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Delicious Easy Italian Chicken Cacciatore

As seen in Quick and Satisfying Dinner Solutions for Busy Weeknights.

This Italian chicken cacciatore is perfect for hearty dinner vibes. Bone-in chicken is cooked until soft and juicy in a blend of wine, tomatoes, mushrooms, and sweet peppers, creating an irresistible sauce. Whether you prefer to cook it slow on the stovetop or go for a slow cooker method, it’s versatile. Pair it with pasta, creamy polenta, or crusty bread to soak up every bit of flavor. And don’t forget—the leftovers are even better the next day, perfect for planning ahead!
Chef with a smile, ready to cook and serve.
Created by Sandra
Fresh as of Sun, 23 Feb 2025 16:37:46 GMT
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A hearty plate of chicken in flavorful sauce with vegetables. Save Recipe
A hearty plate of chicken in flavorful sauce with vegetables. | yummygusto.com

Classic Italian Chicken Cacciatore combines fork-tender chicken with a robust sauce of tomatoes, wine, and aromatics. This rustic hunter-style dish features chicken thighs braised until succulent, surrounded by sweet bell peppers, earthy mushrooms, and fresh herbs. The slow-simmered sauce develops rich, layered flavors that make this a remarkable family meal.

This cherished recipe has earned its place as a Sunday dinner tradition in countless Italian kitchens. The enticing aromas of simmering herbs and garlic never fail to gather everyone around the table.

Key Ingredients

  • Bone-in chicken thighs: Chosen for superior flavor and moisture retention
  • Red wine: Adds depth and helps tenderize the meat
  • Fresh herbs: Brightens the dish with thyme and parsley
  • San Marzano tomatoes: The gold standard for rich sauce
  • Baby bella mushrooms: Provides earthy undertones

Cooking Method

Initial Sear:
Heat Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Brown in olive oil until golden, 6 minutes skin-side down, 4 minutes reverse. Remove to plate.
Vegetable Base:
Reduce heat to medium. Sauté onions and celery, scraping fond. Add peppers and mushrooms until softened. Incorporate garlic and herbs.
Final Braise:
Deglaze with wine. Add tomatoes and bring to simmer. Return chicken to pot. Cover and cook 45 minutes until tender.
A pot of food with chicken and mushrooms in a red sauce. Save Recipe
A pot of food with chicken and mushrooms in a red sauce. | yummygusto.com

Traditional Italian cooking teaches that patience yields the best results with cacciatore. Each minute of gentle simmering allows the flavors to develop and meld, creating a more complex and satisfying dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this hearty dish over creamy polenta, pasta, or alongside crusty bread. For lighter options, pair with roasted spaghetti squash or fresh green salad.

Recipe Variations

Enhance the traditional recipe with olives, capers, or anchovy fillets. Adjust heat levels by varying the amount of red pepper flakes or adding fresh chilies.

Storage Instructions

Keep refrigerated in sealed container up to four days. Flavors continue developing overnight. Warm gently, adding broth if needed to adjust sauce consistency.

A bowl of chicken and vegetables, including mushrooms, onions, and peppers, is served in a brown sauce. Save Recipe
A bowl of chicken and vegetables, including mushrooms, onions, and peppers, is served in a brown sauce. | yummygusto.com

This classic Chicken Cacciatore represents Italian home cooking at its finest. The combination of tender braised chicken, flavorful vegetables, and rich sauce creates an impressive yet approachable dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to any table.

Recipe Tips & Help

→ Can I replace chicken thighs with breasts?
Sure, chicken breasts can work too, but thighs are better for keeping that juicy tenderness when cooked for longer.
→ Which wine is best for this dish?
Using a medium red wine like Merlot, Chianti, or Sangiovese works wonders. Don’t want wine? Just switch to chicken broth!
→ What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Keep it in a sealed container in your fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze it for as long as 3 months.
→ What sides go well with chicken cacciatore?
It’s a match made in heaven with pasta, some crusty bread, polenta, or even rice. A leafy green salad works great too!
→ Can I prep this meal ahead of time?
Of course! It actually tastes better after resting because the flavors mix together even more. Gently reheat on the stovetop or microwave.

Delicious Easy Italian Chicken Cacciatore

Discover this hearty Italian meal featuring tender chicken cooked alongside mushrooms, peppers, and a tomato-based sauce bursting with flavor.

Preparation Time
15 Mins
Cooking Time
53 Mins
Total Time
68 Mins
Created by: Sandra

Dish Type: Weeknight Dinners

Skill Level: Medium

Style: Italian

Makes: 6 Serves

Dietary Notes: No Gluten, No Dairy

What You'll Need

→ Main Ingredients

01 Trim the extra fat off 6 chicken thighs with the bone in and skin on.
02 Use as much kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper as you like.
03 Grab some extra virgin olive oil.

→ Vegetables & Aromatics

04 Chop 2 celery stalks.
05 Clean and slice 8 ounces of white mushrooms or baby bella mushrooms.
06 Dice 1 small yellow onion finely.
07 Chop 1 bell pepper (mix of red and green, half of each).
08 Mince 3 garlic cloves.

→ Herbs & Seasonings

09 Throw in a pinch of chili flakes.
10 Use a teaspoon of dried oregano.
11 Grab 3 fresh thyme sprigs.
12 Dice 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley (add a bit more for sprinkling on top).

→ Sauce

13 Measure 1 cup of red wine.
14 Open a 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes.

Method

01

Take your chicken and pat it dry. Sprinkle salt and pepper generously over it, making sure to season under the skin too.

02

Heat up 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a deep frying pan or braiser over medium-high heat. When the oil starts shimmering, place the chicken skin-side down. Sear it until it’s golden, about 4 minutes on each side (so around 8 minutes total). Take the chicken out and set it aside on a plate.

03

With the same pan, throw in onions, garlic, mushrooms, bell peppers, and celery. Add some salt, pepper, oregano, parsley, thyme, and chili flakes. Let the veggies cook, stirring frequently, for 5 to 6 minutes until they soften.

04

Pour the red wine into the pan and let it simmer until it’s reduced by half. Add the crushed tomatoes and let everything cook for 5 to 10 minutes over medium heat. Stir it every now and then.

05

Put the chicken back into the pan, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cover it. Let it simmer gently for 30 minutes, or until the chicken is completely cooked through. Sprinkle some parsley on top before serving.

Cook's Tips

  1. If you prefer a slow cooked version, brown the chicken first, then toss everything into a slow cooker. Cook for 8 hours on LOW or 4 hours on HIGH.
  2. Save any leftovers in a container with an airtight lid. Pop it in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for as long as 3 months.

Kitchen Equipment

  • A large deep pan or braiser with a lid
  • Cutting board and a sharp knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Nutrition Per Serving

Values are approximate and should be used as a general guide.
  • Calories: 348.4
  • Fat Content: ~
  • Carbohydrates: 15.8 g
  • Protein: 22.3 g