Chicken Cacciatore ("Hunter's Chicken") is a traditional Italian dish featuring chicken braised in a rich tomato sauce with onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, garlic, herbs, and wine. The slow simmering creates tender chicken and a deeply flavorful sauce.
Servings
4–6 servings
Preparation Time
- Prep: 20 minutes
- Cooking: 50–60 minutes
- Total: About 1 hour 20 minutes
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 3 lbs (1.4 kg) bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and drumsticks (about 8 pieces)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (optional, for light coating)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sauce
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 8 oz (225 g) mushrooms, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup dry red wine (or chicken broth)
- 1 can (28 oz / 800 g) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup chicken broth
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Equipment Needed
- Large Dutch oven or deep skillet with lid
- Wooden spoon
- Tongs
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels.
- Season all sides with salt and black pepper.
- Lightly dredge the chicken in flour, shaking off excess.
Why coat with flour?
The flour helps create a golden crust and slightly thickens the sauce during cooking.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Place chicken skin-side down.
- Cook for 5–6 minutes until golden brown.
- Turn and brown the other side for 3–4 minutes.
- Remove chicken and set aside.
The chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this stage.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Using the same pot:
- Add onions and cook for 3 minutes.
- Add bell peppers and mushrooms.
- Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
The vegetables should become fragrant and lightly caramelized.
Step 4: Deglaze the Pot
- Pour in the red wine.
- Scrape the browned bits from the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon.
- Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly reduced.
These browned bits add tremendous flavor to the sauce.
Step 5: Build the Sauce
Add:
- Crushed tomatoes
- Tomato paste
- Chicken broth
- Oregano
- Basil
- Thyme
- Bay leaf
- Red pepper flakes (if using)
Stir thoroughly until combined.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Step 6: Braise the Chicken
- Return the browned chicken to the pot.
- Nestle the pieces into the sauce.
- Cover with a lid.
- Reduce heat to low.
Simmer gently for 35–45 minutes.
The chicken is done when:
- Internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C)
- Meat is tender and easily pulls from the bone
Step 7: Finish the Dish
- Remove the bay leaf.
- Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- If the sauce is too thin, simmer uncovered for 5–10 minutes to reduce.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with:
- Fresh parsley
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Serve hot.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken Cacciatore pairs beautifully with:
- Spaghetti
- Fettuccine
- Creamy polenta
- Mashed potatoes
- Crusty Italian bread
- Steamed rice
Chef's Tips
For Richer Flavor
Use a combination of chicken thighs and drumsticks rather than breast meat.
For Extra Depth
Add:
- ½ cup black olives
- 2 tablespoons capers
during the final 15 minutes of cooking.
Make Ahead
Chicken Cacciatore tastes even better the next day because the flavors continue to develop.
Slow Cooker Version
After browning the chicken and vegetables:
- Transfer everything to a slow cooker.
- Cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
Storage
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat until heated through.
Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 420–500
- Protein: 35–40 g
- Carbohydrates: 12–15 g
- Fat: 22–28 g
- Fiber: 3–4 g
This classic Chicken Cacciatore delivers tender braised chicken in a savory tomato-herb sauce packed with vegetables, making it a hearty and comforting Italian meal.
Read Also: Chicken Piccata Recipe
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