Chicken Cacciatore – A Rustic Italian Classic

Chicken Cacciatore – A Rustic Italian Classic

If you’re after a hearty, home-cooked meal that fills the kitchen with irresistible aromas, this step-by-step Chicken Cacciatore recipe is the perfect choice. A beloved Italian classic, Chicken Cacciatore (which translates to “hunter’s chicken”) combines tender chicken with a rich tomato sauce, herbs, vegetables, and a splash of red wine for a dish that’s as comforting as it is delicious.

What Is Chicken Cacciatore?

Before diving into the recipe, let’s understand what Chicken Cacciatore really is. Traditionally, Cacciatore is a rustic Italian dish inspired by the simple, seasonal ingredients hunters might gather. In this version, chicken is slowly simmered in a tomato-based sauce with onions, peppers, garlic, mushrooms, and herbs. The result? A robust, flavour-packed meal best enjoyed with crusty bread or pasta.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this authentic Chicken Cacciatore, gather the following ingredients:

• 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 onion, finely sliced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 red pepper, sliced

• 1 yellow pepper, sliced

• 200g mushrooms, sliced

• 400g tin of chopped tomatoes

• 2 tablespoons tomato purée

• 125ml dry red wine (optional but recommended)

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• Fresh parsley for garnish

Using bone-in chicken adds depth of flavour, but feel free to substitute with boneless thighs if you prefer. The magic of Cacciatore is that it’s versatile—use what you have on hand.

Step-by-Step Chicken Cacciatore Recipe

1. Brown the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large frying pan or casserole dish over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Add them to the pan, skin-side down, and cook for 4–5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set it aside—this first step seals in the juices and adds flavour to your Cacciatore sauce.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium and add the sliced onions and garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes, scraping up any browned bits left by the chicken. This base builds the rich character that makes Chicken Cacciatore so comforting. Add the peppers and mushrooms, cooking for another 5 minutes until they soften.

3. Build the Sauce

Stir in the tomato purée and cook for 1 minute to deepen the tomato flavour. Add the chopped tomatoes, red wine, oregano, and basil. Season with more salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer—this forms the heart of your Chicken Cacciatore sauce.

4. Simmer the Chicken

Return the browned chicken to the pan, nestling it into the sauce. Cover the pan with a lid, reduce heat to low, and let the Chicken Cacciatore simmer for 35–40 minutes. This slow cooking allows the flavours to meld and the chicken to become tender and juicy.

5. Final Touches

After simmering, remove the lid and let the Chicken Cacciatore cook uncovered for 10 more minutes to thicken the sauce slightly. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving. The vibrant colours and aroma will make it hard to wait!

How to Serve Chicken Cacciatore

Chicken Cacciatore is best served hot with crusty bread, creamy mashed potatoes, or pasta like tagliatelle or rigatoni. The sauce is rich and hearty, so anything that can soak up the flavour is ideal. A glass of red wine pairs beautifully, making your chicken dinner feel like a cosy Italian night in.

Tips for Success

• For extra depth, use skin-on chicken thighs, but remove the skin before serving if you prefer less fat.

• If avoiding alcohol, replace red wine with low-sodium chicken stock.

• This Cacciatore keeps well—refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days or freeze for a future comforting meal.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Cacciatore recipe is a perfect example of simple ingredients coming together to create something extraordinary. Whether it’s a rainy weekday evening or a relaxed weekend supper, chicken cooked in the Cacciatore style will warm your soul and satisfy your cravings. Try it today—you won’t be disappointed!

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