The Ultimate Chicken Cacciatore Recipe Everyone Will Love

Nestled in the heart of Italian cuisine, this chicken cacciatore recipe brings rustic charm to your kitchen table.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this hearty dish through careful technique and love.

Robust tomatoes, fragrant herbs, and tender chicken pieces dance together in a delightful harmony of flavors.

Succulent meat slowly simmers in a rich sauce that whispers stories of traditional countryside cooking.

Wild mushrooms and sweet bell peppers add depth and complexity to each magical bite.

You’ll find comfort in every spoonful of this classic meal that connects generations.

Eager hands and hungry souls will celebrate this authentic Italian masterpiece that transforms simple ingredients into culinary magic.

Reasons To Love The Best Chicken Cacciatore

• Dive into Versatile Cooking: This recipe offers two cooking methods – stovetop or oven – giving you flexibility to choose based on your kitchen setup and preference.
• Savor Hearty Flavor Layers: Packed with vegetables, herbs, and wine, the dish builds complex flavors through careful sautéing and simmering techniques that develop rich, deep tastes.
• Master Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the chicken cacciatore in advance, refrigerate or freeze, then easily reheat for a stress-free meal that tastes even better the next day.
• Embrace One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup with a single skillet or Dutch oven means less time washing dishes and more time enjoying a delicious, restaurant-quality meal at home.

Ingredients For The Best Chicken Cacciatore

• Chicken: The star of the dish, providing a hearty and flavorful base for the classic Italian hunter-style stew.

• Onion, Garlic, Peppers, Carrot, Mushrooms: A colorful medley that adds depth, sweetness, and aromatic layers to the sauce.

• Crushed Tomatoes, Tomato Paste, Roma Tomatoes: Provide a rich, tangy foundation that creates the classic cacciatore sauce.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Chili Flakes, Herbs, Parsley: Essential for enhancing and balancing the overall flavor profile of the dish.

• Olive Oil, Wine, Olives: Add richness, depth, and a traditional Mediterranean touch to the chicken cacciatore.

Cooking Steps For Chicken Cacciatore Classic

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Select your favorite chicken pieces and generously season them with salt and pepper.

Allow the seasonings to coat the meat evenly, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat a heavy cast iron skillet or Dutch oven with oil.

Carefully place the seasoned chicken pieces into the hot pan.

Sear each side until a beautiful golden-brown crust develops, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.

Once perfectly seared, remove the chicken and set aside.

Step 3: Build the Vegetable Base

Add additional oil to the same pan.

Introduce chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent.

Quickly add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.

• Bell peppers
• Carrots
• Mushrooms
• Fresh herbs

Cook the vegetables for about 5 minutes, allowing them to soften and release their natural flavors.

Step 4: Deglaze with Wine

Pour wine into the skillet, using a wooden spoon to scrape up all the delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

Let the wine reduce for approximately 2 minutes, concentrating its rich flavor.

Step 5: Create the Sauce

• Crushed tomatoes
• Tomato paste
• Whole Roma tomatoes
• Chili flakes

Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.

Gently return the seared chicken pieces to the skillet.

Step 6: Simmer to Perfection

Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce heat to low.

Allow the dish to simmer, stirring occasionally, for 40 minutes.

The chicken should become incredibly tender and start to fall off the bone.

Add olives during the final 10 minutes of cooking.

Step 7: Oven Finishing Method (Alternative)

Preheat the oven to 375°F.

Transfer the covered skillet to the oven and cook for 50 minutes.

Remove the lid, add olives, and continue cooking for an additional 20 minutes until the chicken is supremely tender and the sauce has reduced.

Step 8: Adjust Sauce Consistency

If the sauce seems too thin, stir in extra tomato paste while simmering to achieve your desired thickness.

Step 9: Make-Ahead and Storage

Prepare the chicken cacciatore up to a day in advance.

Cool completely, cover, and refrigerate.

Reheat gently over low-medium heat when ready to serve.

Step 10: Freezing and Reheating

For long-term storage, transfer the cooled dish to an airtight container and freeze.

Thaw in the morning, bring to room temperature, and reheat slowly in a skillet until warmed through.

Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Tips To Make Chicken Cacciatore Great

• Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or a mix of chicken pieces for deeper, richer taste and more tender meat.
• Sauté vegetables separately and add them later to maintain their crisp texture and prevent overcooking.
• Simmer uncovered during the last 15-20 minutes to naturally reduce and thicken the sauce without adding extra tomato paste.
• Use fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano instead of dried for a more vibrant and aromatic flavor throughout the dish.
• Choose a dry white wine like pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc to enhance the sauce's complexity without overpowering other ingredients.

Flavor Boosters For Chicken Cacciatore

• Vegetarian Cacciatore: Replace chicken with firm tofu or seitan, cubed and seasoned similarly. Bake or pan-fry protein before adding to sauce for enhanced texture.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free flour for coating chicken and ensure all ingredients like tomato paste are certified gluten-free. Serve over cauliflower rice instead of traditional pasta.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap Roma tomatoes with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. Reduce wine quantity and use more herbs for deeper flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Style: Add kalamata olives, swap regular peppers with roasted red peppers, incorporate feta cheese crumbles before serving. Include oregano and extra virgin olive oil for authentic Mediterranean taste.

