There’s something truly magical about the Chicken Cacciatore Recipe—it’s rustic, brimming with bold Italian flavors, and feels like a warm embrace on a cool evening. This traditional hunter-style stew transforms humble kitchen staples into an irresistibly savory dish, featuring tender chicken simmered in a vibrant tomato sauce packed with aromatic herbs, sweet peppers, and briny olives. Whether you’re new to Italian cooking or just looking for an easy, soul-satisfying dinner, this recipe delivers comfort and authentic taste in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple doesn’t mean boring—the beauty of a classic Chicken Cacciatore Recipe is in how each ingredient builds comforting depths of flavor. Every element here adds its own magic, from juicy chicken thighs to a burst of fresh parsley at the end.
- Olive oil: The foundation for rich flavor; use a good quality olive oil for that extra Italian touch.
- Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs: These deliver the juiciest, most flavorful results—plus, the skin crisps up beautifully.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and drawing out all the vibrant flavors in your dish.
- Onion: Sliced for sweetness and richness as it melts into the sauce.
- Bell pepper (any color): Brings color and a subtle, sweet crunch to every bite.
- Garlic: Just a few cloves minced will send the aroma of this Chicken Cacciatore Recipe wafting through your kitchen.
- Dry white wine (optional): Adds brightness and lifts the flavors—substitute with extra broth if you prefer.
- Crushed tomatoes: The heart of the sauce—choose quality canned tomatoes for the best result.
- Chicken broth: Ensures the stew is flavorful and moist without overwhelming the other ingredients.
- Dried oregano: For that unmistakable herbal note that’s quintessentially Italian.
- Dried thyme: Another layer of earthy flavor that marries beautifully with tomatoes.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Adds gentle warmth without overpowering the dish.
- Sliced black olives: Their brininess balances the sweetness of the tomatoes and peppers.
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish): A fresh, colorful finishing touch that brightens the whole recipe.
How to Make Chicken Cacciatore Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Pat your chicken thighs dry and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Sear them, skin-side down, until they turn a deep golden brown—about 5 minutes per side. This step locks in the juices and sets the stage for that irresistible crispy skin. Once beautifully bronzed, transfer the chicken to a plate and keep it warm.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pan, toss in the sliced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and the onions start to turn translucent. Add the minced garlic and let it cook for just a minute more, stirring constantly so it doesn’t burn. At this point, your kitchen will smell absolutely heavenly—it’s the start of the soulful sauce that defines any good Chicken Cacciatore Recipe.
Step 3: Deglaze with Wine
Pour the dry white wine into the hot pan, scraping up all those delicious browned bits clinging to the bottom. These are flavor gold! Let the wine simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, reducing slightly. If you’re skipping the wine, just use extra chicken broth—either way, this step adds wonderful depth to your sauce.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, dried oregano, dried thyme, and crushed red pepper flakes if you want a little kick. Mix everything well, letting the herbs infuse the sauce. The aromas will start to blend together and you’ll see the beginnings of a beautifully vibrant base for your Chicken Cacciatore Recipe.
Step 5: Simmer the Chicken
Return the seared chicken thighs to the pan, nestling them skin-side up into the sauce. Spoon some of the sauce over the top of each piece to keep them moist. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer, cover the pan, and let it bubble away for 35 to 40 minutes. The chicken will become fork-tender, soaking up all the rich flavors as the sauce thickens.
Step 6: Finish with Olives and Parsley
Remove the lid and scatter the black olives over the chicken. Let everything simmer, uncovered, for an extra 5 minutes—this allows the sauce to reduce a bit more and the olives to infuse their briny punch. Right before serving, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley all over the finished Chicken Cacciatore Recipe, adding a burst of color and freshness.
How to Serve Chicken Cacciatore Recipe
Garnishes
A generous sprinkle of fresh parsley is the traditional touch, but you can go bold with a flurry of lemon zest, a pinch of flaky salt, or even some shaved Parmesan for extra richness. If you love heat, add another light dusting of red pepper flakes right before serving—your Chicken Cacciatore Recipe will be as eye-catching as it is flavorful.
Side Dishes
This dish is pure comfort when served over a fluffy mound of pasta, buttery polenta, or steamed rice. For an extra-special dinner, pair it with crusty bread to soak up every last drop of sauce. A crisp green salad with a bright vinaigrette brings freshness to balance the rich, hearty stew.
Creative Ways to Present
For something fun and different, try plating your Chicken Cacciatore Recipe in shallow bowls with a swirl of creamy mashed potatoes on the bottom. Or serve it family-style in a rustic Dutch oven sprinkled with parsley so everyone can help themselves. For elegant dinner parties, individual portions served over polenta make a beautiful impression.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Cacciatore Recipe keeps its flavor and texture beautifully. Cool the dish completely, then store it in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. The sauce may thicken as it sits, but this just means the flavors get even deeper.
Freezing
This recipe is a perfect candidate for freezing! Place cooled portions in airtight freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label with the date and store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the Chicken Cacciatore Recipe in a covered saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if the sauce is too thick. Alternatively, microwave individual portions on medium power, stirring once or twice, until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken instead of bone-in thighs?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless thighs or breasts work well in this Chicken Cacciatore Recipe. Just keep in mind that you’ll want to reduce the simmering time by about 10 minutes, since boneless cuts cook faster and can dry out if overdone.
Is it possible to make this Chicken Cacciatore Recipe without wine?
Yes, you can omit the wine entirely if you prefer. Substitute with extra chicken broth for the same amount of liquid, and you’ll still get a deeply flavorful sauce.
What’s the best way to make it gluten-free?
The Chicken Cacciatore Recipe is naturally gluten-free, as long as your chicken broth and canned tomatoes are free of additives containing gluten. To be safe, always check your labels.
Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely! Mushrooms, zucchini, or even carrots make lovely additions to the sauce—just sauté them alongside the onions and peppers until tender, then follow the rest of the recipe as written.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
The chicken should be fork-tender and the juices run clear when pierced. For extra confidence, you can use a thermometer; the thickest part of the chicken should register 165°F (74°C).
Final Thoughts
Every home cook deserves a go-to Chicken Cacciatore Recipe, and this one blends old-world tradition with weeknight simplicity. You’ll be amazed at how just a handful of ingredients transform into something so rich and satisfying. Give it a try—I promise, it’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table, eager for seconds!
Print
Chicken Cacciatore Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A classic Italian dish, Chicken Cacciatore is a flavorful stew featuring tender chicken thighs simmered in a savory tomato-based sauce with aromatic herbs and vegetables. This hearty and comforting meal is perfect for a cozy family dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken Cacciatore:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced (any color)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then sear until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pan, sauté onion and bell pepper until softened. Add garlic and cook briefly.
- Deglaze and Simmer: Deglaze with white wine, then add tomatoes, broth, herbs, and red pepper flakes. Return chicken to the pan, cover, and simmer until tender.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in olives, simmer uncovered briefly, garnish with parsley, and serve hot over your choice of accompaniment.
Notes
- For richer flavor, use bone-in chicken thighs and ensure a good sear. For boneless chicken, reduce simmering time.
- This dish reheats well and tastes even better the next day.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with sauce
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
