This chicken cacciatore is a hearty, flavor-packed Italian classic! Juicy chicken simmers in a rich tomato sauce with peppers, garlic, and herbs. It's perfect over pasta or with crusty bread for a delicious meal.
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There’s nothing quite like a hearty, home-cooked meal that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas, and chicken cacciatore does just that. This rustic Italian dish has tender chicken simmered in a rich, garlicky tomato sauce with peppers, onions, and herbs. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like you’re sitting at a cozy family table in the heart of Italy, even if you’re just in your own kitchen.
I love making this dish because it’s easy, yet it tastes like something you spent all day perfecting. Everything comes together in one pot, which means less cleanup which is always a win! Plus, the sauce is so good that I find myself scraping my plate with a piece of crusty Italian bread just to make sure I don’t miss a drop. Whether you serve it over pasta, rice, or even low-carb zucchini zoodles, this recipe is pure comfort food at its best.
If you’ve never tried an easy recipe for chicken cacciatore before, you’re in for a treat. It’s packed with layers of flavor, and the leftovers taste even better the next day (if you have any left!). Whether you're cooking for family, meal prepping for the week, or just craving a cozy meal, this dish delivers every single time.
Ingredients
- Extra-virgin olive oil – Adds richness and helps sauté the ingredients for enhanced flavor.
- Chicken thighs – Provide juicy, tender meat that absorbs the sauce beautifully.
- Onion – Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the dish.
- Green bell pepper – Brings a slight crunch and mild bitterness to balance the sauce.
- White button mushrooms – Contribute to earthiness and absorb the rich flavors of the sauce.
- Garlic – Infuses the dish with a bold, aromatic kick.
- Chicken broth – Enhances the sauce with a savory, umami-rich base.
- Canned diced tomatoes with juice – Form the heart of the sauce, adding acidity and richness.
- Italian seasoning – Provides a perfect blend of herbs for authentic Italian flavor.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper – Enhances all the other flavors in the dish.
- Cornstarch (optional) – Thickens the sauce for a richer texture.
- Chopped fresh parsley – Adds a fresh, vibrant finish to the dish.
- Parmesan cheese (optional) – Brings a salty, nutty depth to the final dish.
Scroll down to the recipe card for quantities used.
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, onion, bell pepper, mushrooms, and garlic. Sauté until the chicken is brown and the vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.
Add the broth, tomatoes with juice, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste. If you want a thicker sauce, add optional cornstarch dissolved in 1 tablespoon water. Bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Add more salt and pepper to taste, if needed.
Top with the fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese, if using, and serve.
Hint: For the best flavor, sear the chicken first until golden brown before simmering it in the sauce. This locks in juices and adds a rich, caramelized depth to the dish.
Variations
Here are some easy ways to customize my easy chicken cacciatore recipe:
- Make it spicy – Add red pepper flakes or a diced chili pepper for a kick of heat.
- Swap the protein – Use chicken breasts, drumsticks, or even boneless pork for a different take.
- Go veggie-heavy – Add zucchini, carrots, or eggplant for extra nutrients and texture.
- Try a different broth – Swap chicken broth for red wine or beef broth for a deeper, richer flavor.
- Make it dairy-free – Skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative for garnish.
- Serve it differently – Pair it with polenta, mashed potatoes, or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
- Boost the herbs – Add fresh basil, oregano, or thyme to enhance the Italian flavors.
Tips
Top tip: Sear the chicken first! Browning it before simmering locks in juices and adds a deep, caramelized flavor that takes this dish to the next level.
- Don’t rush the simmer – Letting the sauce cook slowly allows the flavors to meld and deepen.
- Use fresh herbs if possible – While dried Italian seasoning works, fresh basil or oregano gives an extra boost of flavor.
- Adjust the consistency – If the sauce is too thin, let it reduce uncovered; if it’s too thick, add a splash of broth.
- Taste and adjust seasoning – The right balance of salt, pepper, and herbs makes all the difference, so adjust as needed before serving.
Serving suggestions
Chicken cacciatore is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. The classic way to serve it is over a bed of pasta, like spaghetti or fettuccine, allowing the rich tomato sauce to coat every bite. If you love a heartier meal, try serving it with garlic bread or a side of roasted vegetables to soak up all that delicious sauce. If you’re in the mood for a flavor-packed appetizer before your meal, hot honey chicken wings with mustard are a perfect spicy-sweet starter.
For a low-carb or keto-friendly option, swap out traditional pasta for zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash, or cauliflower rice. The bold flavors of the sauce pair perfectly with these lighter alternatives, keeping the dish satisfying without the extra carbs.
You can also serve this rich chicken dish over creamy mashed potatoes or cheesy grits for a rich and indulgent meal. This dish also pairs beautifully with a fresh side salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette to balance the hearty flavors.
Storage
To store leftover chicken cacciatore, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will be kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. If freezing, portion it into smaller containers for easier reheating later.
To reheat, warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up. For a quick option, microwave individual portions in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until evenly heated. Whether fresh or reheated, this dish only gets better over time as the flavors continue to develop!
FAQs
Yes! Chicken breasts work well, but they tend to be leaner and can dry out more easily. To keep them juicy, don’t overcook them. Simmer just until the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) internally.
Absolutely! Sear the chicken first for extra flavor, then add all the ingredients to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken is tender.
If you prefer fresh tomatoes, use about 1 ½ cups of chopped fresh tomatoes, but you may need to cook the sauce a bit longer to break them down and develop the flavor.
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Recipe
Chicken Cacciatore
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 whole chicken thighs skinned and deboned, cut into ½-inch strips
- ¼ cup chopped onion
- 1 green bell pepper stemmed, seeded, and sliced
- 2 ½ ounces white button mushrooms sliced (about 1 cup)
- 1 garlic clove minced
- ⅓ cup chicken broth
- ¾ cup canned diced tomatoes with juice
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch optional
- chopped fresh parsley optional garnish
- Parmesan cheese optional garnish
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, onion, bell pepper, mushrooms, and garlic. Sauté until the chicken is brown and the vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.
- Add the broth, tomatoes with juice, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste. If you want a thicker sauce, add optional cornstarch dissolved in 1 tablespoon water. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Add more salt and pepper to taste, if needed.
- Top with the fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese, if using, and serve.
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