Description
This rustic Italian Chicken Cacciatore brings the authentic flavors of Italy to your dinner table with tender chicken thighs simmered in a rich tomato and pepper sauce. The name “cacciatore” means “hunter’s style,” reflecting this dish’s hearty, country origins. Perfect for a cozy family dinner, this one-pot meal delivers maximum flavor with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 chicken thighs – bone-in and skin-on
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – for searing
- 1 onion – chopped
- 2 cloves garlic – minced
- 1 bell pepper – sliced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes – with juices
- 1 cup chicken broth – low sodium preferred
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano – Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried basil – aromatic herb
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes – optional for heat
- Salt and pepper – to taste
- Fresh parsley – chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet, skin-side down. Sear for about 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden brown. Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sliced bell pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and pour in the diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Sprinkle in the dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes if using. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover and reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Once cooked, taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
For extra depth of flavor, you can add sliced mushrooms with the onions and peppers. Serve over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. The dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Braising
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: chicken cacciatore, Italian chicken, one-pot meal, rustic chicken stew, comfort food