If you’re searching for a dish that bursts with flavor, rustic charm, and a cozy, home-cooked vibe, look no further than this Chicken Cacciatore Recipe. This Italian classic combines tender chicken thighs braised in a rich, vibrant tomato sauce filled with garlic, mushrooms, bell peppers, and a brothy mix of sun-dried tomatoes and capers. Every bite delivers warm, comforting flavors with a delightful balance of savory and herbal notes. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe shines with its simplicity and heartwarming taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start cooking, gather these straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that give this Chicken Cacciatore Recipe its amazing depth. Each element plays its part — from the juicy chicken thighs to the earthy mushrooms and the punchy sun-dried tomatoes that elevate the sauce beautifully.
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs: The star of the dish, providing succulent meat and crispy skin when seared.
- 1 ½ tsp salt, divided: Essential for seasoning both the chicken and vegetables properly.
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and brightness to the chicken seasoning.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: For searing the chicken and sautéing the veggies, bringing richness and flavor.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Offers a sweet, aromatic base for the sauce.
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped: Adds a colorful, slightly sweet crunch that balances the sauce.
- 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced: Lends an earthy heartiness that complements the tomatoes perfectly.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with its unmistakable aroma and flavor punch.
- 1 tbsp tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce beautifully.
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes: The rich, saucy foundation of this Chicken Cacciatore Recipe.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: Blends herbs like oregano and basil for that classic Mediterranean flavor.
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary: A wonderful herb that adds woodsy, fragrant notes to the stew.
- ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped: Intensifies the tomato richness with a sweet and tangy kick.
- 2 tbsp capers, drained: Brings a briny sharpness that brightens up the sauce.
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped: For a fresh, peppery garnish that adds vibrancy.
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped: A light, herbal touch to finish off your beautiful dish.
How to Make Chicken Cacciatore Recipe
Step 1: Preparing and Searing the Chicken
Start by patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels — this ensures the skin crisps up nicely. Season them with 1 teaspoon of salt and freshly ground black pepper for that perfect flavor base. Heat up your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, and then place the chicken thighs skin-side down. Let them sear patiently for 8 to 10 minutes until you get that gorgeous golden brown color and delicious crispy skin. Flip the chicken and cook on the other side for about 3 minutes before removing from the pan to rest on a plate.
Step 2: Creating the Flavorful Sauce
In the same skillet, toss in the chopped onion, red bell pepper, and sliced mushrooms. Sprinkle the remaining ½ teaspoon of salt and sauté everything for about 7 minutes until the vegetables are tender and fragrant. Next, toss in garlic, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and the fresh rosemary sprig. Stir vigorously as the tomato paste cooks for about a minute, waking up the brilliant aromas and deepening the sauce’s flavor.
Step 3: Building the Tomato Base
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and add the capers to the skillet. Stir everything together and bring the mixture gently to a simmer. This harmonious blend will become the soul of your Chicken Cacciatore Recipe, balancing sweet, savory, and tangy notes that hug the chicken beautifully.
Step 4: Braising the Chicken
Now, nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the rich sauce, spooning a little sauce over the top to coat each piece lovingly. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer, cover the skillet, and let it cook for 30 to 35 minutes. This slow braise will produce tender, fall-off-the-bone chicken infused with all those mouthwatering flavors. Remove the rosemary sprig before moving on to the next step.
Step 5: Finishing Touches
Finally, sprinkle fresh basil and chopped parsley over the top to brighten and freshen the dish just before serving. This vibrant garnish adds that lovely color contrast while elevating the flavor with a fresh herbal kick.
How to Serve Chicken Cacciatore Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh basil and parsley really makes this Chicken Cacciatore Recipe come alive at the table. You can also consider a few shavings of Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil to add extra richness and a touch of indulgence. These little finishing touches elevate every bite without overpowering the dish’s rustic character.
