Chicken Cacciatore Recipe

If you’ve ever wondered how to bring the rustic charm of Italian farmhouse cooking right to your dinner table, this Chicken Cacciatore Recipe is your answer. Combining tender, golden-browned chicken with vibrant bell peppers, savory tomatoes, and aromatic herbs, this dish creates a rich and comforting meal that’s bursting with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe offers that perfect balance of simplicity and sophistication that makes every bite an absolute delight.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every single ingredient in this Chicken Cacciatore Recipe plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, color, and texture. From the juicy chicken thighs to the fragrant herbs, these simple pantry staples come together to create a dish that’s rustic yet refined.

• 4 chicken thighs (bone-in and skin-on): The key to juicy, flavorful meat with crispy skin.
• 4 chicken drumsticks (bone-in and skin-on): Adds extra moisture and rustic charm.
• 1 large onion (diced): Provides sweetness and a subtle, aromatic base.
• 2 bell peppers (1 red and 1 yellow, sliced): Brings vibrant color and crisp-tender texture.
• 3 cloves garlic (minced): Adds depth and a fragrant kick.
• 28 ounces crushed tomatoes: Creates a rich, hearty sauce with natural sweetness.
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste: Intensifies tomato flavor and thickens the sauce.
• 1 cup chicken broth: Keeps everything moist and infuses savory undertones.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds classic Italian herbal notes.
• 1 teaspoon dried basil: Enhances the aroma and freshness.
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Provides earthiness and complexity.
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Gives a gentle heat punch—adjust to your liking.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings balancing all the flavors.
• 3 tablespoons olive oil: For browning the chicken and softening the veggies.
• Fresh parsley or basil (for garnish): Adds a burst of fresh color and brightness when served.

How to Make Chicken Cacciatore Recipe

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Start by giving your chicken thighs and drumsticks a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper. This simple step ensures every bite has a balanced seasoning upfront.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Place the chicken skin-side down, and let it sear undisturbed for 5 to 7 minutes until the skin turns an irresistible golden brown. Flip and cook the other side for about 5 minutes. Then transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside. Browning the chicken not only locks in juices but forms a flavorful foundation for the sauce.

Step 3: Sauté Onions

Into the same pot, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the diced onions and sauté over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes. You want the onions to become translucent and soft, releasing their sweetness that will blend beautifully with the tomatoes.

Step 4: Cook Bell Peppers and Garlic

Next, add the colorful bell peppers and minced garlic. Continue cooking for another 3 to 4 minutes until the peppers soften just enough to retain a little bite. This step adds wonderful texture contrast to the dish.

Step 5: Stir in Tomato Paste

Now it’s time for the tomato paste. Stir it into the veggies and cook for about one minute. This brief caramelization brings out a deeper, richer tomato flavor that’s essential for a standout Chicken Cacciatore Recipe.

Step 6: Add Crushed Tomatoes and Broth

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth, stirring well to combine everything. This mixture will transform into the luscious sauce that envelops the chicken as it cooks.

Step 7: Combine Chicken and Herbs

Gently place the browned chicken back into the pot. Sprinkle the dried oregano, basil, thyme, and red pepper flakes over the top. Give everything a gentle stir, being careful not to break up the chicken pieces. This is where the magic of flavor melding truly begins.

Step 8: Simmer Until Tender

Bring the pot to a gentle simmer. Then reduce the heat to low and cover it. Let the chicken simmer away for 30 to 40 minutes until it becomes tender and infused with all those fantastic flavors.

Step 9: Adjust and Thicken the Sauce

Taste the sauce, and season with additional salt and pepper if necessary. If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the lid and simmer uncovered for the last 10 minutes, letting some of the liquid evaporate for extra richness.

Step 10: Garnish and Serve

Finish by scattering freshly chopped parsley or basil on top. This final touch adds fresh aroma and a pop of color that will make your Chicken Cacciatore Recipe irresistible at the table.

How to Serve Chicken Cacciatore Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil works wonders here, adding a burst of freshness and a lively green touch that contrasts beautifully with the rich tomato sauce and golden chicken.

Side Dishes

Serve it alongside creamy polenta, buttery mashed potatoes, or even a simple bowl of spaghetti to soak up all that luscious sauce. Crusty bread is also perfect for mopping up every last bit.

Creative Ways to Present

For a family-style dinner, serve directly from the pot with fresh herbs on top so everyone can help themselves. Alternatively, plate individual servings over a bed of your favorite pasta or grains and garnish with a lemon wedge to brighten the flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Chicken Cacciatore in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to deepen, making leftovers even more delicious!

Freezing

This Chicken Cacciatore Recipe freezes beautifully. Cool completely, then pack into freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat to preserve the tenderness of the chicken. Add a splash of broth if the sauce has thickened too much during storage.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken instead of bone-in?

While boneless chicken will work, bone-in, skin-on pieces provide more flavor and moisture, resulting in a richer, juicier Chicken Cacciatore Recipe.

What can I substitute for crushed tomatoes?

If you don’t have crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes blended a bit or pureed canned tomatoes work well as alternatives.

Is it okay to use fresh herbs instead of dried?

Absolutely! Use about three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried for the same flavor impact.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the chicken and sauté veggies first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours.

How spicy is the dish with the red pepper flakes?

The red pepper flakes add a mild, pleasant heat, but you can always adjust or omit them based on your spice preference.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting and heartwarming about a well-crafted Chicken Cacciatore Recipe, and this one is bound to become a favorite in your kitchen. The combination of tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and herbaceous tomato sauce strikes the perfect note for any cozy meal. So go ahead, gather those simple ingredients, and create a dish full of love and Italian charm that everyone will adore.

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