Description
A hearty, rustic Italian dish, Chicken Cacciatore is a flavorful stew made with tender chicken, tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, and herbs. Simmered in a rich tomato sauce, this one-pot meal is perfect for a cozy family dinner. Serve it over pasta, rice, or crusty bread for a complete meal!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- ½ cup chicken broth or dry white wine
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- ¼ cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped
For Serving:
- Cooked pasta, rice, or crusty bread
Instructions
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
- Season the chicken thighs and drumsticks with salt and black pepper.
- In a large deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same pan, add sliced onions and bell peppers. Cook for 4-5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Simmer the Sauce
- Pour in crushed tomatoes, chicken broth (or white wine), balsamic vinegar, and sugar. Stir well.
- Return the chicken to the pan, nestling it into the sauce.
- Cover and simmer on low heat for 30-40 minutes until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
- Stir in fresh basil or parsley. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.
Notes
Use bone-in chicken for maximum flavor and juiciness.
Sear the chicken first to lock in moisture and add depth to the sauce.
Simmer slowly to allow the flavors to develop beautifully.
For a richer sauce, add a splash of red wine instead of white wine.
Make it ahead! The flavors improve overnight, making it great for meal prep.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes