Easy Chicken Cacciatore is a classic Italian dish that’s perfect for a cozy, comforting meal without the fuss. This one-pan recipe features tender chicken simmered in a rich tomato sauce with bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and a medley of herbs, creating a flavorful and hearty dish that’s sure to satisfy. The beauty of Chicken Cacciatore lies in its simplicity, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or when you want to impress with minimal effort. Serve it over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce, and enjoy a taste of Italy at home.
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or boneless, skinless if preferred)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked pasta, rice, or crusty bread, for serving
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken thighs with salt and black pepper on both sides.
- Brown the Chicken:
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken thighs, skin-side down, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add the sliced onion, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Deglaze the Pan:
- If using, pour the white wine into the skillet to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let the wine cook down for 2-3 minutes.
- Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings:
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and chicken broth. Mix well.
- Simmer the Chicken:
- Return the browned chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the chicken simmer for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Serve:
- Garnish the Chicken Cacciatore with fresh parsley.
- Serve hot over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Enjoy your Easy Chicken Cacciatore, a flavorful and comforting dish that brings the taste of Italy to your kitchen with minimal effort!