Side Dishes
This dish shines when served alongside simple starches that soak up the luscious sauce. Creamy polenta, buttered pasta, or fluffy rice are classic choices that complement the bold flavors perfectly. For a heartier, homestyle meal, serve with crusty bread to mop up every last drop of that incredible sauce. A side salad with fresh greens and a zesty vinaigrette also adds a refreshing balance to the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress, serve your Chicken Cacciatore Recipe in individual rustic ramekins or shallow bowls, layered over your choice of side dish. Garnish with whole basil leaves and a sprig of rosemary for a beautiful presentation. For a casual gathering, arrange it family-style in a large skillet right at the center of the table — it invites everyone to dig in and share the joy of a comforting Italian classic.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Chicken Cacciatore tastes just as delightful reheated, making it a perfect make-ahead meal. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to develop overnight, so you might find it even more delicious the next day!
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully, so you can enjoy it at your convenience. Place cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Reheating
Reheat your Chicken Cacciatore gently over low heat on the stove to avoid drying out the chicken. Adding a splash of water or broth can help loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much in the fridge. Alternatively, use a microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to warm it evenly.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of bone-in?
Absolutely! Boneless thighs will cook a bit faster and yield tender meat, but bone-in adds extra flavor and moisture during braising. Adjust cooking time accordingly and keep an eye on the chicken so it stays juicy.
Is it possible to make this recipe without mushrooms?
Of course! While mushrooms add great earthiness, you can omit them or swap in other veggies like zucchini or eggplant to maintain texture and substance in the sauce.
Can I prepare Chicken Cacciatore Recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, slow cookers work wonderfully. After searing the chicken and sautéing the veggies, transfer everything to your slow cooker and simmer on low for 4 to 6 hours. The low and slow method makes the chicken incredibly tender.
What wine pairs well with Chicken Cacciatore Recipe?
A medium-bodied red wine like Chianti, Sangiovese, or a rustic Italian red beautifully complements the tomato-based sauce and savory chicken flavors, enhancing your meal experience.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! This Chicken Cacciatore Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you serve it with gluten-free sides, like polenta or gluten-free pasta. Just double-check that your canned tomatoes and other packaged ingredients don’t contain any hidden gluten.
Final Thoughts
Your next dinner deserves a dish that’s packed with comforting Italian flavors yet simple enough to become a weeknight favorite. This Chicken Cacciatore Recipe does exactly that — marrying tender, golden chicken with a robust tomato sauce filled with herbs and vegetables you’ll love. Whether you’re cooking for four or just craving a soulful meal, dive into this recipe and let it fill your kitchen with warmth and deliciousness. Trust me, you’ll want to make this one again and again!
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, seared chicken thighs simmered in a rich and flavorful tomato sauce with bell peppers, mushrooms, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and capers. This hearty, rustic meal is perfect served over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread for a comforting dinner.
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
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear, then season them with 1 teaspoon of salt and freshly ground black pepper evenly on all sides.
- Heat the Oil: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil, allowing it to heat until shimmering but not smoking.
- Sear the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the hot skillet and cook for 8-10 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
- Flip Chicken: Turn the chicken thighs over and cook for an additional 3 minutes to help seal in juices. Then transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside to rest.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, red bell pepper, and sliced mushrooms. Season with the remaining ½ teaspoon of salt and sauté for about 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and rosemary sprig. Cook for 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant and the tomato paste is well combined.
- Add Tomatoes and Other Ingredients: Pour in the crushed tomatoes along with the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and drained capers. Stir to combine everything thoroughly.
- Simmer the Sauce: Bring the sauce mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Return Chicken to Sauce: Nestle the seared chicken thighs skin-side up back into the skillet, spooning some sauce over the tops to coat.
- Cook Chicken Through: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let simmer gently for 30-35 minutes, until the chicken is tender and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Finish and Garnish: Remove and discard the rosemary sprig. Sprinkle freshly chopped basil and parsley over the chicken and sauce for a fresh, vibrant finish.
- Serve: Serve warm, ideally with your choice of pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can deglaze the pan with a splash of red wine before adding the crushed tomatoes.
- If you prefer boneless chicken, adjust the cooking time accordingly, as it will cook faster.
- Sun-dried tomatoes add a concentrated sweetness and depth; ensure they are chopped finely for even distribution.
- Leftovers taste great the next day as flavors continue to meld.
- This dish can be made in advance and gently reheated before serving.
