Authentic Chicken Cacciatore: A Rustic Italian Masterpiece for Your Dinner Table

Embark on a culinary journey to the heart of Italy with this exquisite Chicken Cacciatore recipe. A true classic, this dish offers an incredible depth of flavor, marrying tender chicken with a rich, savory tomato sauce and an abundance of aromatic vegetables. It’s a hearty, comforting meal that transcends the everyday, making it the ideal centerpiece for a cherished Sunday dinner or any special gathering.

For many, Chicken Cacciatore might seem like a dish reserved for experienced chefs, its extensive ingredient list hinting at complexity. I once shared this perception, which is why I rarely attempted to make it at home. However, my childhood memories of this robust Italian stew compelled me to conquer my hesitation. It’s only as an adult, truly appreciating the nuances of flavors and cooking methods, that I realized how approachable and rewarding this recipe truly is. My version, carefully balanced with a medley of vegetables, herbs, and perfectly cooked chicken, delivers a harmonious blend of tastes that will undoubtedly impress your family and guests.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Chicken Cacciatore

There are countless reasons why this Chicken Cacciatore will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. Beyond its irresistible flavor, it offers a perfect balance of tradition, comfort, and ease. Here’s what makes this recipe truly special:

• Unforgettable Flavor Profile: Each bite is a symphony of savory notes, from the perfectly seared chicken to the rich tomato sauce infused with wine, herbs, and pungent capers and olives. The slow simmering process allows all these flavors to meld beautifully, creating a dish that is deeply satisfying and complex.
• Hearty and Wholesome: Packed with lean protein from the chicken and a generous helping of vegetables like onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms, this meal is as nutritious as it is delicious. It’s a complete meal in one pot, making dinner planning a breeze.
• Surprisingly Simple to Make: Don’t let the gourmet appearance fool you. While it requires a few steps, each is straightforward and contributes to the final masterpiece. The bulk of the cooking time is hands-off simmering, allowing you to relax while your kitchen fills with incredible aromas.
• Versatile and Customizable: Whether you prefer bone-in or boneless chicken, or wish to experiment with different vegetables, this recipe is incredibly adaptable. It’s a fantastic base for culinary creativity.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Elegant enough for entertaining, yet comforting enough for a cozy family dinner, Chicken Cacciatore fits seamlessly into any menu. It also makes for fantastic leftovers, with flavors often deepening overnight.

The Story Behind Cacciatore: A Hunter’s Delight

The name “Cacciatore” itself holds a fascinating clue to the dish’s origins. In Italian, “cacciatore” translates to “hunter.” This implies that the dish was traditionally prepared “hunter-style,” using whatever game was caught that day, often rabbit or chicken, cooked with readily available ingredients like onions, herbs, tomatoes, and bell peppers. It’s a rustic, countryside meal, designed to make the most of fresh ingredients and create a hearty, satisfying stew after a day in the field.

Across various cultures, there are countless versions of “hunter-style” meals, all designed to utilize the day’s fresh catch and often to mask any “gamey” flavors with bold spices and rich sauces. Our Chicken Cacciatore embraces this philosophy, transforming simple ingredients into a dish bursting with robust flavors. The combination of sweet tomatoes, savory chicken, aromatic vegetables, and a hint of wine creates a depth that truly honors its heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Cacciatore

Here are answers to some common questions you might have about making this delicious Italian chicken dish:

What Should I Serve with Chicken Cacciatore?

Chicken Cacciatore is incredibly versatile when it comes to side dishes. Its rich, flavorful sauce is perfect for soaking up with various accompaniments. Classic choices include pasta (like spaghetti, tagliatelle, or pappardelle), creamy mashed potatoes, or fluffy white rice. These starchy sides perfectly absorb the delicious tomato sauce, ensuring no drop goes to waste. For a lighter touch, consider serving it with creamy polenta, a simple side salad with a vinaigrette dressing, or some crusty artisan bread to sop up every last bit of the sauce. Steamed green beans or roasted asparagus also make excellent vegetable complements.

How Long Does Chicken Cacciatore Need to Simmer?

For chicken thighs to reach a safe internal temperature and become tender, a minimum simmer time of about 30 minutes is typically sufficient, ensuring the chicken reaches at least 165°F (74°C). However, Cacciatore truly shines with a longer, slower simmer. If you have the time, allowing it to simmer for 45 minutes to an hour (or even longer) will result in chicken that is incredibly tender, almost falling off the bone, and a sauce with an even more developed, complex flavor. Just remember, if using bone-in chicken and simmering for an extended period, it’s a good idea to remove the bones before serving for easier eating.

