Go Back
Cooking Chicken Cacciatore is simple and fun. Here’s what you need: - 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 large onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), sliced - 1 zucchini, sliced - 1 cup sliced mushrooms - 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Cooked spaghetti or crusty bread (for serving) Gather these ingredients for a delicious meal. The chicken thighs add rich flavor. The veggies bring color and texture. The crushed tomatoes and broth create a hearty sauce. Each herb enhances the dish. You can adapt the recipe with your favorite veggies or herbs. This makes it fun and personal. If you want to try a twist, check out the Full Recipe for more ideas. 1. Sear the chicken thighs First, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs in the skillet, skin-side down. Sear them for about 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden brown. Flip the chicken and cook for another 5 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate. 2. Sauté the vegetables In the same skillet, add the diced onion. Cook it for about 3 minutes until it becomes soft and clear. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for one more minute. Next, add the sliced bell pepper, zucchini, and mushrooms. Sauté these vegetables for about 5 minutes until they start to soften. 3. Simmer with the sauce Now, pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer. This is where the magic begins! The flavors will blend beautifully. 1. Return chicken to sauce Place the seared chicken thighs back into the skillet. Nestle them into the sauce. Cover and let it simmer on low heat for 30-35 minutes. This makes the chicken very tender and full of flavor. 2. Adjust seasonings as needed After the chicken is cooked, taste the sauce. Adjust the seasonings if needed. If you want a thicker sauce, uncover and let it simmer for an extra 10 minutes. 3. Serve with sides Serve the chicken cacciatore over cooked spaghetti or with crusty bread. This will help soak up all the delicious sauce. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh parsley for a nice touch! For the full recipe, check out the Rustic Chicken Cacciatore. Enjoy your cooking adventure! For perfect chicken cacciatore, searing the chicken well is key. Start by heating olive oil in your pan. When it shimmers, add the chicken thighs skin-side down. Sear them for 5 to 7 minutes until golden. This step adds depth to the flavor. Flip them over and sear for another 5 minutes. This ensures a juicy result. To get the right sauce consistency, keep an eye on the simmering time. If the sauce is too thin, uncover it and simmer longer. This helps it thicken nicely. You can also mash some of the tomatoes with a spoon to help. Taste it often to make sure it’s just right. To boost flavor, add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. They work well with the dish. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add some heat if you like spice. For wine pairing, choose a medium-bodied red wine. Chianti or Sangiovese works great with the rich sauce. Serve a glass alongside your meal for a perfect match. For the full recipe, check out the Rustic Chicken Cacciatore . Enjoy your cooking! {{image_2}} You can change the chicken to fit your taste. Try chicken breasts if you want less fat. Thighs add more flavor, but breasts cook faster. You can also use skinless chicken if you prefer. For a vegetarian option, swap chicken for hearty vegetables. Use eggplant or portobello mushrooms. You can add chickpeas for protein. This makes a filling dish without meat. If you like heat, add jalapeños to spice things up. Chop them finely and add with the onions. This gives your cacciatore a nice kick. For a Mediterranean twist, toss in olives and capers. They add briny notes that enhance the sauce. Use green or black olives based on your taste. This variation brings a fresh vibe to the dish. Remember, you can mix and match these ideas. They let you create a chicken cacciatore that suits your style. For the classic recipe, check out the Full Recipe. To keep your chicken cacciatore fresh, store it in an airtight container. Place the leftovers in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a good option. For freezing, use a freezer-safe container or bag. Make sure to label it with the date. This way, you can enjoy it later. When it's time to eat your leftovers, the best way to reheat is on the stove. Pour the chicken cacciatore into a pot. Heat it over medium heat, stirring often. This helps to keep the flavors and texture. If you prefer, you can also use the microwave. Place it in a microwave-safe dish and cover it. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until it’s hot. Enjoy your flavorful meal! For the full recipe, check out the Rustic Chicken Cacciatore section. Chicken Cacciatore, or "hunter's chicken," comes from Italy. Chefs made it with fresh, local ingredients. The dish reflects rustic cooking, often featuring chicken, tomatoes, and herbs. It gained fame in many Italian kitchens and homes. Each region has its own spin with herbs and vegetables. This dish tells a story of Italian culture and tradition. Yes, you can make Chicken Cacciatore in a slow cooker. Start by searing the chicken on the stove for flavor. Then, place the chicken and all other ingredients in the slow cooker. Cook on low for about 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The chicken will be tender, and the sauce will be rich. Just check the seasoning before serving. To make Chicken Cacciatore gluten-free, use gluten-free chicken broth. Ensure the crushed tomatoes are free from gluten as well. You can serve it with gluten-free pasta or bread. Always check labels for hidden gluten in canned products. Enjoy a delicious meal without worry. For the full recipe, check out the Rustic Chicken Cacciatore section. This blog post covered all you need for a great Chicken Cacciatore. We looked at key ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for perfect flavor. Remember, you can easily swap ingredients to suit your taste. Consider serving with spaghetti or crusty bread. Don’t forget to store leftovers properly. This dish offers flavor and comfort in every bite. Enjoy cooking and sharing this delicious meal with others!

Classic Chicken Cacciatore

Discover the delightful flavors of rustic chicken cacciatore, a perfect dish for any dinner table! This recipe combines succulent chicken thighs, vibrant vegetables, and rich crushed tomatoes, creating a comforting meal that's easy to make. With simple ingredients and a cooking time of just one hour, you'll have a satisfying meal ready to serve over spaghetti or with crusty bread. Click through to explore this delicious recipe and elevate your cooking tonight!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 large onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 bell pepper (red or yellow), sliced

1 zucchini, sliced

1 cup sliced mushrooms

1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes

1 cup chicken broth

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Cooked spaghetti or crusty bread (for serving)

Instructions
 

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs, skin-side down, and sear for about 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden brown. Flip and cook for another 5 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.

    In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

      Add the sliced bell pepper, zucchini, and mushrooms. Sauté the vegetables for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften.

        Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir in dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

          Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Cover and simmer on low heat for 30-35 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

            Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary. If you prefer a thicker sauce, uncover and simmer for an additional 10 minutes.

              Serve the chicken cacciatore over cooked spaghetti or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color. Serve in deep bowls or wide plates, allowing the sauce to pool enticingly around the chicken. Enjoy!