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.