Description
Chicken Cacciatore is a traditional Italian dish where chicken is simmered in a savory tomato sauce with bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms. This flavorful and hearty meal is ideal for a comforting dinner, offering a rich blend of herbs and vegetables that perfectly complement the tender chicken.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or a mix of thighs and drumsticks)
- 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)
- 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)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 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. Cook chicken skin-side down for 5-7 minutes until golden brown, then flip and cook the other side for 4-5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms (if using). Sauté for 5-6 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Deglaze with Wine: Pour in white wine (or chicken broth) to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with additional salt and pepper. Return chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Bring to a simmer.
- Simmer the Chicken: Cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 30-35 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley or basil. Serve over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.
Notes
- For a non-alcoholic version, use extra chicken broth instead of white wine.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Category: dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with sauce
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 100mg