When it comes to hearty Italian comfort food, few dishes can rival the warmth and flavor of a Chicken Cacciatore Recipe. Bursting with tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, rich tomato sauce, and aromatic herbs, this classic dish embodies rustic Italian cooking at its best. Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner or looking for a make-ahead meal that tastes even better the next day, Chicken Cacciatore is a perfect choice.
In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about making an authentic Chicken Cacciatore Recipe — from the best ingredients and techniques to serving ideas and variations. Let’s dive in!
🍗 What Is Chicken Cacciatore?
“Cacciatore” means “hunter” in Italian, so Chicken Cacciatore literally translates to hunter-style chicken. Traditionally, it was a simple, one-pot dish made by hunters using whatever ingredients they had on hand — usually chicken, onions, tomatoes, herbs, and wine.
Over time, the dish evolved into a beloved Italian classic known for its bold, earthy flavors. It’s often simmered slowly in a tomato-based sauce with bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and olives — creating a deeply savory, aromatic meal that pairs perfectly with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
🥘 Ingredients You’ll Need for Chicken Cacciatore Recipe
To make the best Chicken Cacciatore Recipe, you’ll need simple, fresh ingredients that come together to create layers of flavor.
For the Chicken:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 4 bone-in chicken drumsticks (or substitute with boneless breasts if preferred)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Sauce:
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- ½ cup dry red wine (optional but highly recommended)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- ¼ cup pitted black olives (optional but traditional)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish
🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make the perfect Chicken Cacciatore Recipe at home.
Step 1: Season and Brown the Chicken
Start by patting the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. This helps them brown beautifully. Season both sides with salt and black pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, skin-side down, and sear until golden brown — about 5 minutes per side. You don’t need to cook the chicken all the way through at this point; just build that delicious golden crust.
Once browned, remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pan (don’t wipe it out — those brown bits are flavor gold!), add the sliced onions and cook for about 2-3 minutes, until softened. Add the garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Next, toss in the bell peppers and mushrooms. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften and release their juices.
Step 3: Deglaze the Pan
Pour in the red wine (if using) to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to cook off the alcohol and deepen the flavor.
If you’re skipping the wine, just add a little extra chicken broth instead.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken broth, oregano, basil, thyme, red pepper flakes, and bay leaf. Mix well to combine.
Return the browned chicken to the pan, nestling the pieces into the sauce. The sauce should mostly cover the chicken — if not, add a splash more broth or water.
Step 5: Simmer to Perfection
Cover the pan with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let the Chicken Cacciatore simmer gently for about 35–45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Halfway through cooking, stir in the olives if you’re using them. As it simmers, the sauce thickens and the flavors meld together beautifully.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Once the chicken is fully cooked and tender (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C), remove the lid and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 5–10 minutes to thicken further if needed.
Discard the bay leaf and taste for seasoning — add salt and pepper as desired.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a burst of color and freshness.
🍝 Serving Suggestions
The beauty of this Chicken Cacciatore Recipe is its versatility. You can serve it in so many delicious ways:
- Over Pasta: Spoon the chicken and sauce over spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine for a classic Italian-style meal.
- With Rice: Serve over fluffy white or brown rice to soak up all that rich tomato sauce.
- With Polenta: Creamy polenta is a traditional Italian pairing that adds comfort and texture.
- With Crusty Bread: A slice of rustic bread is perfect for mopping up the flavorful sauce.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a lighter meal.
🧀 Optional Add-Ins and Variations
The beauty of homemade Chicken Cacciatore is that you can adjust it to your taste. Here are some variations to try:
1. Add More Veggies
Add carrots, zucchini, or celery for extra color and nutrition.
2. Try White Wine Instead of Red
White wine gives the sauce a lighter, more delicate flavor — perfect if you prefer a less robust sauce.
3. Make It Creamy
Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of mascarpone cheese at the end for a creamy twist.
4. Go Boneless
If you prefer convenience, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts. They cook faster — just reduce the simmer time to about 25 minutes.
5. Add Capers or Artichokes
These bring a briny, tangy flavor that balances the rich tomato sauce beautifully.
🕒 Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
One of the best things about Chicken Cacciatore is how well it stores and reheats — making it an excellent meal prep option.
- To Store: Let the dish cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- To Freeze: Transfer cooled cacciatore to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- To Reheat: Warm gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until heated through.
In fact, the flavor deepens even more after sitting for a day or two — making leftovers taste even better!
🍷 What Wine Pairs Best with Chicken Cacciatore?
Since Chicken Cacciatore has a rich tomato base, it pairs beautifully with medium-bodied red wines such as:
- Chianti
- Barbera
- Sangiovese
- Merlot
- Pinot Noir
If you’re using white wine in the recipe, you can pair it with a crisp white such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
💡 Expert Tips for the Perfect Chicken Cacciatore
- Brown the Chicken Well: Don’t rush this step — that golden crust adds depth and richness to the sauce.
- Use Fresh Herbs if Possible: Fresh basil and parsley elevate the flavor and aroma.
- Simmer Slowly: Low and slow cooking helps the chicken become tender and lets the sauce thicken naturally.
- Balance the Acidity: If your sauce tastes too tangy, stir in a pinch of sugar to mellow the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Sear the chicken in batches if necessary to get that perfect browning.
🥄 Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
(Approximate, based on 6 servings)
- Calories: 380
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 6g
This recipe is naturally gluten-free and can easily be made dairy-free by avoiding cheese toppings.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Chicken Cacciatore Recipe
- Authentic Italian flavor in every bite
- One-pan meal — easy cleanup
- Great for family dinners or meal prep
- Customizable with your favorite ingredients
- Tastes even better the next day
🏁 Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a comforting, flavor-packed dish that feels both rustic and refined, this Chicken Cacciatore Recipe is exactly what you need. With tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a rich tomato sauce infused with herbs and wine, it’s a timeless Italian classic that brings everyone to the table.
Whether served over pasta, rice, or polenta, this dish delivers pure satisfaction in every bite. So grab your skillet, pour a glass of wine, and bring a taste of Italy into your kitchen tonight!