Get ready to fall in love with the hearty, rustic charm of this Italian Hunter’s Chicken (Chicken Cacciatore) Recipe! Imagine bone-in, crispy-skinned chicken thighs slowly braised with sweet bell peppers, tangy tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and a splash of red wine, finished with briny olives and fresh herbs for a burst of Mediterranean flavor. The aroma fills your kitchen, and each bite is pure comfort—this dish delivers a feast for the senses and a warm hug for any soul craving classic Italian home cooking.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Great Italian dishes rely on just a few simple, quality ingredients that come together to create something magical. In this recipe, each ingredient plays a starring role, contributing color, flavor, or richness to make the Italian Hunter’s Chicken (Chicken Cacciatore) Recipe truly unforgettable.
- Chicken thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs give the richest flavor and turn incredibly tender during braising.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken deeply so every bite sings.
- Olive oil: A staple of Italian cooking, it enhances flavor and helps crisp the chicken skin just right.
- Onion: Sliced onions bring a mellow sweetness to the sauce, making every spoonful luscious.
- Red bell pepper: These add vibrant color and a gentle sweetness that balances the acidity of tomatoes.
- Yellow bell pepper: A golden pop that partners beautifully with the red, offering gentle, sunny flavor.
- Garlic: Just a few cloves infuse the sauce with classic Italian aroma and depth.
- Dry red wine (optional): Use a splash if you can—it lends sophistication and brings all the flavors together. If you skip it, the sauce will still be gorgeous.
- Crushed tomatoes: The heart of the sauce, providing body, tang, and that gorgeous red color.
- Tomato paste: This intensifies the tomato flavor, adding some saucy ‘oomph.’
- Dried oregano: A whiff of classic Italian herbs giving an earthy, familiar note.
- Dried basil: It brings sweet herbal aroma and tastes just like nonna’s cooking.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Add a touch of heat to wake things up, or leave them out for a gentle dish.
- Pitted black or green olives: Their briny pop at the end gives balance and an unforgettable finish.
- Fresh parsley or basil: A shower of fresh herbs for color, fragrance, and a final Italian flourish.
How to Make Italian Hunter’s Chicken (Chicken Cacciatore) Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Start by generously seasoning your chicken thighs on both sides with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high, then add the chicken skin-side down. Let it sizzle undisturbed for about 4–5 minutes until the skin turns a gorgeous golden brown. Flip each thigh and give them another 3–4 minutes. This step builds that savory foundation—it’s where the flavor magic begins! Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
In the same pan (don’t clean it—those browned bits on the bottom are pure gold!), toss in the sliced onion and both bell peppers. Sauté for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’ve softened and started picking up some color. Stir in the minced garlic and let it sizzle for just 30 seconds—it should smell amazing.
Step 3: Deglaze with Wine
Pour in the dry red wine, if using, and let it bubble away for 2–3 minutes while you scrape up every last bit of flavor from the pan’s bottom. This quick simmer cooks off the alcohol but keeps all the “grown-up” depth the wine brings. If you prefer to skip the wine, just add a splash of chicken stock or water to help deglaze instead.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, and crushed red pepper flakes to the pan. Stir these together until they’re thoroughly combined. You now have a vibrant, herby, tomatoey bath ready to hug your chicken!
Step 5: Simmer the Chicken
Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the sauce, skin side up, making sure they’re nicely snuggled but not fully submerged—the skin will stay crispier this way. Lower the heat, pop on a lid, and let the whole thing simmer gently for about 30–35 minutes. This is where the chicken turns irresistibly tender and soaks up every drop of that savory sauce.
Step 6: Finish with Olives and Fresh Herbs
Uncover the pan, scatter in the olives, and let it bubble for another 5 minutes—just enough for everything to meld into saucy, Mediterranean perfection. When it’s ready, top with a shower of chopped fresh parsley or basil. Your Italian Hunter’s Chicken (Chicken Cacciatore) Recipe is officially ready to dazzle!
How to Serve Italian Hunter’s Chicken (Chicken Cacciatore) Recipe
Garnishes
Shower your finished dish with bright, freshly chopped parsley or basil right before serving. This not only adds vibrant color but also a burst of fresh flavor that perfectly contrasts the deep, rich sauce. For extra flair, try a little grated Parmesan or a lemon zest sprinkle, if you like.
Side Dishes
Italian Hunter’s Chicken (Chicken Cacciatore) Recipe loves company! Spoon it over creamy polenta, tangle it with ribbons of pasta, or enjoy it alongside fluffy mashed potatoes. Crusty bread is a must for mopping up every last bit of that sauce—don’t let a drop go to waste!
Creative Ways to Present
Serve family-style in a big, rustic platter right from the stovetop, letting everyone help themselves. For an elegant touch, plate each thigh atop a swirl of polenta with the sauce spooned on top. Or, go tapas-style: shred the chicken and pile it onto crostini for hearty appetizers that disappear in a flash.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as they rest, making every reheat just as mouthwatering as day one.
Freezing
Italian Hunter’s Chicken (Chicken Cacciatore) Recipe freezes beautifully! Let it cool completely, pack into freezer containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze without the fresh herbs—add those once you reheat and serve.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken and sauce gently in a covered pan over medium-low heat until hot all the way through. If it’s too thick, add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen. It’s just as wonderful (maybe even better) the next day!
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Boneless chicken thighs or breasts will cook a bit faster and are wonderfully convenient. Just reduce the simmering time slightly to avoid overcooking, and keep in mind that bone-in pieces give the sauce even more richness.
What kind of wine should I use?
Choose a dry red wine you would enjoy drinking—Chianti, Merlot, or Cabernet Sauvignon are all excellent choices. No need for anything fancy; just avoid anything sugary or heavily oaked, which can overpower the delicate flavors of the Italian Hunter’s Chicken (Chicken Cacciatore) Recipe.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, and it might taste even better that way! The flavors get deeper and more developed overnight. Just reheat gently before serving and finish with fresh herbs for the best result.
Do I have to use both red and yellow bell peppers?
Nope—feel free to use whatever combination you have on hand. The two-tone peppers bring both color and a hint of sweetness, but any bell peppers will still produce that classic flavor.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, Italian Hunter’s Chicken (Chicken Cacciatore) Recipe is naturally gluten-free as written. Just double check all your packaged ingredients to be sure, especially if you’re serving it with pasta or bread.
Final Thoughts
If you crave comfort, tradition, and big Italian flavor, you simply have to try this Italian Hunter’s Chicken (Chicken Cacciatore) Recipe! It’s a feast that brings everyone to the table, filling your kitchen with warmth and your plate with joy. Give it a go—your friends and family will thank you, and you may just start your own delicious tradition!
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Italian Hunter’s Chicken (Chicken Cacciatore) Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A classic and comforting Italian dish, Chicken Cacciatore, also known as Italian Hunter’s Chicken, is a hearty and flavorful stew featuring tender chicken thighs simmered in a rich tomato sauce with bell peppers, olives, and aromatic herbs.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Sauce:
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup dry red wine (optional)
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup pitted black or green olives
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions
- Season and Sear Chicken: Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Sear in olive oil until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pan, cook onion and bell peppers until softened. Add garlic and cook briefly.
- Add Wine and Tomatoes: Pour in red wine, then add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, herbs, and red pepper flakes. Stir well.
- Simmer: Return chicken to the pan, cover, and simmer until cooked through. Stir in olives and cook briefly.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with parsley or basil before serving hot.
Notes
- Serve over pasta, polenta, or mashed potatoes.
- Use boneless chicken for quicker cooking.
- For enhanced flavor, make a day ahead and reheat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Braising
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with sauce
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
