Get ready to fall in love with weeknight dinners again! This Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore delivers everything you crave in a hearty Italian meal: juicy chicken thighs braised in a robust tomato sauce, sweet bell peppers, tender mushrooms, and a whisper of Mediterranean herbs—all in under an hour. With the trusty Instant Pot by your side, this recipe transforms an iconic slow-cooked classic into a quick, soul-warming dish perfect for busy days or relaxed gatherings. Whether you’re craving comfort food or need a crowd-pleaser, this Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore fits the bill beautifully.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The secret to a mouthwatering chicken cacciatore is using simple, wholesome ingredients that bring big flavor to the pot. Each component here plays an important role in building the rich, savory base and the warm, rustic character of this Italian favorite.
- Chicken thighs: Go for bone-in, skinless thighs for maximum juiciness and depth of flavor—these beauties hold up perfectly in the pressure cooker.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for bringing out every savory note in your chicken and veggies.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps you get that irresistible golden color on the chicken.
- Onion: A classic aromatic that forms the savory backbone of the sauce—don’t skip it!
- Red and green bell peppers: These vibrant vegetables add sweet flavor and a gorgeous pop of color.
- Garlic: Three big cloves will fill your kitchen with that unmistakable, comforting Italian aroma.
- Cremini mushrooms: Earthy and meaty, they soak up the sauce and add hearty texture.
- Dried oregano, dried thyme, and crushed red pepper flakes (optional): This herbal trio infuses the sauce with depth, warmth, and a little kick if you’re feeling spicy.
- Dry white wine: Deglazes the pot and adds a lovely acidity that keeps things bright.
- Crushed tomatoes: A can of these creates that luscious, velvety base for your cacciatore.
- Tomato paste: Bumps up the richness and the savory, slow-cooked vibe—even if you’re in a hurry.
- Fresh parsley: A finishing sprinkle of freshness that lifts all the flavors.
- Pasta, rice, or polenta: Choose your favorite base to serve with this saucy Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore—each brings its own special charm.
How to Make Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Start by patting your chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then sprinkle them with salt and black pepper to wake up all the flavors. Set your Instant Pot to Sauté mode and add olive oil. When the oil shimmers, lay the thighs in the pot—work in batches so you don’t crowd them. Brown both sides until golden, about 3–4 minutes per side. Searing here is key: it locks in juiciness and sets the stage for those irresistible pan drippings that flavor the whole dish. Transfer the browned chicken to a plate.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
With the chicken out, toss diced onion and both bell peppers into the pot. Scrape up any golden bits at the bottom—they’re liquid gold for flavor! Sauté until the vegetables are just softened, about three minutes, then add in the garlic and mushrooms. Let them cook another two minutes for even more savory aroma. Sprinkle in dried oregano, thyme, and the crushed red pepper flakes if you want a hint of spicy heat. This is where your Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore starts smelling like an Italian kitchen.
Step 3: Deglaze and Build the Sauce
Pour the white wine into the Instant Pot, stirring and scraping up those flavorful brown bits stuck to the bottom. The wine doesn’t just add acidity and depth; it also ensures you don’t get any pesky “burn” warning during pressure cooking. Next, stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste—these meld everything together and thicken up the sauce so it’ll coat every bite.
Step 4: Cook Under Pressure
Now it’s time for the Instant Pot to do its magic. Nestle the browned chicken thighs back into the pot, making sure each piece gets cozy in the sauce. Secure the lid, twist the valve to Sealing, and set High Pressure for 12 minutes. When the timer beeps, let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes before carefully flicking the valve for a quick finish. This step is where the chicken becomes meltingly tender and beautifully infused with every Italian flavor.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Once it’s safe to open the lid, check that the chicken is perfectly cooked—it should be fork-tender and easy to peel from the bone. Stir in fresh parsley for that final burst of color and freshness. Spoon your Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore over pasta, rice, or creamy polenta, and bask in the mouthwatering aroma filling your kitchen.
How to Serve Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore
Garnishes
A shower of chopped fresh parsley is the finishing touch for this dish, adding a clean, herbal note that wakes up all those deep, slow-simmered flavors. If you’re feeling fancy, a light sprinkle of fresh basil, a few shavings of Parmesan cheese, or even a handful of briny Kalamata olives or capers will take your Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore over the top.
Side Dishes
The beauty of this saucy cacciatore is how well it pairs with so many sides! Go classic with a bowl of al dente pasta or fluffy rice to soak up all that delicious sauce. For a rustic twist, try a mound of creamy polenta or even crusty bread to mop your plate clean. Roast or sautéed seasonal veggies—think zucchini or wilted greens—make a fresh, vibrant partner.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy family dinner, serve the chicken right from the Instant Pot at the table—a simple, homey vibe that invites seconds. If you’re serving a crowd, plate each chicken thigh atop a nest of polenta or pasta with a dramatic spoonful of sauce and herbs. Or, shred the meat, mix it back into the sauce, and ladle over toasted buns for an Italian-inspired sandwich twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore keeps like a dream. Transfer cooled chicken and sauce into airtight containers and store in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors mellow and deepen overnight, making every reheat taste a little richer.
Freezing
This recipe is freezer-friendly! Let your Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore cool completely, then divide into freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge so the chicken stays tender and doesn’t dry out when you reheat.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken and sauce in a covered skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until piping hot. You can also microwave portions in a covered dish, stirring halfway through. If the sauce thickens in the fridge, just add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts?
Absolutely! While bone-in chicken adds more flavor and moisture, boneless thighs or breasts work well for a lighter, quicker option. Just reduce the pressure cooking time by 2 minutes for boneless cuts to avoid overcooking.
Do I have to use wine in the recipe?
No worries if you’re out of wine or prefer not to use it! Swap in an equal amount of low-sodium chicken broth. You’ll still get plenty of flavor and all the saucy deliciousness Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore is known for.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! The Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore itself is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to serve it with a gluten-free side like rice or certified gluten-free pasta if needed.
What other vegetables can I add?
Feel free to get creative! Zucchini, carrots, or even handfuls of baby spinach can be stirred in at the end. They’ll add color, nutrients, and extra comfort to your cacciatore.
Why does my Instant Pot say “Burn”?
That “Burn” error usually means there’s something stuck to the bottom of the pot. Deglaze thoroughly with wine or broth, and be sure to layer the tomatoes and chicken as directed. Stir the sauce gently but don’t scrape the bottom once cooking begins.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for a dinner that’s comforting, vibrant, and weeknight-friendly, it’s time to grab your Instant Pot and try this Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore. Whether you’re feeding family or friends, this is one of those recipes you’ll turn to over and over again. Mangia and enjoy every saucy, savory bite!
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Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore recipe is a flavorful Italian dish featuring tender chicken thighs simmered in a rich tomato and vegetable sauce. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal!
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 2 pounds bone-in, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Serving:
- cooked pasta, rice, or polenta for serving
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Season the chicken thighs with salt and black pepper.
- Sear the chicken: Brown the chicken thighs in batches in the Instant Pot on Sauté mode.
- Cook the vegetables: Sauté onion, bell peppers, garlic, and mushrooms until softened.
- Add seasonings and liquids: Stir in oregano, thyme, red pepper flakes, white wine, crushed tomatoes, and tomato paste.
- Pressure cook: Return chicken to the pot, pressure cook for 12 minutes, then do a natural pressure release.
- Finish and serve: Stir in parsley, check chicken for doneness, and serve over pasta, rice, or polenta.
Notes
- For added flavor, consider adding Kalamata olives or capers.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 165mg
