Chicken Cacciatore is a savory Italian dish with tender chicken simmered in a rich tomato sauce! It is packed with flavors of herbs, vegetables, and a touch of spice. Perfect for a comforting and hearty meal!
Chicken cacciatore is a classic Italian dish that your whole family will enjoy! It is made with chicken, tomatoes, peppers, onions, and herbs. The dish is typically served over pasta, but it can also be enjoyed on its own.
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We love that everything is made together in one skillet. The flavors come together beautifully! Check out all of our Chicken Recipes for more easy, healthy dinner recipes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are many reasons why you will love this chicken cacciatore recipe. Here are just a few:
- Easy to make: This recipe is very simple to follow, even if you are not a experienced cook.
- Delicious taste: Chicken cacciatore is a flavorful and satisfying dish.
- Hearty and filling: This dish is hearty and filling, making it a great option for a weeknight meal.
- Healthy: This Italian cacciatore is a healthy dish, as it is made with chicken and plenty of vegetables.
- Leftovers and Meal Prep: The leftovers are even better, making this dish great for meal prep!
- One Skillet: Since everything is made in one skillet, clean up is easy.
- If you enjoy this recipe, try our Slow Cooker Cacciatore or our Chicken Fettucine Alfredo!
Ingredients & Substitutes
These are the ingredients and substitutions for our homemade chicken cacciatore. Scroll down to the recipe card below for the entire recipe.
First, we highly recommend using boneless skinless chicken thighs. They stay tender and moist better than chicken breasts. If you only have chicken breasts, those will work.
Cook the chicken in olive oil or avocado oil.
For the veggies, use diced onion, sliced bell peppers, sliced zucchini, and sliced mushrooms. We recommend using fresh vegetables where possible.
Crushed tomatoes are the base of the creamy sauce. Look for brands without any added sugar.
In addition, chicken broth contributes to the sauce.
Season with oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Season to your taste.
Finally, garnish with fresh parsley.
Taste & Texture
Chicken cacciatore has a rich and savory flavor, with a hint of sweetness from the tomatoes.
The chicken is tender and juicy, while the sauce is thick and flavorful.
Overall, this healthy chicken cacciatore has a delicious Italian flavor!
How to Make
Step 1
Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Add them to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Step 2
Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the onion and garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent. Add the bell pepper, zucchini, and mushrooms. Cook for another 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
Step 3
Add the Sauce Ingredients: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, oregano, and basil. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Step 4
Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the chicken to the skillet, ensuring it’s submerged in the sauce. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Step 5
Serve and Garnish: Once done, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve the chicken cacciatore over whole-grain pasta, quinoa, or alongside a fresh salad. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Expert Tips for Success
Here are a few expert tips and tricks to help you make the perfect chicken cacciatore:
Use boneless skinless chicken thighs: Chicken thighs will add more flavor to the dish. They also stay tender while simmering.
Use good quality tomatoes: Good quality tomatoes will make a big difference in the flavor of the sauce.
Simmer the sauce until it thickens: Simmering the sauce until it thickens will help it concentrate the flavors.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
There are many ways to vary the flavor of chicken cacciatore. Here are a few ideas:
Use sweet onion: Sweet onion will add a touch of sweetness.
Use different types of peppers: You can use different types of peppers, such as bell peppers, jalapenos, or banana peppers for added heat.
Add olives: Olives add a briny flavor to this Italian dish.
Add capers: Capers add a tangy flavor to this chicken cacciatore.
How to Serve & Store
Chicken cacciatore is best served over whole wheat pasta, such as spaghetti or rigatoni.
It can also be served with a side of crusty whole wheat bread. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Canned crushed tomatoes or diced tomatoes work well for this recipe. Fresh tomatoes can also be used, but they may need to be cooked down to thicken the sauce.
Yes, you can make a vegetarian and vegan version by omitting the chicken and using a plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh.
Yes, Chicken Cacciatore can easily be made in a slow cooker. Follow the same process of browning the chicken and sautéing the vegetables, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender.
Equipment Needed
Wooden Spoon: Mix the alfredo sauce and the chicken with a wooden spoon.
Large Nonstick Skillet: This nonstick skillet is large enough for this chicken broccoli alfredo recipe.
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