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Chicken Cacciatore

Chicken Cacciatore

A rustic Italian dish made with chicken simmered in tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, garlic, and wine. Perfect comfort food served over pasta, polenta, or rice.

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or a mix of thighs and drumsticks)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
  • 1/2 cup dry red or white wine
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Optional: 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken dry and season with salt and pepper.
  2. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
  3. Sear the chicken skin-side down until golden, about 5–7 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
  4. In the same pan, add onion and bell peppers. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  5. Add garlic and mushrooms; cook another 3–4 minutes.
  6. Pour in the wine and scrape up browned bits from the bottom. Simmer 2–3 minutes.
  7. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, thyme, bay leaf, and red pepper flakes (if using).
  8. Return chicken to the pan and spoon some sauce over the top.
  9. Cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 35–45 minutes until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
  10. Remove bay leaf. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and serve hot.

Notes

  • Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts can be used for a lighter version (reduce cooking time).
  • Add olives or capers for a Southern Italian twist.
  • Use red wine for a richer flavor, or white wine for brightness.
  • Replace wine with chicken broth and a splash of balsamic vinegar if preferred.
  • Fresh herbs like rosemary or basil can be added at the end for a fresh finish.
  • Make ahead—flavors deepen overnight.
  • Author: Selena Trump
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 portion
  • Calories: 390
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 620mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 14g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 32g
  • Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: chicken cacciatore, Italian chicken, rustic chicken recipe