Chicken Cacciatore Recipe – A Classic Italian Comfort Dish

Chicken Cacciatore is a delicious, hearty dish with tender chicken, simmered in a rich tomato sauce, seasoned with a medley of herbs, and packed with vibrant flavors. 🍗🍅 This classic Italian recipe is perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or a comforting weeknight meal. Let’s explore how to make this delicious dish and what makes it so irresistible. 😍🔥

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🌟 Why You’ll Love Chicken Cacciatore

✅ Flavor-packed & Hearty – This dish is a burst of flavors with the tangy tomato sauce, savory chicken, and fresh herbs.

✅ Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for a weeknight dinner or a special meal with family and friends.

✅ Comforting & Satisfying – The tender chicken and flavorful sauce are perfect for a cozy meal.

✅ Easy to Make – With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a dish that tastes like it came from a restaurant!

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🛒 Key Ingredients

For this chicken cacciatore recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients. You can also swap some based on your preferences. Let’s dive into what you’ll need:

🐔 For the Chicken:

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or chicken breasts) 🐔
• Salt and pepper, to taste 🧂
• 2 tablespoons olive oil for browning 🫒

🍅 For the Sauce:

• 1 medium onion, chopped 🧅
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
• 1 bell pepper, sliced (red or yellow) 🌶️
• 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes 🍅
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes 🍅
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste 🍅
• ½ cup dry white wine (optional, but adds great depth!) 🍷
• 1 cup chicken broth 🍗
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar 🍇

🌿 For Seasoning:

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 🌿
• 1 teaspoon dried basil 🌿
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 🌿
• 1 bay leaf 🌿
• A pinch of red pepper flakes (for a little heat! 🌶️)

🧀 Optional Toppings:

• Fresh parsley, chopped 🌿
• Grated Parmesan cheese 🧀

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👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s dive into making this mouthwatering Chicken Cacciatore! Follow the steps below for the perfect dish.

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🔥 Step 1: Brown the Chicken

1️⃣ Prep the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then season generously with salt and pepper.

2️⃣ Brown the Chicken: In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken thighs, skin-side down. Brown the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden and crispy.

3️⃣ Remove the Chicken: Once browned, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

💡 Pro Tip: Browning the chicken enhances the flavor and helps seal in the juices.

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🍅 Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

1️⃣ Cook the Veggies: In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for 3-5 minutes until softened and fragrant.

2️⃣ Add the Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes until it darkens slightly, which deepens the flavor of the sauce.

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🍷 Step 3: Add the Sauce Ingredients

1️⃣ Pour in the Liquids: Add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth. Stir to combine.

2️⃣ Deglaze the Pan: If you’re using wine, pour it in now to deglaze the pan, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom. The wine adds great depth to the flavor.

3️⃣ Add Seasonings: Stir in the oregano, basil, thyme, bay leaf, red pepper flakes, and balsamic vinegar. Let the sauce come to a gentle simmer.

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🍗 Step 4: Simmer the Chicken

1️⃣ Return the Chicken to the Pan: Carefully place the browned chicken thighs back into the skillet, skin-side up. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken.

2️⃣ Simmer: Cover the skillet with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.

💡 Pro Tip: The slow simmer allows the chicken to absorb all the delicious flavors from the sauce.

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🍽️ Step 5: Serve & Garnish

1️⃣ Serve the Chicken: Remove the bay leaf and discard. Serve the chicken thighs with a generous scoop of the rich, flavorful sauce on top.

2️⃣ Garnish: Top with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor.

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🍝 Serving Suggestions

While Chicken Cacciatore is perfect on its own, here are some ideas to elevate your meal:

• Serve with pasta – A big plate of pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne) will soak up all that flavorful sauce! 🍝
• Pair with rice – Serve the chicken and sauce over fluffy rice for a satisfying meal. 🍚
• With crusty bread – Use a hearty, crusty bread to dip into that delicious sauce! 🍞
• On a bed of mashed potatoes – The creamy mashed potatoes work perfectly with the rich chicken and sauce. 🥔

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🧊 Storing & Reheating Leftovers

Chicken Cacciatore tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together. Here’s how to store and reheat:

📦 Storing Leftovers:

• In the fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. 🧊
• In the freezer: You can freeze the chicken cacciatore for up to 2-3 months in a freezer-safe container. 🍗❄️

🔥 Reheating Instructions:

• On the stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
• In the microwave: Reheat in a microwave-safe dish, covered, for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

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💡 Substitutions & Variations

• Use Chicken Breasts: If you prefer chicken breasts over thighs, you can use them, but they may cook faster, so keep an eye on them.
• Add Mushrooms: For extra flavor and texture, sauté some mushrooms and add them to the sauce. 🍄
• Spicy Chicken Cacciatore: Add more red pepper flakes or fresh chili for a spicier kick! 🌶️
• Gluten-Free: Serve over gluten-free pasta or rice for a gluten-free version. 🍚

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🤔 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1️⃣ Can I make Chicken Cacciatore ahead of time?

Yes! This dish can be made a day ahead. Let it cool, store it in the fridge, and reheat it when ready to serve.

2️⃣ Can I use boneless chicken?

You can, but bone-in chicken thighs or breasts add more flavor and richness. Boneless chicken will cook faster, so adjust the cooking time.

3️⃣ What wine should I use for Chicken Cacciatore?

A dry white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay, works best to add depth to the sauce. 🍷

4️⃣ Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?

Absolutely! Use about 1 tablespoon of fresh herbs for every teaspoon of dried herbs. Fresh basil, oregano, and thyme will give the sauce a fresh, vibrant flavor. 🌿

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🍗 Conclusion – A Delicious, Flavorful Meal!

Chicken Cacciatore is a timeless Italian dish that combines tender chicken with a rich, flavorful sauce. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight meal or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress. With its hearty ingredients and mouthwatering flavor, it’s the perfect comfort food! 😍

Try this recipe today and let me know how it turns out! Buon appetito