If you are searching for the best Chicken Cacciatore recipe, this traditional Italian chicken dish is rich, hearty, and packed with incredible flavor. Tender chicken simmered in a savory tomato and herb sauce with onions, peppers, garlic, and mushrooms creates the perfect comfort food dinner. This classic Italian Chicken Cacciatore is easy enough for weeknights yet elegant enough for special occasions.
This homemade Chicken Cacciatore recipe combines juicy chicken thighs, aromatic herbs, and a rustic tomato sauce for an authentic Italian meal the whole family will love. Serve it over pasta, creamy polenta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up every drop of the delicious sauce.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Cacciatore Recipe
- Rich and comforting Italian flavors
- Tender chicken cooked in savory tomato herb sauce
- One-pan meal perfect for busy nights
- Easy classic Italian dinner recipe
- Great for meal prep and leftovers
- Family-friendly comfort food
- Packed with fresh herbs and vegetables
- Restaurant-quality meal at home
- Perfect over pasta or mashed potatoes
- Authentic rustic Italian recipe
Chicken Cacciatore in a Tomato and Herb Sauce
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
45 minutes
Total Time
1 hour 5 minutes
Servings
6 servings
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour for dredging
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
For the Tomato and Herb Sauce
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can crushed tomatoes (28 ounces)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup dry red wine
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Lightly dredge the chicken in flour, shaking off excess.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for 5–6 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook another 4 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pan, add onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Cook for 6–8 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Add tomato paste and stir well. Pour in red wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let simmer for 2 minutes.
Add crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, oregano, basil, thyme, red pepper flakes, and bay leaves. Stir until combined.
Step 5: Simmer the Chicken
Return the browned chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Cover and simmer on low heat for 30–35 minutes until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Remove bay leaves. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and basil before serving.
Serve hot over pasta, creamy polenta, mashed potatoes, or rice.
Tips for the Best Chicken Cacciatore
- Bone-in chicken thighs stay juicy and flavorful
- Browning the chicken adds rich depth to the sauce
- Use quality canned tomatoes for authentic flavor
- Let the sauce simmer slowly for best results
- Add olives or capers for extra Italian flavor
- Fresh herbs brighten the dish beautifully
- Leftovers taste even better the next day
What to Serve with Chicken Cacciatore
- Spaghetti or fettuccine
- Creamy parmesan polenta
- Garlic bread
- Roasted vegetables
- Mashed potatoes
- Caesar salad
- Italian bread
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Freeze for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers.
Reheating
Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Chicken Cacciatore mean?
“Cacciatore” means “hunter-style” in Italian, referring to rustic dishes cooked with tomatoes, herbs, onions, and peppers.
Can I use boneless chicken?
Yes. Boneless chicken thighs or breasts work well, but bone-in chicken provides more flavor.
Is Chicken Cacciatore spicy?
This recipe is mildly spicy from red pepper flakes, but you can easily adjust the heat level.
Can I make Chicken Cacciatore ahead of time?
Absolutely. The flavors become even richer after resting overnight.