Hearty Chicken Cacciatore Recipe

If you love dishes that combine simplicity with rich, comforting flavors, then this Hearty Chicken Cacciatore Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine tender, juicy chicken thighs simmered in a vibrant tomato sauce with the sweet crunch of bell peppers, the aromatic allure of garlic and herbs, and just the right touch of heat if you like. This classic Italian stew is not only satisfying but also brings a rustic charm to your table that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether for a cozy family dinner or impressing guests, this Hearty Chicken Cacciatore Recipe is guaranteed to become one of your favorite go-to meals.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Hearty Chicken Cacciatore Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredient list, each component playing a crucial role in building depth of flavor and texture. From the tender chicken thighs to the colorful bell peppers and luscious crushed tomatoes, every item adds a layer that makes the dish come alive.

• 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs: Adds rich flavor and keeps the meat tender while cooking.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors of the ingredients.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Offers a subtle kick and balances the seasoning.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used for searing and sautéing, lending a fruity richness.
• 1 medium onion, sliced: Sweetens the sauce and softens to melt into the base.
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced: Adds bright color and a mildly sweet crunch.
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced: Complements with a slightly different sweetness and festive hue.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Provides a fragrant foundation and savory depth.
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional): Adds acidity and complexity to the sauce.
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes: The heart of the sauce, rich and tangy.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Brings an earthy Italian herb aroma.
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Adds subtle floral notes that brighten the flavors.
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Gives a gentle heat to balance sweetness.
• 1/2 cup sliced black olives (optional): Introduces a salty, briny contrast that elevates the sauce.
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish): Freshens and adds a pop of color at the end.

How to Make Hearty Chicken Cacciatore Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Chicken Thighs

Start by seasoning your chicken thighs with salt and pepper to infuse flavor right at the beginning. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place the chicken skin-side down and sear it until it’s beautifully golden brown, about 4 to 5 minutes per side. This browning creates a fantastic base of flavor and texture. Once perfectly seared, remove the chicken and set it aside—don’t worry, we’ll bring all those luscious juices back into play soon.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables and Garlic

Using the same pan, reduce the heat to medium and add your sliced onions and bell peppers. Sauté them gently for about five minutes until they soften and become fragrant, soaking up those lovely browned bits left from the chicken. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, just enough to release its aromatic punch without burning. This step makes the sauce sing with vibrant flavors.

Step 3: Deglaze with White Wine (Optional)

If you’re using white wine, pour it in now and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. This not only lifts all those flavorful brown bits off the bottom of the pan but also adds a subtle acidity that brightens the entire dish. If you prefer to skip the wine, simply add a splash of chicken broth or water to achieve the same effect.

Step 4: Build the Tomato Sauce

Now stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes to the pan. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer. Nestle your browned chicken thighs right back into this rich sauce, skin-side up, making sure they’re partially submerged but still visible. Cover the pan with a lid and let everything simmer gently on low heat for 35 to 40 minutes. This slow cooking tenderizes the chicken while allowing the sauce to thicken and develop its full-bodied flavor.

Step 5: Add Olives and Finish Cooking

About five minutes before the dish is done, stir in the sliced black olives if you’re using them. These add a satisfying briny pop that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the peppers and tomatoes. Once the chicken is fully cooked and tender, it’s time to remove the pan from heat, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a fresh burst of color and flavor, and get ready to serve your masterpiece.

How to Serve Hearty Chicken Cacciatore Recipe

Garnishes

Finishing your Hearty Chicken Cacciatore Recipe with fresh parsley not only makes it visually inviting but adds a light herbal brightness that cuts through the richness. You could also sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan if you like, or a drizzle of good quality extra virgin olive oil for extra silkiness.

Side Dishes

This dish is wonderfully versatile when it comes to sides. Serve it over al dente pasta, creamy polenta, or fluffy rice to soak up that luscious sauce. A crusty loaf of Italian bread along with a green salad would round out the meal perfectly and keep things satisfying yet balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

For a rustic family-style presentation, serve the cacciatore directly from the skillet right at the table. Or for a more elegant touch, plate one chicken thigh atop a nest of pasta or polenta, spoon the sauce generously over it, then garnish. Either way, your guests will feel like they’re indulging in an authentic Italian comfort meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers of this Hearty Chicken Cacciatore Recipe store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. In fact, the flavors meld even more after resting, making the next day’s meal even tastier.

Freezing

You can freeze portions of this chicken cacciatore in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Just be sure to cool it completely before freezing, and thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for best results.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally to warm through evenly. Adding a splash of water or broth can help loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much in the fridge. Avoid microwaving if possible to preserve texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken instead of bone-in thighs?

Absolutely! Boneless chicken thighs or breasts will work fine, though bone-in chicken tends to deliver more flavor and remain juicier through the cooking process. Just be mindful that boneless pieces may cook a bit faster.

Is the white wine necessary in this recipe?

The white wine adds a lovely depth and brightness to the sauce, but if you prefer not to use it, simply substitute with chicken broth or water. The dish will still be delicious.

Can this dish be made gluten-free?

Definitely! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you serve it with gluten-free sides like rice or gluten-free pasta. Just double-check your canned tomatoes and other ingredients to avoid hidden gluten.

How spicy is this recipe?

It’s quite mild by default, with just a hint of warmth from the optional red pepper flakes. You can adjust the heat level by adding more or skipping the flakes altogether to suit your taste.

What are good alternatives to black olives?

If you’re not a fan of black olives, you can try substituting green olives or even capers for that salty, briny kick. They both add a nice contrast to the rich tomato sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Hearty Chicken Cacciatore Recipe is one of those timeless dishes that warms your soul and satisfies your hunger with every bite. It’s approachable enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for guests. I promise that once you make it, you’ll keep coming back to it for its incredible flavor, comforting textures, and simple, wholesome ingredients. Go ahead and give it a try—you’re in for a treat that fills your kitchen with inviting aromas and your plate with Italian goodness.

Hearty Chicken Cacciatore Recipe

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4.2 from 35 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Hearty Chicken Cacciatore is a classic Italian main course featuring bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs simmered in a rich tomato sauce with bell peppers, onions, garlic, and herbs. The chicken is seared to perfection and cooked slowly on the stovetop, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. This comforting dish is perfect served over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread for a satisfying rustic meal.

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Ingredients

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Chicken

• 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Vegetables & Aromatics

• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids & Sauce

• 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes

Herbs & Seasonings

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 cup sliced black olives (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Season and Sear the Chicken: Season the chicken thighs evenly with salt and black pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs skin side down and sear until golden brown, about 4–5 minutes per side. Once browned, remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate.
2. Sauté Vegetables and Deglaze: Lower the heat to medium and add the sliced onions and bell peppers to the same pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, until they soften, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 more minute until fragrant. If using, pour in the dry white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits on the bottom. Let the wine simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.
3. Simmer the Sauce and Chicken: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes if using. Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the sauce, skin side up. Cover the pan and reduce heat to low. Let it simmer gently for 35–40 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. In the last 5 minutes of cooking, add sliced black olives if you like.
4. Garnish and Serve: Once done, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish. Serve the chicken cacciatore hot over your choice of pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Notes

• Using bone-in chicken thighs provides a richer flavor and juicier meat, but boneless thighs or breasts can be substituted for quicker cooking.
• Optional ingredients such as white wine and black olives add depth to the dish but can be omitted based on preference.
• Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian