Best Easy Chicken Cacciatore Recipe

Chicken cacciatore braised with tomatoes, peppers, and herbs in a rustic Italian-American sauce is a comforting family dinner. This mediterranean-inspired chicken dish is high in protein and full of robust flavor.

Cook 65 min Difficulty NORMAL 340 kcal
#mediterranean #high protein
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs 2.5 lbs
  • yellow onion 1 pieces
  • red bell pepper 1 pieces
  • green bell pepper 1 pieces
  • button mushrooms 8 oz
  • garlic cloves 3 cloves
  • crushed tomatoes 1.5 cups
  • dry white wine 0.5 cup
Seasonings/Sauce
  • olive oil 2 tbsp
  • dried oregano 1 tsp
  • dried basil 1 tsp
  • dried thyme 0.5 tsp
  • salt 1 tsp
  • black pepper 0.5 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 13 g 15%
Protein 31 g 36%
Fat 17 g 49%
Serving size 320g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Pat chicken thighs dry and season both sides with half the salt and black pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown chicken skin-side down for 4–5 minutes per side, working in batches for best caramelization. Remove browned chicken and set aside.

  2. 2

    Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining olive oil. Sauté sliced onion, red and green bell peppers, and sliced mushrooms for 5–7 minutes until softened and lightly golden. Add garlic and cook 1 more minute, stirring to avoid burning.

  3. 3

    Deglaze the pan with dry white wine, scraping up browned bits. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.

  4. 4

    Stir in crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, basil, thyme, and remaining salt and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then nestle chicken thighs back into the sauce skin-side up. Cover with a lid.

  5. 5

    Reduce heat to low. Simmer gently for 40 minutes, removing the lid for the final 10 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken and flavors to settle. Check chicken for doneness (juices run clear). Serve hot with fresh herbs if desired.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this Chicken Cacciatore recipe?
The bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are the star ingredient, providing richness and tenderness. They're simmered with crushed tomatoes, peppers, and mushrooms—classic mediterranean elements that create the signature rustic flavor of cacciatore.
Q. How do I manage heat and timing for perfect Chicken Cacciatore?
Brown the chicken over medium-high heat to render the skin and build flavor, then reduce to medium to soften the vegetables without burning. For the braising stage, keep the heat low and a gentle simmer to ensure the chicken stays juicy while the sauce reduces and flavors concentrate.
Q. How do I prevent the chicken from becoming tough or dry?
Use bone-in, skin-on thighs for best moisture retention. Avoid overbrowning initially, and let the chicken gently simmer in the sauce with the lid on—this keeps meat tender. Remove the lid for the last 10 minutes to thicken the sauce without overcooking the chicken.
Q. What are the nutrition highlights per serving?
Each 320g serving contains about 340 kcal: protein 31g (36%), fat 17g (49%), and carbs 13g (15%). This makes it a high-protein and Mediterranean-friendly dish for balanced family meals.
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