I still remember the first time I experienced Chicken Cacciatore—it was an unexpected delight that completely changed my view of what a simple chicken dinner could be. I was visiting a quaint Italian trattoria while on a trip through Tuscany, and when this rustic Italian chicken dish arrived, it filled the room with an irresistible aroma. The tender chicken braised in a rich tomato sauce with peppers and herbs caught me off guard with its perfect balance of comfort and vibrancy.
What struck me most about this chicken cacciatore was how approachable it felt despite its complex flavors. This Italian chicken stew, also known affectionately as hunter style chicken, felt like a warm embrace—a hearty blend of earthy tomatoes, sweet peppers, and fragrant herbs melting into juicy, braised chicken. It perfectly embodies the kind of recipe I love sharing on my blog: simple to make yet deeply satisfying, comforting, and sure to bring loved ones together.
For me, chicken cacciatore represents everything I strive for in home cooking. It’s a rustic Italian classic, full of flavor but wonderfully straightforward. Unlike some fancy dishes that feel intimidating, this braised chicken recipe is one you can trust to become a staple in your meal rotation because it’s both inviting and reliable.
The excitement I feel about sharing this chicken cacciatore recipe comes from knowing it will create those same memorable moments in your kitchen that I experienced in Tuscany. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting, this recipe invites you to enjoy the pleasures of home cooking with real ingredients and no fuss. I’m thrilled to walk you through every step of this beautiful, cozy dish that turns chicken with tomatoes and peppers into a dinner to remember. Let’s dive into the details and make chicken cacciatore a new favorite in your kitchen!
Ingredients
This Chicken Cacciatore ingredient list is surprisingly simple but delivers incredible comfort! Here’s everything you’ll need to create this classic Italian chicken stew:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (you can substitute boneless if you prefer, but bone-in adds the best flavor)
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced (yellow onions give great sweetness here)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced (fresh garlic makes all the difference in this chicken cacciatore)
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced (bells add subtle sweetness and color)
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced (a nice contrast and earthy flavor)
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with juice (choose good-quality tomatoes for a rich sauce)
- ½ cup dry white wine (optional but highly recommended for authentic flavor; substitute chicken broth if preferred)
- 1 cup chicken broth (adds depth to the braised sauce)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for browning the chicken and veggies)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (classic herbal note fitting for this rustic Italian chicken dish)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil (complements the tomato-based sauce beautifully)
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust depending on heat preference)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
If you want to splurge on one Chicken Cacciatore ingredient, make it high-quality canned tomatoes—they’re the heart of this stew’s flavor!
You’ll find the freshest ingredients for this chicken with tomatoes and peppers dish at your local farmer’s market or well-stocked grocery store. If fresh bell peppers aren’t in season, you can use jarred roasted red peppers as a mild but tasty alternative.
For those looking to customize, this recipe adapts wonderfully. Try adding mushrooms for an earthy touch or swapping bell peppers for poblano peppers for a smoky hint while keeping it a reassuringly simple braised chicken recipe.
Storing your prepped ingredients is straightforward: mince garlic and slice your peppers and onions a day ahead and keep them airtight in the fridge. This saves precious time on the day you decide to make your chicken cacciatore.
This ingredient list keeps it honest and accessible while promising a warming and hearty meal soon to come!
Let’s Make This!
Here’s the chance for your kitchen to fill with comforting aromas as you make this beautiful Chicken Cacciatore.
- Brown the chicken thighs: Heat olive oil in a heavy skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then cook skin-side down first until golden and crisp, about 6 minutes. Flip and brown the other side for 4 minutes. Don’t worry—your Chicken Cacciatore is going to turn out beautifully, and this step builds incredible flavor.
- Sauté the vegetables: Remove the chicken temporarily and add onions, garlic, and bell peppers to the pan. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant. Here’s a helpful tip for Chicken Cacciatore success: don’t rush this step. Let those veggies sweat gently to release their sweetness.
- Add liquids and herbs: Pour in white wine, and let it simmer and reduce by half. This adds depth to your rustic Italian chicken dish. Then stir in diced tomatoes with their juice, chicken broth, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Return chicken to the pan: Nestle those browned chicken thighs back into the sauce. This is where your Chicken Cacciatore transforms into something truly special.
- Simmer gently: Cover the skillet and reduce heat to low. Let everything braise for about 35 to 40 minutes. In my kitchen, this Chicken Cacciatore takes exactly that long to reach perfect tenderness where the meat falls off the bone and the sauce thickens to a luscious consistency.
- Final checks and tweaks: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed. If it’s too acidic, a pinch of sugar softens the edges beautifully.
Your Chicken Cacciatore should look vibrant with rich red tomato sauce, tender chicken, and inviting textures from the peppers and onions. While your Chicken Cacciatore is cooking, take a moment to enjoy that amazing aroma filling your home—this is the scent of love and comfort!
If you want to check out an easy chicken cacciatore twist with minimal fuss, I recommend this Easy Chicken Cacciatore (Stovetop or Crock-Pot) recipe. It’s a great overview of how versatile this dish can be.
No doubt, the results will make you eager to invite family or friends to gather around your table. Cooking this hunter style chicken is a joyful process made simple with firm steps.