Can I Omit Capers and Olives?

While capers and olives are traditional ingredients that contribute significantly to the authentic flavor profile of Chicken Cacciatore, providing a briny, savory depth, you can certainly adjust them to your preference. I once hesitated to include capers myself, but I’ve come to realize how essential they are to the overall balance. My suggestion is to add them to the sauce and let them cook, allowing their flavor to permeate the dish. Even if you don’t eat every single caper or olive, their presence during the simmer dramatically enhances the sauce’s complexity. If you absolutely dislike them, you can reduce the amount or omit them, but be prepared for a slightly different, less nuanced flavor.

What Can I Substitute for Dry White Wine?

Dry white wine plays a crucial role in deglazing the pan, lifting all those flavorful browned bits from the chicken and vegetables, and adding a layer of subtle acidity and depth to the sauce. You won’t taste a strong “wine” flavor in the final dish; instead, it acts as a flavor enhancer. If you prefer not to use wine, chicken stock (or broth) is an excellent substitute. While it will provide moisture and contribute to the sauce, using chicken stock might result in a slightly less complex flavor profile compared to using wine, but the dish will still be delicious.

Do I Have to Use Bone-in Chicken Thighs?

Bone-in, skinless chicken thighs are traditionally recommended for Chicken Cacciatore, and for good reason. The bone adds significant flavor to the sauce as it simmers, and the dark meat of the thigh stays incredibly moist and tender, even with longer cooking times. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can also be used for convenience, and they will cook slightly faster. While chicken breasts can be used, they are leaner and can dry out more easily, and they won’t contribute the same depth of flavor to the sauce. If you do opt for chicken breasts, consider cutting them into larger pieces and being mindful of the simmering time to prevent them from becoming tough.

Can This Recipe Be Made in a Slow Cooker?

Yes, Chicken Cacciatore is a fantastic candidate for slow cooking, especially if you want a truly hands-off experience or plan to simmer it for an extended period. You would essentially follow the initial steps of searing the chicken and sautéing the vegetables in a separate pan to build flavor, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Allow it to simmer on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, or until the chicken is fork-tender. While it might not save significant active preparation time, it offers the convenience of “set it and forget it” cooking and can result in incredibly tender, fall-off-the-bone chicken without needing to monitor a stovetop.

How Do I Store Leftovers and Can I Freeze Them?

Storing and reheating Chicken Cacciatore is very simple. Leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day! For longer storage, Chicken Cacciatore freezes beautifully. Allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then gently warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, or reheat in the microwave until thoroughly hot.

Can I Add Other Vegetables to Chicken Cacciatore?

Absolutely! This recipe is very forgiving and open to customization with additional vegetables. Carrots, celery, zucchini, or even red or yellow bell peppers can be wonderful additions. Add hardier vegetables like carrots and celery with the onions and green bell peppers, allowing them to soften. Softer vegetables like zucchini can be added during the last 15-20 minutes of simmering to prevent them from becoming too mushy. Feel free to experiment with what you have on hand or what your family enjoys!

Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Chicken Cacciatore

The beauty of Chicken Cacciatore lies in its simple yet robust ingredient list, combining pantry staples with fresh produce to create a symphony of flavors. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:

• Chicken Thighs: Skinless, bone-in thighs are preferred for their flavor and tenderness, but boneless thighs work well too.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken and building flavor from the start.
• All-Purpose Flour: A light dusting on the chicken helps create a golden crust when seared and thickens the sauce slightly.
• Vegetable Oil & Unsalted Butter: Used for searing the chicken and sautéing vegetables, contributing rich flavor.
• Aromatic Vegetables:
  • Onion: A small, thinly sliced onion forms the flavorful base.
  • Green Bell Pepper: Adds a fresh, slightly bitter note that balances the sweetness of the tomatoes.
  • Mushrooms: Sliced mushrooms add an earthy umami depth to the sauce.
  • Garlic: Minced garlic provides indispensable aromatic warmth.
• Dry White Wine: Crucial for deglazing the pan and adding a layer of sophisticated flavor. Chicken stock is a suitable alternative.
• Crushed Tomatoes with Basil: The heart of the sauce, providing a rich, sweet, and slightly acidic foundation. Look for good quality canned tomatoes.
• Chicken Stock: Adds liquid and enhances the savory base of the sauce.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that deepens the sauce’s richness and color.
• Black Pitted Olives: Provide a briny, salty counterpoint to the rich tomato sauce. Kalamata olives are a great option.
• Capers: Small, briny flower buds that add a distinctive tangy and savory kick.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary, bringing classic Italian aroma.
• Fresh Parsley (optional): For a fresh, vibrant garnish and added herbaceousness.
• Parmesan Cheese (optional): A sprinkle of grated Parmesan adds a salty, umami finish.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Chicken Cacciatore

