Name: Hearty Chicken Cacciatore Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs; 2 chicken drumsticks; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 small onion, sliced; 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1 green bell pepper, sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup dry red wine (optional); 1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)

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If you’re craving a dinner that feels like a warm hug, look no further than Hearty Chicken Cacciatore. This rustic Italian classic is all about tender chicken simmered in a vibrant tomato sauce with sweet bell peppers, onions, and a hint of red wine. With every bite, you get a harmony of savory, herby, and just a little bit tangy flavors that somehow taste even better the next day. Whether you’re serving it on a bustling weeknight or as the centerpiece for Sunday supper, Hearty Chicken Cacciatore is the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table with anticipation.

Hearty Chicken Cacciatore Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Part of the beauty of Hearty Chicken Cacciatore is how a handful of honest, simple ingredients come together to make something truly special. Each component adds its own character: juicy chicken, colorful peppers, and the deep richness of tomatoes and herbs—all working together for that unmistakable flavor.

Chicken thighs and drumsticks: Bone-in, skin-on pieces bring maximum flavor and keep the meat juicy as it simmers.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken and bringing out all the other flavors.
Olive oil: Gives a rich base for searing and adds a hint of fruity flavor to the sauce.
Onion (sliced): Adds classic Italian sweetness and depth to the savory sauce.
Red and green bell peppers (sliced): These brighten up the dish with color and a gentle, sweet bite.
Garlic (minced): Just a few cloves wake up the sauce with irresistible aroma and warmth.
Dry red wine (optional): Adds depth and a touch of sophistication—don’t worry, most of the alcohol cooks off!
Crushed tomatoes: The foundation for a rich, slightly tangy sauce that soaks into the chicken.
Chicken broth: Helps create a silky sauce and infuses every bite with savory goodness.
Dried oregano and thyme: These classic Italian herbs bring earthy, aromatic notes that define the dish.
Red pepper flakes (optional): For a subtle kick, if you like your cacciatore with a gentle heat.
Fresh parsley or basil (for garnish): Adds a burst of freshness and a pop of color right before serving.

How to Make Hearty Chicken Cacciatore

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by generously seasoning your chicken thighs and drumsticks with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat some olive oil in a large Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and sear it for about 4 to 5 minutes per side. You’re looking for a golden, crispy skin—this step builds a foundation of flavor that shines through in the final dish. When the chicken is beautifully browned, set it aside on a plate.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pan (don’t clean it—you want those tasty brown bits!), toss in your sliced onions and bell peppers. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until they’ve softened and are just starting to caramelize. Add the minced garlic and let it cook for about 30 seconds, releasing its fragrance and infusing the vegetables with its warmth.

Step 3: Deglaze with Wine

Pour in the dry red wine, if you’re using it. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up all the flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Let the wine simmer for a couple of minutes so the alcohol cooks off and the sauce deepens in flavor. This step gives Hearty Chicken Cacciatore its signature richness.

Step 4: Build the Sauce and Simmer

Add the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, dried oregano, thyme, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you’re feeling bold. Stir everything together, then nestle the seared chicken pieces back into the pan, making sure they’re partly submerged in that luscious sauce. Lower the heat, cover the pot, and let it all simmer gently for 35 to 40 minutes—just until the chicken is melt-in-your-mouth tender and the flavors are beautifully mingled.

Step 5: Finish and Garnish

Uncover the pot and simmer for another 5 to 10 minutes if you want the sauce a bit thicker. Right before serving, shower the Hearty Chicken Cacciatore with a handful of fresh parsley or basil for a burst of color and freshness. Now, you’re ready to serve up a meal that’s pure comfort on a plate!

How to Serve Hearty Chicken Cacciatore

Garnishes

A generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or basil is the perfect finishing touch for Hearty Chicken Cacciatore. Not only do these herbs add a beautiful pop of green, but their freshness balances the rich, slow-cooked flavors of the dish. If you want to get fancy, a little grated Parmesan or a drizzle of good olive oil never hurts either.

Side Dishes

This dish practically begs to be served with something that soaks up all that luscious sauce. Pile the chicken and sauce onto a bed of pasta, creamy polenta, or fluffy rice—each option brings its own comfort and transforms every bite into something special. Crusty bread on the side is also a must for mopping up every last drop.

Creative Ways to Present

For a rustic family-style meal, bring the whole pot to the table and let everyone serve themselves. If you’re entertaining, try plating the chicken atop individual mounds of polenta or pasta with a little extra sauce and a fresh herb sprig for flair. Or, for a cozy twist, tuck leftovers into a warm sandwich roll for a sensational next-day lunch. Hearty Chicken Cacciatore is as versatile as it is delicious!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Hearty Chicken Cacciatore is a true gift. Let the dish cool to room temperature, then transfer any remaining chicken and sauce into an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and the flavors will only get better as they mingle overnight.

Freezing

If you want to stash some away for a rainy day, Hearty Chicken Cacciatore freezes beautifully. Place cooled portions in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the chicken and sauce in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much. You can also microwave individual servings in a covered dish, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Either way, the dish returns to its comforting, saucy glory in minutes.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken instead of bone-in?

Absolutely! While bone-in chicken brings extra flavor and keeps the meat juicy, boneless thighs or breasts work wonderfully and cook a bit faster. Just keep an eye on the cooking time so your chicken stays tender, not dry.

Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for the red wine?

Yes! If you prefer to skip the wine, simply use extra chicken broth and add a splash of balsamic vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice for a little tang. You’ll still get a deeply flavorful sauce without the alcohol.

Can I add other vegetables to Hearty Chicken Cacciatore?

Definitely. Mushrooms are a classic addition and add a wonderful earthiness to the sauce. You can also toss in zucchini, carrots, or even olives for a twist—just add them along with the peppers and onions so they cook down together.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, Hearty Chicken Cacciatore is naturally gluten-free as written. Just be sure to serve it with gluten-free pasta, rice, or polenta if you’re avoiding gluten in your side dishes as well.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is done when it’s fall-off-the-bone tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If you gently pierce the thickest part with a fork, the juices should run clear, not pink.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend Hearty Chicken Cacciatore enough—it’s one of those recipes that always delivers, whether you’re feeding your family or impressing friends. The aroma alone will have everyone gathering in the kitchen, and the flavors are sheer comfort. Give it a try soon and watch it become a beloved staple in your home!

Hearty Chicken Cacciatore Recipe

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4.8 from 9 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Hearty Chicken Cacciatore is a classic Italian dish featuring tender, bone-in chicken simmered in a rich tomato sauce with bell peppers, onions, garlic, and herbs. This comforting and flavorful one-pot meal is perfect for family dinners and pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or polenta.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
2 chicken drumsticks
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil

Vegetables and Aromatics

1 small onion, sliced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids and Seasonings

1/2 cup dry red wine (optional)
1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)

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Instructions

Season and Sear Chicken: Season the chicken thighs and drumsticks with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken on both sides until browned, about 4–5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
Sauté Vegetables and Garlic: In the same pan, add sliced onion and bell peppers. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the red wine (if using) and scrape the bottom of the pan to deglaze. Let it simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
Add Tomatoes and Herbs: Add crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine the flavors.
Simmer Chicken: Return the chicken to the pan, nestling it into the sauce. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 35–40 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
Thicken Sauce and Garnish: Uncover and simmer for an additional 5–10 minutes to thicken the sauce if needed. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil before serving.