One-Pan Chicken Cacciatore with Peppers Recipe
If you are looking for a rich, comforting meal that comes together effortlessly and bursts with vibrant flavors, this One-Pan Chicken Cacciatore with Peppers Recipe is exactly what your weeknight dinners have been craving. Tender chicken thighs braised in a savory medley of tomatoes, bell peppers, and aromatic herbs create a hearty dish that fills your kitchen with inviting aromas. With just one pan to clean and a beautiful balance of tangy balsamic and sweet peppers, this recipe promises a satisfying and colorful meal that brings a touch of Italian charm to your table without any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple yet thoughtfully selected ingredients are the heart of this dish. Each component plays a crucial role in layering flavors, from tender juiciness to bright freshness and a touch of tangy warmth.
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs: These ensure flavorful, juicy chicken that stays tender throughout cooking.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Perfect for a golden sear, adding richness and depth to the chicken.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Adds sweetness and soft texture as it cooks down.
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with that irresistible aromatic punch.
- 2 bell peppers (1 red, 1 green), sliced: Bring vibrant color, crunch, and natural sweetness.
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes: Creates a luscious, tangy sauce that coats every bite.
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that ties together all the savory flavors.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds moisture and depth, allowing the sauce to simmer perfectly.
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar: Introduces a subtle sweetness and acidity to brighten the dish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance every ingredient.
How to Make One-Pan Chicken Cacciatore with Peppers Recipe
Step 1: Heat and Sear the Chicken
Start by heating your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. As the oil warms, season your chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper. Place them carefully in the pan and sear until each side achieves a beautiful golden brown crust, approximately five minutes per side. This step locks in juices and lays the foundation for a deeply flavorful cacciatore.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Once the chicken is nicely browned, add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir them around, letting the onions soften and turn translucent. The garlic will release its fragrant oils, creating a savory base that complements the richness of the chicken perfectly.
Step 3: Incorporate Peppers and Tomatoes
Next, toss in your vibrant sliced bell peppers along with the canned diced tomatoes, including all their juice. Stir everything together to blend the vegetables and juices with the aromatics and chicken, infusing the pan with bright colors and bold flavors.
Step 4: Add Seasonings and Liquids
Sprinkle the Italian seasoning evenly over the mixture for that signature herby Italian flair. Pour in the balsamic vinegar and chicken broth, which will deepen the sauce’s complexity while providing the perfect moisture for simmering.
Step 5: Simmer to Perfection
Reduce your heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let everything simmer gently for 25 to 30 minutes. This slow cooking process ensures the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, becoming tender and soaking up all the rich, tangy sauce flavors.
How to Serve One-Pan Chicken Cacciatore with Peppers Recipe
Garnishes
Finish this dish with a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley to add a pop of freshness and an herbal note that lifts the flavors right before serving. A few shavings of Parmesan cheese on top also work wonderfully if you want to deepen the savory experience.
Side Dishes
This chicken cacciatore pairs beautifully with a simple side of creamy polenta or buttery mashed potatoes, both of which soak up the luscious sauce perfectly. Alternatively, you can serve it over a bed of spaghetti or your favorite pasta for a classic Italian dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
For an eye-catching presentation, try serving the chicken on rustic wooden boards with grilled bread to mop up the sauce. Or layer the chicken and sauce over a bed of sautéed greens for added texture and color contrast—your guests will be impressed by both taste and appearance!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover One-Pan Chicken Cacciatore with Peppers Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making leftovers even more delightful.
Freezing
If you want to save this delicious meal for longer, you can freeze it. Just transfer cooled leftovers into a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag, then store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers gently in a covered skillet over low heat to avoid drying out the chicken. Alternatively, microwave on medium power in short intervals, stirring occasionally to warm evenly. Add a splash of broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While chicken thighs provide more richness and stay juicier during cooking, chicken breasts work fine if you prefer a leaner option—just be careful not to overcook them as they can dry out faster.
Is this recipe spicy?
This One-Pan Chicken Cacciatore with Peppers Recipe is mild and family-friendly, but you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat and extra kick.
What can I substitute for balsamic vinegar?
If you don’t have balsamic vinegar on hand, red wine vinegar or a splash of lemon juice combined with a little honey can mimic the sweet-tart balance that balsamic provides.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with hearty mushrooms or tofu, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The flavors will remain bold and satisfying.
Do I need to peel the tomatoes?
Since canned diced tomatoes are already peeled and cooked, there’s no need to peel them yourself. They break down nicely into a rich sauce during cooking.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so wonderfully comforting about a meal like this One-Pan Chicken Cacciatore with Peppers Recipe—easy to prepare but packed with layers of vibrant flavor and satisfying textures. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this dish is bound to become a beloved classic in your kitchen. Give it a try, and prepare to enjoy a delicious taste of Italy right at home!
Print
One-Pan Chicken Cacciatore with Peppers Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A flavorful and easy One-Pan Chicken Cacciatore featuring tender chicken thighs simmered with bell peppers, onions, garlic, and Italian herbs in a rich tomato sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Vegetables & Sauce
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 bell peppers (1 red, 1 green), sliced
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Heat oil: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare the pan for cooking the chicken.
- Sear chicken: Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Place them in the hot skillet and sear until golden brown on each side, about 5 minutes per side, to develop a flavorful crust.
- Sauté aromatics: Add diced onions and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the onions become translucent, approximately 3 minutes, to build the base flavor of the sauce.
- Add vegetables and tomatoes: Stir in the sliced red and green bell peppers along with the canned diced tomatoes including their juice. Mix everything together thoroughly.
- Season and deglaze: Sprinkle the Italian seasoning over the mixture, then pour in the balsamic vinegar and chicken broth to add depth to the sauce and help deglaze the skillet.
- Simmer: Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let everything simmer gently for 25-30 minutes. Cook until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the flavors meld beautifully.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked safely to 165°F.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs remain juicy and tender during simmering.
- For a thicker sauce, uncover the skillet near the end of cooking to reduce the liquid.
- Serve with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Can be made ahead and reheated, flavors improve after resting.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