Follow these detailed steps to create a truly delicious Chicken Cacciatore that’s bursting with flavor:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Begin by patting your chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This crucial step ensures a better sear. Generously season both sides of the chicken with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Then, lightly sprinkle all-purpose flour on both sides, patting it gently to ensure an even coating. The flour will help create a beautiful golden crust when searing and slightly thicken the sauce later.

   
   

2. Flour the Chicken: After seasoning, sprinkle the flour evenly on both sides of the chicken. Gently pat the flour onto the chicken to ensure it adheres well. This coating helps achieve a golden-brown exterior when searing and contributes to the richness of the final sauce.

   
   

3. Sear the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil and unsalted butter in a large Dutch oven or a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Once the butter has melted and the oil is shimmering, carefully add the floured chicken thighs, skin-side down first if applicable. Sear the chicken on both sides until it’s beautifully golden brown. It’s crucial not to overcrowd the pan; sear in batches if necessary to ensure a proper crust. Once seared, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside. This step creates fond (browned bits) at the bottom of the pan, which will be scraped up to add immense flavor to your sauce.

   
   

4. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same Dutch oven, with any remaining fat, add the thinly sliced onion, green bell pepper, and sliced mushrooms. Cook these vegetables over medium heat for 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they have softened and begun to release their moisture. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, or until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.

   
   

5. Deglaze the Pan: Pour the dry white wine into the Dutch oven with the sautéed vegetables. Use a wooden spoon to vigorously scrape the bottom of the pan, loosening all the delicious browned bits (fond) that were created when searing the chicken. This process, called deglazing, incorporates all those concentrated flavors into your sauce. Let the wine simmer for a minute or two until it has slightly reduced.

   
   

6. Build the Sauce: Add the crushed tomatoes with basil, chicken stock, tomato paste, black pitted olives, capers, and Italian seasoning to the Dutch oven. Stir all the ingredients together thoroughly until they are well combined, creating a vibrant and aromatic sauce. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.

   
   

7. Return the Chicken: Carefully nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the Dutch oven, ensuring they are partially submerged and coated in the rich tomato sauce. This allows the chicken to braise and absorb all the wonderful flavors.

   
   

8. Simmer to Perfection: Cover the Dutch oven, reduce the heat to low, and let the Chicken Cacciatore simmer gently for at least 30 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C). For even more tender, fall-off-the-bone chicken and a richer sauce, you can simmer it for 45-60 minutes, or even longer. Stir occasionally to prevent anything from sticking to the bottom of the pan and to ensure even cooking. If you simmer longer, and use bone-in chicken, remember to remove the bones before serving.

   
   

9. Serve and Enjoy: Once the chicken is perfectly tender and the sauce has thickened to your liking, your Chicken Cacciatore is ready. Serve it hot with your favorite accompaniments. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, if desired, for an extra touch of freshness and flavor.

   
   

Enjoy this comforting and flavorful Italian classic!

Serving Suggestions to Elevate Your Meal

Chicken Cacciatore, with its robust sauce and tender chicken, is a truly satisfying meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes that complement its rich flavors. Consider these options to complete your dining experience:

• Pasta: A classic pairing! Serve your Cacciatore over a bed of al dente pasta such as spaghetti, tagliatelle, fettuccine, or even wide egg noodles. The pasta is perfect for soaking up every drop of the savory sauce.
• Creamy Polenta: For a more rustic and authentic Italian feel, serve the chicken and sauce atop a generous portion of creamy polenta. Its mild flavor and smooth texture offer a delightful contrast to the hearty stew.
• Mashed Potatoes: Fluffy, buttery mashed potatoes are another excellent choice. They provide a comforting base and absorb the rich sauce beautifully. Consider making garlic mashed potatoes for an extra flavor boost.
• Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty baguette or a loaf of Italian bread is essential for dipping into the fragrant sauce. Don’t let any of that delicious liquid go to waste!
• Rice: Simple steamed white rice or a light pilaf can also serve as a great absorbent base for the Cacciatore.
• Green Salad: To cut through the richness of the dish, a fresh, crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing offers a refreshing counterpoint.
• Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: A side of steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or broccoli with a squeeze of lemon can add freshness and additional nutrients.

