Pressure-Cooker Chicken Cacciatore is a hearty, flavorful dish that brings the rustic taste of Italy to your dinner table in a fraction of the time. Traditionally slow-cooked, this version uses a pressure cooker to tenderize the chicken and meld the robust flavors of tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, and herbs quickly. The result is a savory, aromatic sauce coating tender pieces of chicken, perfect for serving over pasta, rice, or crusty bread. This quick and easy recipe is ideal for busy weeknights when you want a comforting, home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup red wine (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Sear the Chicken: Set the pressure cooker to sauté mode. Add olive oil and sear the chicken thighs for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Cook the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Deglaze the Pot: Pour in the red wine (if using) and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let it simmer for a minute.
- Add the Remaining Ingredients: Add the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir well, then return the chicken to the pot, nestling it into the sauce.
- Pressure Cook: Close the lid and set the pressure cooker to high for 10 minutes. Once done, allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes, then manually release the remaining pressure.
- Add Olives and Serve: Stir in the sliced black olives and let the dish sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve over pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
This Pressure-Cooker Chicken Cacciatore delivers all the rich, comforting flavors of the classic dish with a fraction of the cooking time, making it a go-to recipe for busy nights!
