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Chicken Cacciatore

Chicken Cacciatore
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Chicken Cacciatore is a classic Italian dish featuring tender chicken simmered in a rich, tangy tomato sauce with mushrooms, bell peppers, garlic, onions, and fresh herbs. This wholesome one-pot meal is easy to prepare, uses simple pantry staples, and brings authentic Italian comfort to your table.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4–6 chicken thighs or breasts (bone-in recommended for extra flavor)

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1–2 bell peppers, sliced
  • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced

Sauce & Seasonings

  • 1 cup crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup white or red wine (optional)
  • 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 teaspoon fresh oregano, chopped
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Capers or olives (optional, about 2 tablespoons)

Instructions

  1. Prepare and Brown the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry and season generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then brown the chicken pieces on both sides until golden. This locks in flavor and adds beautiful color to the dish.
  2. Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables: Remove the chicken and add diced onion, minced garlic, and sliced bell peppers to the same skillet. Cook until softened and fragrant, scraping up any browned bits from the pan to build flavor.
  3. Add Mushrooms and Herbs: Stir in the sliced mushrooms and fresh herbs—rosemary, thyme, and oregano. Cook a few minutes until mushrooms release their moisture and flavors deepen.
  4. Deglaze with Wine and Add Tomatoes: Pour in the white or red wine, gently scraping the pan to deglaze. Let the wine reduce slightly, then add the crushed tomatoes to form a rich, tangy sauce.
  5. Simmer the Chicken in Sauce: Return the browned chicken to the skillet, nestling pieces into the sauce. Cover and simmer gently for 30 to 40 minutes until the chicken is tender and fully infused with the sauce.
  6. Final Seasoning and Optional Add-ons: Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Stir in capers or olives if using for a salty zing. Heat through, then remove from heat and prepare to serve.

Notes

  • Use bone-in chicken for more moist meat and deeper flavor.
  • Don’t skip browning the chicken; it develops essential flavor and color.
  • Simmer gently and slowly to let the flavors meld without drying out the chicken.
  • Fresh rosemary, thyme, and oregano give the best aroma and authentic taste.
  • Adjust acidity near the end with a splash of vinegar or more wine if desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chicken Cacciatore, Italian chicken recipe, tomato chicken stew, one-pot chicken dish, gluten-free Italian meal

Find it online: https://marybaking.com/chicken-cacciatore/