If you’re craving a comforting, rustic Italian meal, look no further than Chicken Cacciatore. This dish, known as “hunter’s chicken” in Italy, is packed with juicy chicken, hearty vegetables, and a rich, aromatic tomato sauce. Whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner at home or serving it at a dinner party, this dish will surely impress your family and friends!
The name “Cacciatore” means “hunter” in Italian, and it’s said to be a dish that hunters would make using whatever fresh ingredients they had at hand. The result is a satisfying, savory stew with tender chicken simmered in a delicious sauce made with tomatoes, garlic, onions, and herbs. It’s simple, yet incredibly flavorful!
In this blog post, we’ll guide you step-by-step through making Chicken Cacciatore from scratch, and we’ll share some tips for getting it just right. So, grab your apron, and let’s dive into this Italian classic that will leave your taste buds singing! 😋
🌟 Why You’ll Love This Chicken Cacciatore Recipe!
✅ Rich & Flavorful – The tomato sauce is deeply seasoned with herbs, garlic, and wine, creating a rich, savory base for the chicken.
✅ Perfectly Tender Chicken – The chicken simmers in the sauce, becoming fall-off-the-bone tender.
✅ Hearty & Filling – A satisfying meal with protein, veggies, and a flavorful sauce.
✅ One-Pot Wonder – Minimal cleanup, just cook everything in one pot!
✅ Great for Leftovers – The flavors get better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need for Chicken Cacciatore
This recipe uses simple, fresh ingredients that are easy to find at your local grocery store. Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
For the Chicken Cacciatore:
- 4 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts if preferred) 🍗
- 1 tbsp olive oil 🫒
- 1 medium onion, sliced 🧅
- 1 bell pepper, sliced 🌶️
- 2 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes 🍅
- ½ cup dry white wine 🍷
- ½ cup chicken broth 🍗
- ¼ cup black olives, sliced (optional, for an authentic touch) 🫒
- 1 tsp dried oregano 🌿
- 1 tsp dried basil 🌿
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat) 🌶️
- Salt and pepper, to taste 🧂
- Fresh parsley for garnish 🌿
For Serving (Optional):
- Crusty bread for dipping 🍞
- Pasta or rice to serve alongside 🍚
🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Chicken Cacciatore
Now that you have all the ingredients, it’s time to start cooking! Here’s how to make Chicken Cacciatore that will wow your taste buds.
1️⃣ Brown the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season your chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken to the pan and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown. This step will help lock in the flavors and create a nice sear on the chicken.
After the chicken is browned, remove it from the pan and set it aside. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked yet – it will finish cooking in the sauce.
2️⃣ Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pan, add your sliced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft and slightly caramelized. This adds a lot of flavor to the base of your sauce. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
3️⃣ Deglaze the Pan with Wine
Pour in the dry white wine to deglaze the pan. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up all the delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the wine simmer for 2 minutes, allowing it to reduce and concentrate in flavor.
4️⃣ Add the Tomatoes, Broth, and Herbs
Now, add the diced tomatoes (with their juices), chicken broth, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir everything together, and bring the mixture to a simmer. The sauce will start to thicken and absorb all those wonderful Italian flavors.
5️⃣ Return the Chicken to the Pan
Once the sauce is simmering, return the browned chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Cover the pan and reduce the heat to low. Let the chicken simmer for 30-40 minutes, until it’s cooked through and super tender. The chicken will absorb the flavors from the sauce, making it juicy and flavorful.
6️⃣ Add the Olives and Adjust Seasoning
If you’re using black olives, add them to the pan about 5 minutes before the chicken is done cooking. This will give them time to heat through and infuse the sauce with their briny flavor. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if needed.
7️⃣ Serve and Enjoy!
Once the chicken is fully cooked and tender, it’s time to serve! Garnish the Chicken Cacciatore with fresh parsley for a pop of color. You can serve it with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up that delicious sauce.
📝 Expert Tips for Perfect Chicken Cacciatore
Here are a few tips to ensure your Chicken Cacciatore turns out perfectly:
✅ Use bone-in chicken – Bone-in chicken thighs are ideal for this dish because they’re juicier and more flavorful. If you prefer chicken breasts, you can use them, but thighs will give you the best results.
✅ Don’t skip the wine – The dry white wine is essential to add depth of flavor to the sauce. It helps balance the richness of the tomatoes and adds a touch of acidity.
✅ Slow simmering – The key to tender chicken is to let it simmer in the sauce slowly. Don’t rush the cooking process!
✅ Add vegetables – You can add additional veggies like mushrooms or zucchini to make the dish even heartier.
🍽️ What to Serve with Chicken Cacciatore?
Chicken Cacciatore is so versatile, and you can serve it with a variety of sides. Here are some suggestions:
🍞 Crusty bread – A loaf of sourdough or French bread is perfect for soaking up the flavorful sauce.
🍚 Rice – Serve the Chicken Cacciatore over steamed rice to absorb all the delicious juices.
🍝 Pasta – Pair with spaghetti or fettuccine for a classic Italian combo.
🥗 Green salad – A light, crisp salad on the side will balance the richness of the dish.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make Chicken Cacciatore in a slow cooker?
Yes! To make this in a slow cooker, brown the chicken in a skillet first, then transfer it to the slow cooker with all the other ingredients. Cook on low for 4-6 hours until the chicken is tender.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Chicken Cacciatore tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld together. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, Chicken Cacciatore is naturally gluten-free. Just make sure the chicken broth you use is gluten-free.
🎉 Try This Chicken Cacciatore Today!
Now that you’ve learned how to make Chicken Cacciatore, it’s time to give it a try! This hearty, savory dish will warm you up and fill your kitchen with delicious aromas. Whether you’re cooking for your family, a dinner party, or meal prepping for the week, it’s sure to become a favorite!
🔥 Give this recipe a try and let us know what you think in the comments below! 👇
👉 Don’t forget to share this recipe with fellow food lovers!
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