Recipe Variations & Customization

One of the joys of cooking is making a recipe your own. Chicken Cacciatore is wonderfully adaptable, allowing for several delicious variations:

• Different Chicken Cuts: While thighs are recommended for flavor and tenderness, you can certainly use other parts of the chicken. Bone-in drumsticks or a mix of thighs and drumsticks work well. If using boneless, skinless chicken breasts, consider cutting them into larger chunks to prevent drying out and reduce simmering time slightly.
• Add More Vegetables: Enhance the vegetable content by incorporating carrots (sliced or diced), celery, zucchini, or even red or yellow bell peppers alongside the green bell pepper. Add heartier vegetables earlier in the cooking process.
• Spice It Up: For those who enjoy a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes added with the garlic or Italian seasoning can give your Cacciatore a delightful kick.
• Fresh Herbs: While dried Italian seasoning is convenient, fresh herbs can elevate the dish. Add a few sprigs of fresh rosemary or thyme during the simmer, or stir in fresh chopped basil at the very end for a burst of flavor.
• Mushroom Varieties: Experiment with different types of mushrooms such as cremini, shiitake, or a wild mushroom blend for varied textures and deeper umami notes.
• Broth Instead of Wine: As mentioned in the FAQ, if you prefer to avoid alcohol, chicken broth or stock is a perfectly acceptable substitute for the dry white wine.

Want More Delicious Recipes?

• Chicken Étouffée
• Chicken Stroganoff
• Chicken Parmesan Casserole
• Instant Pot Chicken Scampi
• Sheet Pan Chicken Parmesan
• Crock Pot Lasagna
• Homemade Baked Lasagna
• Italian Green Beans
• Crock Pot French Onion Chicken
• Honey Mustard Chicken

Chicken Cacciatore

This Chicken Cacciatore is a delicious meal that has a tremendous depth of flavor. A classic recipe that is perfect for Sunday dinner.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars (7 Reviews)

Print Recipe |
Pin Recipe

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Servings: 6

Author: Brandie Skibinski

Ingredients

• 6 chicken thighs, skinless, bone-in
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 8 ounces sliced mushrooms
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ¾ cup dry white wine
• 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes with basil
• ½ cup chicken stock
• ¼ cup tomato paste
• ½ cup black pitted olives
• 2 tablespoons capers, drained
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• fresh chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
• parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Season the chicken on both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Sprinkle the flour on both sides of the chicken, patting it on to make sure it sticks.
3. Heat the oil and butter over medium heat in a dutch oven. Sear the chicken on both sides until lightly golden brown. Do not crowd the pan; you will need to sear in batches. Place the chicken on a plate and set aside.
4. Add the onion, bell pepper, and mushrooms to the dutch oven and cook for 5-8 minutes until softened, stirring occasionally. Add the garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Deglaze the pan with the wine, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits.
6. Add the crushed tomatoes, chicken stock, tomato paste, olives, capers, and Italian seasoning; stir until combined.
7. Add the chicken back into the dutch oven and cover it with the sauce.
8. Cover, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 30 minutes, until tender and an internal temperature reaches at least 165°F. Stir occasionally to make sure nothing sticks to the bottom of the pan. You can simmer this for longer until the chicken starts to fall off the bone.
9. Serve with a garnish of parsley and parmesan cheese, optional.

Notes

• Nutritional value is for chicken only, not what it is served over.
• This can be frozen; see our tips above.
• You can use bone-in or boneless chicken thighs.
• This recipe can simmer for longer until the chicken falls off the bone. Just don’t forget to remove the bones before serving.

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American, Italian

Nutrition

Calories: 455kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 30g | Sodium: 825mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 10g

Nutritional Disclaimer

“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.

Did you make this recipe?

Share it on Instagram @thecountrycook and mention us #thecountrycook!