Brace yourself for the ultimate comfort meal: Hearty Chicken Cacciatore. This rustic Italian favorite wraps up melt-in-your-mouth chicken, vibrant bell peppers, earthy mushrooms, and a luscious tomato wine sauce into one soul-satisfying dish. Whether you’re warming up after a brisk day or craving a family-style dinner loaded with flavor, Hearty Chicken Cacciatore delivers on every level. Plus, its inviting aroma will pull everyone into the kitchen before their first bite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Hearty Chicken Cacciatore is how a handful of straightforward ingredients come together to create a truly unforgettable meal. Each item below brings its own character—whether it’s color, depth, or a punch of Italian flavor—that makes this recipe so special.
- Chicken Thighs: Bone-in and skinless thighs stay extra tender and soak up all those bold flavors—plus, they’re hard to overcook!
- Olive Oil: Gives you that authentic Mediterranean flavor and helps brown the chicken perfectly.
- Onion: Sliced onions melt down to create sweetness and body for the sauce.
- Red Bell Pepper: Adds a pop of color and gentle sweetness.
- Yellow Bell Pepper: Brightens the dish visually and lends another layer of flavor.
- Cremini Mushrooms: These earthy mushrooms lend heartiness and soak up all those savory juices.
- Garlic: Four cloves make sure the sauce is deeply aromatic and flavorful.
- Dry Red Wine: The secret to depth—just a splash transforms the sauce from simple to sublime.
- Crushed Tomatoes: A big can builds a rich, robust base for your cacciatore sauce.
- Tomato Paste: Thickens up the sauce and intensifies the tomato goodness.
- Dried Oregano: Brings unmistakable Italian herb flavor.
- Dried Basil: Adds aromatic notes to brighten the sauce.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For a gentle kick if you like a little heat.
- Salt: Essential for bringing out the flavors of every single ingredient.
- Black Pepper: Just enough to provide subtle warmth.
- Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and helps meld everything together into one cozy stew.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley gives the finished dish freshness and a burst of green.
- Fresh Basil (for garnish): A final shower of basil makes every serving look and taste like a celebration.
How to Make Hearty Chicken Cacciatore
Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken
Start with quality bone-in, skinless chicken thighs—pat them dry thoroughly, then season both sides generously with salt and black pepper. This simple step ensures your chicken gets that irresistible golden crust, and the seasoning sinks right into every bite.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high. Once shimmering, lay in the chicken thighs and let them sizzle undisturbed for 4 to 5 minutes per side. You’re aiming for a beautiful golden sear that locks in juiciness—don’t rush it! Move the browned chicken to a plate and keep it nearby.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Using the same pan (with all those precious browned bits intact), add your sliced onions, red and yellow bell peppers, and cremini mushrooms. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 6 to 8 minutes until softened and just beginning to caramelize. The vegetables will soak up leftover chicken flavors and start building your irresistible sauce.
Step 4: Add Garlic and Deglaze
Toss in the minced garlic and stir for just one minute—nothing beats that fragrant punch! Immediately after, pour in the dry red wine, scraping up any brown bits that stick to the pan. These little bits are pure flavor gold and add amazing depth to your Hearty Chicken Cacciatore.
Step 5: Build the Sauce
Now it’s time for the main event: stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, optional crushed red pepper flakes, and chicken broth. Bring everything to a gentle simmer—your kitchen will smell incredible already.
Step 6: Simmer with Chicken
Nestle those golden chicken thighs back into the pan, making sure they’re cozily tucked into the sauce. Lower the heat, cover the skillet, and let everything simmer gently for about 40 minutes. This gives the chicken time to turn irresistibly tender and lets all the flavors meld into that signature Hearty Chicken Cacciatore richness.
Step 7: Finish and Serve
Right at the end, stir in a generous handful of fresh parsley and taste the sauce—adjust salt or pepper if needed. Serve hot and ladle everything over pasta, rice, or your favorite crusty bread for the ultimate Italian comfort feast.
How to Serve Hearty Chicken Cacciatore
Garnishes
A final flourish is what takes Hearty Chicken Cacciatore from cozy to completely company-worthy. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and torn basil on top right before serving. For a bit more rustic charm, add a small drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil or a dusting of freshly grated Parmesan.
Side Dishes
This stew begs for something to soak up the sauce. Classic choices are al dente pasta, creamy polenta, or even buttery mashed potatoes. Want to keep it simple? A thick slice of toasted country bread works wonders.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the bowl: try ladling Hearty Chicken Cacciatore into shallow serving dishes with crusty bread artfully arranged on the side, or spoon it over grilled vegetables for a lighter twist. For family-style dinners, bring the whole skillet to the table and let everyone help themselves!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool your leftover Hearty Chicken Cacciatore before transferring to an airtight container. It keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, and the flavors only get better as they mingle overnight.
Freezing
Want to save some for later? Freeze cooled portions in airtight containers. This dish is freezer-friendly for up to three months—just remember to label containers with the date for easy meal planning.
Reheating
To reheat, warm gently over medium-low in a covered pan until the chicken is hot throughout. If the sauce seems thick, a splash of water or chicken broth will bring it back to life. Individual portions microwave well—just cover to prevent splatters.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While thighs stay juicier during simmering and bring extra flavor, boneless chicken breasts also work well. Just keep an eye on cooking time so they don’t dry out.
What kind of wine should I use for Hearty Chicken Cacciatore?
A dry red wine (like Chianti, Merlot, or Cabernet) gives the sauce depth and a slightly tangy complexity. If you prefer to cook without wine, substitute with extra chicken broth and a splash of balsamic vinegar for richness.
Is it necessary to use both red and yellow bell peppers?
The combination adds a beautiful color and subtle variance in sweetness, but you can use any mix of bell peppers you have—or even just one color if that’s what’s on hand.
Can I make Hearty Chicken Cacciatore in advance?
Definitely! It’s actually even tastier the next day as the flavors deepen. Just reheat gently when ready to serve, and maybe add a sprinkle of fresh herbs to wake everything back up.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Stir extra crushed red pepper flakes into the sauce, or finish the dish with a drizzle of chili oil when serving. Adjust to your preferred level of heat!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a heartwarming meal that’s as rewarding to cook as it is to eat, Hearty Chicken Cacciatore will win you over every time. I hope you gather friends and family around your table soon and let this Italian classic become a new favorite in your kitchen!
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Hearty Chicken Cacciatore Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Hearty Chicken Cacciatore recipe is a comforting and flavorful Italian dish featuring tender chicken simmered in a rich tomato sauce with bell peppers, mushrooms, and aromatic herbs. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 6 bone-in skinless chicken thighs
Vegetables:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce:
- 1/2 cup dry red wine
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Sear in olive oil until golden brown. Set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pan, cook onion, bell peppers, and mushrooms until softened. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Create Sauce: Deglaze with red wine, then add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, herbs, spices, and broth. Return chicken to the pan.
- Simmer: Cover and simmer for 40 minutes until chicken is tender. Stir in parsley.
- Serve: Adjust seasoning and serve hot over pasta, rice, or bread.
Notes
- Chicken breasts can be used instead of thighs for a leaner option.
- Enhance flavor with balsamic vinegar or capers in the sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with sauce
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
