If you are craving a comforting, hearty Italian classic, nothing beats this Chicken Cacciatore Recipe. Imagine tender, golden chicken thighs simmered in a rich tomato sauce bursting with earthy mushrooms, vibrant bell peppers, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes. Every bite delivers layers of rustic flavors that feel like a warm embrace on a plate. This dish is a celebration of simple ingredients elevated by slow cooking, making it an irresistible crowd-pleaser any day of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Chicken Cacciatore Recipe is all about using straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together effortlessly to create a dish packed with flavor. Each element—from the juicy chicken to the aromatic herbs—plays a crucial role in texture and color, ensuring a feast for both the eyes and taste buds.
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs: Provides juicy, tender meat with crispy skin for that perfect texture contrast.
- 1 ½ tsp salt, divided: Enhances all the natural flavors throughout the cooking process.
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: For searing the chicken and sautéing the vegetables, lending a rich, fruity base flavor.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Brings sweetness and a fragrant foundation to the sauce.
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped: Adds a pop of color and a hint of sweetness.
- 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced: Lends earthiness and meaty texture to balance the acidity.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with deep, aromatic notes.
- 1 tbsp tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor with a hint of sweetness and umami.
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes: Forms the rich, tangy base of the sauce.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano and basil that gives the dish its signature Mediterranean flair.
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary: Adds a woodsy, pine-like aroma that complements the chicken beautifully.
- ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped: Provides a chewy texture and bursts of concentrated tomato flavor.
- 2 tbsp capers, drained: Introduces a delightful briny zing.
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped: Brightens the dish with fresh herbal notes as a garnish.
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped: Adds a fresh, slightly peppery finish and a burst of green color.
How to Make Chicken Cacciatore Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Start by patting your chicken thighs dry with paper towels; this step is key for achieving that gorgeous golden crust. Sprinkle one teaspoon of salt and the black pepper evenly over the chicken, allowing each piece to be well-seasoned. This simple seasoning sets the foundation for all the rich flavors to come.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place your chicken thighs skin-side down in the pan and let them sear for 8 to 10 minutes without moving them, so the skin crisps beautifully. Flip and cook for an additional 3 minutes, then transfer the chicken to a plate to rest. This stage locks in juiciness while creating texture contrast.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Using the same skillet, add the chopped onion, red bell pepper, and sliced mushrooms. Sprinkle the remaining half teaspoon of salt over the veggies to enhance their natural sweetness and speed up the softening process. Sauté everything for about 7 minutes until they become tender and fragrant, soaking up all those delicious browned bits left from the chicken.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Now stir in the minced garlic, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and fresh rosemary sprig, cooking everything for about 1 minute until the garlic releases its aroma. Then add the crushed tomatoes, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and capers. Bring this vibrant mixture to a gentle simmer—it’s here that the sauce begins its magic, melding together sweet, savory, and tangy flavors into one harmonious blend.
Step 5: Simmer the Chicken in Sauce
Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the skillet, spooning the sauce generously over each piece. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer, cover the skillet, and let it cook for 30 to 35 minutes. During this time, the chicken becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, soaking up all those rich, herb-infused tomato notes.
Step 6: Finish and Garnish
Once the chicken is tender and cooked through, remove the rosemary sprig and sprinkle the dish with fresh chopped basil and parsley. These fresh herbs brighten every bite, adding an herbaceous, vibrant finish that perfectly complements the deep flavors of the sauce.
How to Serve Chicken Cacciatore Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of fresh basil and parsley right before serving not only enhances the visual appeal with a splash of green, but it also adds a burst of fresh, aromatic flavor. These herbs balance out the richness of the sauce and bring a light, lively note to the dish.
Side Dishes
This Chicken Cacciatore Recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Classic choices include al dente pasta, creamy polenta, or fluffy rice, all perfect for soaking up that luscious sauce. For a heartier meal, serve alongside crusty Italian bread to mop up every last bit of deliciousness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving this dish in rustic individual cast iron skillets or vibrant ceramic bowls to impress your guests with style. You can also top it with a dollop of ricotta or shaved Parmesan for an extra layer of indulgence. Another idea is to spoon it over grilled polenta cakes for a stunning presentation that combines textures wonderfully.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Chicken Cacciatore tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to keep the chicken submerged in the sauce to prevent it from drying out.
Freezing
If you want to prepare ahead or save extra portions, this dish freezes beautifully. Cool it completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. It will maintain its quality for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to warm evenly without drying out the chicken. Adding a splash of water or broth can help loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much. Alternatively, use a microwave on medium power, covering the dish to retain moisture.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Boneless chicken thighs or breasts can be used instead, but be mindful that the cooking time will decrease. Check for doneness earlier to avoid overcooking and drying out the meat.
Is this dish spicy?
This Chicken Cacciatore Recipe is mildly seasoned, focusing on savory and tangy flavors rather than heat. However, you can add red pepper flakes if you enjoy a little kick.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes! After searing the chicken and sautéing your vegetables, transfer everything to the slow cooker with the sauce ingredients. Cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or until the chicken is tender.
What can I substitute for sun-dried tomatoes?
If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, you can add extra crushed or diced tomatoes for sweetness. Roasted red peppers also make a tasty alternative, providing some smoky depth.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken thighs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the meat is tender enough to pull apart easily with a fork. Cooking times can vary slightly, so use a thermometer if you’re uncertain.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly heartwarming about making this Chicken Cacciatore Recipe at home. It fills your kitchen with incredible aromas and results in a dish that speaks of tradition and care. Whether you’re warming up a weeknight or impressing guests, this recipe is guaranteed to bring comfort and joy to your table. Give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Print
Chicken Cacciatore Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Chicken Cacciatore is a classic Italian dish featuring tender, bone-in chicken thighs simmered in a rich and flavorful tomato-based sauce with bell peppers, mushrooms, garlic, and aromatic herbs. This comforting meal combines seared chicken with a savory medley of vegetables and herbs, perfect for serving over pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 ½ tsp salt, divided
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary
- ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 tbsp capers, drained
For Garnish:
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare and season chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season both sides with 1 teaspoon of salt and freshly ground black pepper evenly.
- Heat oil and sear chicken: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 8-10 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
- Flip chicken and set aside: Flip the chicken and cook the other side for an additional 3 minutes, allowing it to develop color. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside temporarily.
- Sauté vegetables: In the same skillet with the chicken drippings, add the chopped onion, red bell pepper, and sliced mushrooms. Sprinkle with the remaining ½ teaspoon salt and sauté for 7 minutes until the vegetables soften.
- Add aromatics and tomato paste: Stir in minced garlic, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and the sprig of fresh rosemary. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, allowing the tomato paste to deepen in flavor.
- Add tomatoes and other sauce ingredients: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and drained capers. Stir to combine everything well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Return chicken to skillet and simmer: Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the sauce, skin-side up, spooning sauce over the top. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer gently for 30-35 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Finish and garnish: Remove the rosemary sprig from the sauce. Sprinkle the dish with fresh chopped basil and parsley for a fresh, herbaceous finish.
- Serve: Serve the Chicken Cacciatore warm, ideally over pasta, rice, or with slices of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Notes
- Bone-in chicken thighs provide the best flavor and remain juicy during cooking, but boneless thighs can be used if preferred.
- Sun-dried tomatoes add depth and sweetness to the sauce, but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Adjust the seasoning and herbs according to taste—extra rosemary or Italian seasoning can intensify the flavors.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat beautifully.
- This dish pairs well with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
