Chicken Cacciatore (Pollo alla Cacciatora)
A Rustic Italian Classic Bursting with Flavor
Looking for a hearty, comforting dish with a rich Italian soul? This Chicken Cacciatore is exactly what you need. Tender chicken thighs simmered in a savory tomato sauce with sweet bell peppers, aromatic onions, and a blend of herbs — it’s a timeless recipe that brings the warmth of an Italian kitchen straight to your table.
Whether you’re serving it over pasta, creamy polenta, or with a thick slice of crusty bread, this one-pot dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
- ½ cup dry white wine
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped — for garnish
How to Make Chicken Cacciatore
1. Sear the Chicken
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then sear them skin-side down for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté the Veggies
In the same skillet, add onions and bell peppers. Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for another 60 seconds, stirring until fragrant.
3. Deglaze with Wine
Pour in the white wine and scrape up the flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.
4. Build the Sauce
Add diced tomatoes with juices, chicken broth, oregano, basil, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir everything together and bring to a gentle simmer.
5. Simmer to Perfection
Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Cover and let cook on low heat for 30–35 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
6. Taste & Garnish
Taste the sauce and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Just before serving, sprinkle with freshly chopped basil or parsley for a burst of freshness.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over al dente pasta, creamy mashed potatoes, or polenta.
- Pair with garlic bread or a slice of sourdough to mop up the rich sauce.
- Add a glass of white wine — the same one you used for cooking — for a perfect Italian dinner experience.
Quick Info
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Calories: 280 kcal per serving
- Servings: 4
Pro Tips & Variations
- Make it spicy: Add extra chili flakes or a chopped red chili for heat lovers.
- Go veggie: Substitute mushrooms and zucchini for a vegetarian twist.
- Storage: Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days — flavors deepen beautifully overnight!
Final Thoughts
Chicken Cacciatore is more than just a dish — it’s a rustic experience that fills your kitchen with the comforting aroma of home-cooked Italian food. It’s easy to make, full of depth, and perfect for both weeknights and weekend dinners.
