Description
Italian Chicken Cacciatore is a rustic, slow-simmered dish made with tender chicken, tomatoes, sweet bell peppers, and fragrant herbs. This comforting one-pot meal delivers rich Mediterranean flavors perfect for a cozy family dinner.
Ingredients
1 whole chicken, cut into pieces (or chicken thighs)
1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional)
1 cup chicken broth
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 teaspoon dried oregano
2 sprigs fresh rosemary
2 sprigs fresh thyme
2 bay leaves
1/2 cup olives, pitted (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper, then dredge lightly in flour, shaking off any excess.
- Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken on all sides until golden, about 5 to 7 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the sliced red and green bell peppers and mushrooms if using. Cook for another 5 minutes until slightly softened.
- Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let it reduce slightly.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves.
- Return the browned chicken to the pot. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook on low heat for about 1 hour, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through.
- About 10 minutes before serving, add the olives and allow them to simmer in the sauce.
- Remove the bay leaves and herb sprigs. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot over pasta or with crusty bread.
Notes
You can substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for easier serving.
Add a splash of red wine before the tomatoes for deeper flavor, allowing it to reduce slightly.
For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months and thaw overnight before reheating.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 390 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg
