If you’ve ever wondered how to bring a little rustic Italian warmth into your kitchen, this Classic Chicken Cacciatore Recipe is your answer. It’s the kind of comforting, hearty dish that wraps you in rich flavors of tender chicken simmered in a vibrant tomato sauce, bursting with bell peppers, mushrooms, and fragrant herbs. Every bite feels like a love letter to traditional Italian cooking, balancing simplicity with deep, satisfying taste. Whether for a cozy weeknight or a special gathering, this recipe delivers soul-soothing goodness that’s truly unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s dive into the essential ingredients that make this Classic Chicken Cacciatore Recipe so incredible. Each element plays an important role—from the tender, juicy chicken thighs to the fresh herbs that brighten the sauce. Together, they create a marvelous combination of textures, colors, and flavors that make this dish unforgettable.
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs: These provide juicy meat and crispy skin for maximum flavor.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds richness and helps brown the chicken beautifully.
- 1 onion, diced: Builds the savory foundation, adding subtle sweetness when sautéed.
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced: Brings vibrant color and a touch of natural sweetness.
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced: Adds a fresh crunch and balances the red pepper’s sweetness.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with aromatic depth.
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional): Offers earthiness and a meaty texture that complements the dish.
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes: The rich tomato base that gives cacciatore its hearty character.
- 1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth: Deglazes the pan and adds complexity to the sauce.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Keeps the sauce moist and flavorful as it simmers.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: A classic Italian herb that enhances the sauce’s earthiness.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Adds a sweet and slightly peppery note.
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): A gentle kick that wakes up the palate.
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped: Fresh garnish that brightens and freshens each bite.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that bring all the flavors into harmony.
- Fresh basil (optional, for garnish): Adds a lovely, fragrant touch for serving.
How to Make Classic Chicken Cacciatore Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Chicken
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season your chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper—this simple seasoning is key for flavor. Place the chicken skin-side down and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes until the skin is golden and crisp. Flip the pieces and cook the other side for 4 to 5 minutes, then remove the chicken and set it aside. This browning not only adds texture but creates those flavorful browned bits that make the sauce irresistible.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Using the same skillet, toss in the diced onion, red and green bell peppers, and mushrooms if you’re using them. Sauté for 5 to 6 minutes until everything softens and starts releasing its delicious aromas. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, just until fragrant. This step builds the rich, layered flavor base for the sauce.
Step 3: Deglaze the Pan
Pour in the white wine or chicken broth to deglaze the skillet, scraping up every tasty brown bit stuck to the bottom. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to reduce slightly—the concentrated flavor here will lift the entire dish.
Step 4: Add the Tomato Sauce and Herbs
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, oregano, basil, and crushed red pepper flakes if you like a hint of heat. Season with a bit more salt and pepper to taste. Return the browned chicken to the pan, nestling each piece into the sauce so it absorbs all the wonderful flavors.
Step 5: Simmer to Perfection
Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let your masterpiece simmer gently for 30 to 35 minutes until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through—aim for an internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C. During this time, the sauce thickens and the flavors meld into a harmonious, savory delight.
Step 6: Finish with Fresh Herbs
Before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil over the top. This bright, fresh touch not only looks stunning but balances the rich tomato sauce with herbal freshness.
How to Serve Classic Chicken Cacciatore Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or torn basil leaves adds a lovely burst of color and freshness right before serving. For an extra indulgent touch, a drizzle of good quality olive oil or a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan can elevate the dish even further. Simple, thoughtful garnishes highlight the hearty flavors and make the presentation inviting.
Side Dishes
This Classic Chicken Cacciatore Recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Serve it over al dente pasta to soak up all the sauce, or with creamy polenta for a comforting twist. Fluffy rice or crusty artisan bread also make ideal companions, perfect for sopping up every last bit of that irresistible sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to add a fun twist? Try serving the cacciatore over roasted spaghetti squash or cauliflower rice for a lighter, vegetable-forward option. For a family-style feast, present the chicken and sauce in a rustic cast iron skillet right at the table—that way, everyone can help themselves to the generous portions and enjoy the sizzling aroma fresh from the stove.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover Classic Chicken Cacciatore in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers delicious and convenient for quick meals that don’t feel like reheats.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully! Place leftovers in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Just remember to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve the texture and flavor of the chicken and sauce.
Reheating
Gently reheat in a covered skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure even heating without drying out the chicken or sauce.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! While bone-in, skin-on chicken adds extra flavor and moisture, boneless chicken thighs or breasts can be used if preferred. Just be careful not to overcook since boneless cuts cook faster and can dry out.
What can I substitute for white wine?
If you’d rather skip the wine, chicken broth is a perfectly fine substitute. It keeps the sauce flavorful while maintaining that lovely moisture and depth of taste.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! The Classic Chicken Cacciatore Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you serve it with gluten-free sides. Be sure to double-check any broth labels if you’re strict about gluten.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Definitely! Brown the chicken first, then combine all the ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or until the chicken is tender and the flavors have melded beautifully.
What’s the best way to thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?
If the sauce seems watery, remove the lid during the last stages of cooking to allow some liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, stirring in a small slurry of cornstarch and water will quickly thicken it without altering flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Classic Chicken Cacciatore Recipe is truly a joy to make and a delight to eat. It embodies the heart of Italian home cooking with its simple yet bold flavors and satisfying textures. If you’re craving something cozy, flavorful, and effortlessly impressive, give this recipe a try—you might just find it becoming your new go-to comfort meal that warms both heart and home.
Print
Classic Chicken Cacciatore Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This classic Chicken Cacciatore recipe features tender, bone-in chicken thighs simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce with bell peppers, onions, garlic, and herbs. Perfectly cooked on the stovetop, it offers a comforting Italian meal bursting with savory flavors and a hint of spice. Serve it over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread for an authentic and hearty dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or a mix of thighs and drumsticks)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional)
Sauce
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Place chicken skin-side down and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook the other side for 4-5 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add diced onions, sliced red and green bell peppers, and mushrooms if using. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until vegetables soften. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the white wine or chicken broth to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the pan. Allow to simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly and concentrate flavors.
- Make the Sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes if using. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Return the browned chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Bring everything to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer the Chicken: Cover the skillet and reduce heat to low. Let the chicken simmer gently for 30-35 minutes until cooked through and tender, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or basil over the dish before serving. Enjoy over your choice of pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Notes
- Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs provide the most flavor and juiciness, but drumsticks may also be used.
- Omitting mushrooms is fine; they add earthiness but are optional.
- White wine enhances depth but may be substituted with extra chicken broth for a non-alcoholic option.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to control the spice level or leave out for a milder sauce.
- Use fresh herbs for garnish to brighten the finished dish.
