Chicken Cacciatore
This authentic Italian Chicken Cacciatore simmers tender chicken thighs in a rich tomato, bell pepper, and herb sauce for an easy, comforting stovetop dinner the whole family will love.
A Cozy Bowl of Italian Comfort
There is something about the smell of chicken simmering in a garlicky tomato sauce that instantly makes a house feel like home. This Chicken Cacciatore is a true classic among Dinner Recipes Italian style, built on tender, bone-in chicken thighs braised low and slow with bell peppers, mushrooms, garlic, and a rich tomato sauce. It is rustic, deeply savory, and exactly the kind of Easy Italian Recipe that turns a weeknight into something worth sitting down for.
If you have been searching for Healthy Dinner Recipes Italian style that do not skimp on flavor, this one hits the mark. It leans on real, whole ingredients rather than heavy cream or excess cheese, which makes it a wonderful entry into the world of Healthy Italian Meals without sacrificing that soul warming richness Italian cooking is known for.
Before we get cooking, the right tools and ingredients make a real difference here. A heavy bottomed Dutch oven helps the chicken sear beautifully and keeps the sauce from scorching during the long simmer, and a good quality canned crushed tomato gives the sauce its deep, naturally sweet base.
What Makes This an Authentic Italian Cacciatore
Cacciatore literally means "hunter" in Italian, and this dish traditionally reflects what a hunter might bring home and simmer together with pantry staples. It is a beautiful example of Authentic Mediterranean Food philosophy: humble ingredients, patient cooking, and bold, layered flavor.
The backbone of this recipe is:
- Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for maximum flavor and moisture
- Bell peppers, onion, and mushrooms for texture and sweetness
- Crushed tomatoes simmered low and slow into a silky sauce
- White wine and capers for a bright, savory finish
Chef's Tip: Do not rush the searing step. A deeply golden, crisp chicken skin before braising adds a huge amount of flavor to the finished sauce, so give it the full 5 to 6 minutes without moving the chicken around the pan.
Tips for Building the Best Sauce
The sauce is really the heart of this dish, and a few small choices make a big difference. Searing the chicken first and cooking the vegetables in those same flavorful drippings builds a foundation you simply cannot skip. Deglazing the pan with white wine lifts up all those caramelized bits stuck to the bottom, which dissolve right into the sauce.
If you enjoy Easy Dinner Recipes Stovetop that come together in one pan, this is a great one to keep in rotation. Everything, from searing to simmering, happens in a single skillet or Dutch oven, which means less cleanup and more time to relax while dinner does its thing.
For those who love Italian Pasta Recipes Easy enough for a weeknight, this cacciatore doubles beautifully as a pasta sauce. Simply shred the chicken once tender and toss it back into the sauce with your favorite pasta shape for a heartier, family style meal.
Ready to make it? Here is the full step by step recipe:
Chicken Cacciatore
This authentic Italian Chicken Cacciatore simmers tender chicken thighs in a rich tomato, bell pepper, and herb sauce for an easy, comforting stovetop dinner the whole family will love.
Ingredients
- 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, trimmed of excess fat
- 1 tsp salt, plus more to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
- 3 tbsp olive oil, extra virgin, divided
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 2 bell peppers, red and yellow, sliced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine, such as Pinot Grigio, optional
- 28 oz crushed tomatoes, one can
- 1/2 cup chicken broth, low sodium
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tbsp capers, drained, optional
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instruction
Pat the chicken thighs dry and season generously on both sides with salt and pepper.
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken thighs skin side down for 5 to 6 minutes until deeply golden, then flip and sear another 4 minutes. Work in batches if needed, then transfer chicken to a plate.
Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the same pan. Add the onion and bell peppers, and cook for 5 minutes until softened.
Stir in the garlic and mushrooms, and cook for another 4 to 5 minutes until the mushrooms release their liquid and start to brown.
Pour in the white wine, if using, and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Simmer for 2 minutes to cook off the raw alcohol smell.
Add the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, oregano, basil, and bay leaf. Stir to combine.
Nestle the chicken thighs back into the sauce, skin side up. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Cover partially and cook on low heat for 30 to 35 minutes, until the chicken is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
Stir in the capers, if using, during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Remove the bay leaf, taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, then garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Equipment
- Large deep skillet or Dutch oven
- Tongs
- Cutting board
- Sharp chef's knife
- Wooden spoon
Notes
Serving Suggestions
Chicken Cacciatore is wonderfully versatile at the table. Serve it over:
- Creamy polenta for a classic Italian pairing
- Wide egg noodles or pappardelle
- Crusty bread for soaking up every drop of sauce
- A simple side of roasted vegetables for a lighter, low carb option
This flexibility is part of what makes it such a staple in The Italian Kitchen. It adapts easily to whatever you are craving that night, whether that is a comforting carb-forward dinner or something lighter and vegetable focused.
Storage and Reheating
One of the best things about this dish is how well it holds up. The flavors continue to deepen overnight, making it an excellent option among Dinner Ideas Italian for meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze individual portions for up to 3 months.
To reheat, warm gently over low heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if the sauce has thickened. Avoid microwaving on high, as it can dry out the chicken and cause the sauce to separate slightly.
Chef's Tip: If freezing, leave out the capers and add them fresh after reheating for the best briny pop of flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Cacciatore recipe brings everything wonderful about Italian home cooking into one skillet: bold aromatics, tender braised chicken, and a sauce so good you will want to spoon it over everything. Whether you are cooking for a cozy family dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead, this dish delivers big, comforting flavor with very little fuss.
