.
Use Different Meat
Although Chicken Cacciatore is traditionally made with chicken, you can also try it with other proteins. For example, turkey thighs or rabbit are great alternatives. Both meats will absorb the sauce beautifully and give you a slightly different flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Once your Chicken Cacciatore is ready to serve, it’s time to think about the perfect accompaniments to bring out the full flavor of the dish. Here are some delicious ideas to make your meal even more enjoyable:
Serve Over Pasta
A classic pairing for Chicken Cacciatore is pasta. Try serving the dish over a bed of spaghetti, fettuccine, or pappardelle. The sauce will cling to the noodles, making each bite comforting and full of flavor.
Pair with Creamy Polenta
For a more traditional Italian touch, serve Chicken Cacciatore alongside creamy polenta. The creamy texture of the polenta complements the savory sauce, absorbing all the delicious flavors of the dish. It’s a comforting and satisfying combination.
Garlic Bread on the Side
A side of garlic bread is always a hit! The crispy, buttery bread is perfect for dipping into the rich, flavorful sauce. It’s an easy addition that takes the meal to the next level.
Serve with Steamed Rice
If you prefer a lighter side, steamed rice is a great option. The rice will soak up the sauce without overpowering the chicken, allowing the flavors to shine through. You could also try cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
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FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about Chicken Cacciatore to help you perfect your dish and answer any common queries:
Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
While bone-in chicken thighs are preferred for their rich flavor and moisture, you can use boneless chicken thighs or breasts if you prefer. Just keep in mind that boneless chicken will cook faster, so adjust the cooking time accordingly to prevent overcooking.
Can I make Chicken Cacciatore in a slow cooker?
Yes! To make Chicken Cacciatore in a slow cooker, brown the chicken and sauté the vegetables first. Then, transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked. This is a great option for a hands-off meal.
What should I do if the sauce is too thin?
If you find the sauce too thin, there are a few ways to thicken it up. You can let it simmer uncovered for a little longer to allow the liquid to reduce. Alternatively, you can mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and stir it into the sauce to thicken it quickly.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, Chicken Cacciatore is a great dish to make ahead! In fact, it often tastes better the next day as the flavors have time to meld. Simply refrigerate it once cooled, and reheat it when you’re ready to serve.
chicken cacciatore
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 red bell pepper sliced
- 1 can 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Brown the Chicken
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken thighs, skin-side down, and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown. This step is essential for locking in the flavor and creating a crispy, golden exterior. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same pan, add the chopped onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes until softened and slightly caramelized. This step will bring out the natural sweetness of the vegetables, adding depth to the sauce.
Add Garlic and Spices
- Stir in the minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the garlic to become fragrant. These spices create the aromatic base that defines the dish.
Create the Sauce
- Pour in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These bits are full of flavor and will enrich the sauce.
Simmer the Chicken
- Return the browned chicken thighs to the pan, skin-side up. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken and reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan and let the chicken simmer for 30-40 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. The low and slow cooking will allow the chicken to absorb all the wonderful flavors of the sauce.
Finish and Serve
- Once the chicken is cooked through, check the seasoning and adjust with more salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve it hot, and enjoy the comforting, savory goodness of Chicken Cacciatore!