Chicken Cacciatore Recipe

Immerse yourself in the rustic flavors of Italy with this Chicken Cacciatore recipe. This traditional dish, known as “hunter-style chicken,” features tender chicken thighs cooked with bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes in a savory sauce. Perfect for a cozy family meal, it captures the essence of Italian comfort food with its hearty ingredients and aromatic herbs.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of spice)
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

1. Season and Brown the Chicken:
   • Season chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper.
   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Add chicken thighs, skin-side down, and cook until golden brown, about 5-6 minutes per side. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
2. Sauté Vegetables:
   • In the same skillet, add sliced onion and bell peppers. Cook until softened, about 5-6 minutes.
   • Add minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Deglaze the Pan:
   • Pour in white wine (or chicken broth), scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
4. Simmer the Sauce:
   • Stir in diced tomatoes with their juices and chicken broth.
   • Return chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce.
   • Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for 30-35 minutes, or until chicken is tender and cooked through.
5. Serve:
   • Remove chicken thighs from the skillet and place on a serving platter.
   • Spoon vegetables and sauce over the chicken.
   • Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley.
6. Enjoy:
   • Serve Chicken Cacciatore hot, with pasta or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Cacciatore:

• Chicken Thighs: Using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs adds depth of flavor and ensures tender meat.
• Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thin after simmering, simmer uncovered for a few more minutes until desired consistency is reached.
• Make-Ahead: Chicken Cacciatore tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Conclusion

Indulge in the robust flavors of Chicken Cacciatore, a classic Italian dish that embodies comfort and tradition. With its tender chicken and savory sauce infused with herbs and vegetables, this recipe promises a memorable dining experience that’s perfect for sharing with loved ones.