Serving & Presentation
When it’s time to serve your Chicken Cacciatore, presentation adds to the experience but keeping it cozy and inviting is the magic here.
Plate your chicken thighs generously slathered with the rich tomato and pepper sauce. I love serving this rustic Italian chicken dish over creamy polenta, buttery mashed potatoes, or warm crusty bread to soak up all the sauce. Rice also works perfectly for an easy, hearty pairing.
For a vibrant touch, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil on top to echo the herbs in the sauce. Simple plating, like a deep dish or rustic ceramic bowl, makes this hearty meal feel like a warm hug.
Chicken Cacciatore creates the sweetest moments at family dinners. I’ve served this dish during casual Sunday meals, and the room immediately fills with smiles and full plates. One particular dinner, a hesitant teen asked for seconds and even thirds—that’s the pure joy of chicken cacciatore!
Leftovers become a new mealtime hero too. You can reheat gently on the stove or even turn this chicken with tomatoes and peppers into a warm sandwich with melted provolone. Another favorite is tossing the stew with cooked pasta for a fresh take on hunter style chicken.
During cooler months, I often add extra mushrooms or a splash of balsamic vinegar to deepen the flavor even more. Seasonal tweaks keep this braised chicken recipe feeling fresh but comfortingly familiar.
If you enjoy this version of Chicken Cacciatore, you might also love my Sour Cream and Onion Chicken for another easy, crowd-pleasing chicken recipe. Both are approachable and comforting in their own ways!
FAQs
Chicken Cacciatore sparks so many great questions—here are some of the most common ones from fellow food lovers, answered with helpful insights from my testing and kitchen experience.
- Can I make this Chicken Cacciatore ahead of time?
Absolutely! It tastes even better the next day after the flavors have melded. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. - What if I don’t have white wine for this chicken cacciatore?
No worries—use extra chicken broth or a splash of apple cider vinegar for acidity. I’ve tested both, and they keep the stew balanced and flavorful. - How do I know when my Chicken Cacciatore is perfectly done?
The chicken should be tender and easily pull away from the bone. The sauce thickens and smells rich and inviting with roasted tomato and herbs. - Can I use boneless chicken instead of bone-in?
Yes, boneless works for faster cooking, but bone-in thighs add more flavor and help keep the meat juicy while braising. - What’s a good way to add extra veggies to my Italian chicken stew?
Try adding mushrooms, zucchini, or olives during the simmer step. They soak up the sauce beautifully without overwhelming it. - Is this a spicy chicken cacciatore?
The recipe has a gentle heat from crushed red pepper flakes, but adjust the amount to your comfort level. You can always leave it out for a milder stew. - Can I freeze Chicken Cacciatore leftovers?
Definitely. Freeze in airtight containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating on the stove.
You can also check community feedback on recipes similar to this classic chicken with tomatoes and peppers at Alla cacciatore means “hunter style,” and has come to define a stewed tomato-based… and the history behind the name at The “caccia” in cacciatore means “hunt,” so I guess this is chicken….
Why This Chicken Cacciatore Will Become Your New Favorite
This Chicken Cacciatore recipe truly represents everything I stand for on Carmen Wausa Blog: approachable ingredients, clear steps, and the comfort of a meal that feels like a home hug. It’s a rustic Italian chicken dish built on honest flavors and a braised chicken recipe that’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat.
My Chicken Cacciatore Success Tips:
– Brown your chicken well to build the deepest flavor.
– Take the time to let your peppers and onions soften slowly—they add natural sweetness.
– Use good-quality canned tomatoes; this is what brings that rich, rustic feel.
Over time, I’ve created a few variations of this chicken cacciatore I love. One swaps bell peppers for roasted eggplant for a subtle smoky layer. Another turns it into a low-carb option by serving it over spiralized zucchini instead of starch. For a fun twist, try making this dish in a slow cooker for extra tender meat.
The version that brings the biggest smiles is the classic one: juicy braised chicken with vibrant peppers and herbs in a rich tomato sauce. It’s a comforting, joyful meal no one forgets.
I encourage you to make this Chicken Cacciatore part of your repertoire and experience yourself how it brings warmth and connection to your table. I’m confident you’ll impress with this simple, satisfying dish.
Once you try it, please come back and share how your Chicken Cacciatore turned out! I love hearing your stories and seeing photos of delicious moments created around this beautiful recipe.
If you’re looking for even more delicious chicken meals, check out my Chicken Salad Chick Grape Salad and Cajun Chicken Pasta recipes for easy ways to keep family meals exciting and comforting.
Here’s to many cozy, flavorful dinners ahead with your new favorite Chicken Cacciatore!
Chicken Cacciatore
Chicken Cacciatore is a classic Italian dish featuring tender chicken simmered in a rich tomato sauce with bell peppers, onions, and herbs for a comforting and flavorful meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
- Add chicken to the skillet, skin side down, and brown until golden, about 5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add sliced onion and bell peppers. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in white wine and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-35 minutes until chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Notes
Serve Chicken Cacciatore over cooked pasta, polenta, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. For added depth, marinate the chicken in white wine and herbs for an hour before cooking.