Ideal Sides For Chicken Cacciatore

• Rustic Pasta Partner: Serve this hearty chicken cacciatore over al dente spaghetti or penne pasta for a classic Italian-style meal that captures robust flavors.
• Crusty Bread Companion: Pair with warm, crusty Italian bread or ciabatta to soak up the rich, savory tomato sauce and capture every delicious drop.
• Fresh Salad Sidekick: Complement the dish with a crisp green salad dressed in light vinaigrette to balance the rich, warm chicken cacciatore and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Enhance the meal with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese, which beautifully matches the tomato-based sauce and tender chicken.

Storing Chicken Cacciatore Safely

• Transfer cooled chicken cacciatore to an airtight container, seal tightly, and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the sauce and chicken together to maintain moisture and flavor.
• Pour chicken cacciatore into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Label with date and contents. Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality and taste.
• Gently warm in a skillet over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of water or broth if sauce seems dry. Heat until internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

FAQs

• What is the origin of chicken cacciatore?

The dish originates from Italy, specifically from rural hunters who would prepare a hearty chicken stew with vegetables and herbs found locally.

• Can I use different types of chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use chicken thighs, drumsticks, or a whole cut-up chicken. Bone-in chicken works best for maximum flavor and tenderness.

• Is chicken cacciatore considered a healthy meal?

It’s a nutritious one-pot meal packed with protein from chicken, vitamins from vegetables, and offers a balanced combination of nutrients.

• What makes the sauce in chicken cacciatore so flavorful?

The combination of wine, herbs, fresh tomatoes, and slow cooking allows ingredients to develop deep, rich flavors while tenderizing the chicken.

The BEST Chicken Cacciatore Recipe

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4.8 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Rustic Italian chicken cacciatore brings hearty countryside flavors right to kitchen tables with remarkable depth. Simmered in rich tomato sauce and aromatic herbs, this classic comfort dish delivers authentic Mediterranean warmth you’ll savor with pure culinary delight.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 6 bone-in skinless chicken thighs

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 medium onion diced
• 1 small yellow bell pepper diced
• 1 small red bell pepper diced
• 1 large carrot peeled and sliced
• 10 ounces (284 grams) mushrooms sliced
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) garlic minced (or 6 cloves)
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 pinch pepper

Herbs, Spices, and Additional Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) olive oil divided
• 8 sprigs thyme
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) fresh parsley plus more to garnish
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) fresh basil chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 150 milliliters (5 fluid ounces) red wine
• 28 ounces (794 grams) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) tomato paste
• 7 ounces (198 grams) Roma tomatoes halved
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• ½ cup pitted black olives

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Instructions

1. Generously coat chicken pieces with salt and pepper for robust flavor enhancement.
2. Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken until golden brown, approximately 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer chicken to a separate plate.
3. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and sauté onions until translucent. Quickly introduce minced garlic and cook until aromatic.
4. Add peppers, carrots, mushrooms, and herbs to the skillet. Sauté for 5 minutes, allowing vegetables to soften and release their natural flavors.
5. Deglaze the pan with wine, scraping up caramelized bits from the bottom. Allow wine to reduce for approximately 2 minutes.
6. Incorporate crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Roma tomatoes, and chili flakes. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
7. Return chicken pieces to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Choose between stovetop or oven cooking method.
8. For stovetop method: Cover and simmer on low heat for 40 minutes, stirring occasionally. Chicken should become tender and nearly falling off the bone.
9. For oven method: Preheat to 375°F. Cover skillet and bake for 50 minutes. Uncover, add olives, and continue baking for an additional 20 minutes.
10. If sauce appears thin, stir in extra tomato paste during final cooking stage to achieve desired consistency.
11. Introduce olives during last 10 minutes of cooking for enhanced flavor profile.
12. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving immediately.
13. For make-ahead preparation, cool completely and store in refrigerator for up to 1 day. Reheat gently over low-medium heat.
14. For long-term storage, transfer to airtight container and freeze. Thaw at room temperature before reheating thoroughly.

Notes

• Searing chicken creates a golden crust that locks in flavor and adds rich caramelized notes to the overall dish.
• Using a cast iron skillet or Dutch oven helps develop deeper flavors through even heat distribution and natural browning.
• Choose bone-in chicken pieces for maximum tenderness and more authentic traditional cacciatore texture.
• Slice vegetables uniformly to ensure consistent cooking and balanced taste in every bite.
• Add a splash of balsamic vinegar for extra depth and complexity if the sauce seems flat.
• Low and slow cooking method helps break down chicken fibers, creating melt-in-your-mouth tender meat.
• For gluten-free version, ensure tomato paste and all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Swap chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian alternative without compromising flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 231 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 230 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 2.3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9.2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg