Chicken Cacciatore Recipe
If you think Italian food is just pasta and cheese, meet chicken cacciatore—a rustic, saucy dish packed with bold, deep flavors. Juicy chicken simmers in a rich tomato sauce with bell peppers, garlic, and herbs. The result? A dish so good, it tastes like an old Italian grandmother spent all day making it (spoiler: she didn’t). Unlike bland chicken dinners, this one brings warmth, depth, and just the right amount of drama. Serve it over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. It’s hearty, comforting, and surprisingly easy. Ready to cook like a hunter?
Chicken Cacciatore Recipe
Slow-simmered chicken in a rich, garlicky tomato sauce with peppers and herbs. A classic Italian comfort dish that’s way easier than it looks.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs (or breasts if you insist)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 1 small onion chopped
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 red bell pepper sliced
- 1 green bell pepper sliced
- 1 can 14 oz crushed tomatoes
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ cup dry red wine optional, but come on…
For Garnish:
- ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese because why not?
Instructions
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Sear for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add onions, garlic, and bell peppers. Cook for 5 minutes until softened.
- Deglaze with Wine: Pour in red wine (if using) and scrape up any browned bits. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.
- Build the Sauce: Add crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Stir well.
- Simmer the Chicken: Return the chicken to the skillet. Cover and let it cook over low heat for 30 minutes, until tender and flavorful.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and Parmesan. Serve over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.
Notes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~380
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
Vitamins & Minerals (Per Serving)
- Vitamin A: 25%
- Iron: 15%
- Potassium: 12%
- Vitamin C: 40%
- Magnesium: 10%
Extra Tips for Maximum Flavor
- Use bone-in chicken. More flavor, juicier results.
- Don’t skip the wine. It adds depth (and an excuse to drink while cooking).
- Let it simmer. The longer, the better.
- Serve with something to soak up the sauce. Bread, pasta, or polenta work best.
- Leftovers? Even better the next day.
