Classic Italian Chicken Cacciatore Recipe

Ingredients

  • 6 skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs
  • 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 cup all purpose flour, for dredging
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 3/4 cup dry white wine
  • 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes with juice
  • 3/4 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
  • 3 tablespoons drained capers
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano leaves
  • 1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh basil leaves

Steps and instructions

  1. Sprinkle the chicken pieces with 1 teaspoon of salt and black pepper.
  2. Dredge the chicken pieces in the flour to coat lightly.
  3. In a large heavy saute pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
  4. Add the chicken pieces to the pan and saute until brown, about 5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
  5. In the same pan, add the bell pepper, onion, and garlic and saute over medium heat until the onion is tender, about 5 minutes.
  6. Season with salt and pepper. Add the wine and simmer until reduced by half, about 3 minutes.
  7. Add the tomatoes with their juice, broth, capers, and oregano. Return the chicken pieces to the pan and turn them to coat in the sauce.
  8. Bring the sauce to a simmer. Continue simmering over medium-low heat until the chicken is cooked through, about 30 minutes.
  9. Using tongs, transfer the cooked chicken to a platter. If necessary, boil the sauce until it thickens slightly, about 3 minutes.
  10. Spoon off any excess fat from atop the sauce. Spoon the sauce over the chicken, then sprinkle with the basil and serve.

Tools for making

  • Large saute pan - Used for cooking the chicken and sauce.
  • Tongs - Used for flipping and transferring the chicken.
  • Measuring spoons - Used to measure salt, pepper, and oregano.
  • Cutting board - Used for chopping the bell pepper, onion, and garlic.
  • Chef's knife - Used for chopping the bell pepper, onion, and garlic.
  • Spatula - Used for scraping the pan and stirring the sauce.
  • Can opener - Used for opening the can of diced tomatoes.
  • Whisk - Used for whisking the sauce.
  • Platter - Used for serving the cooked chicken.

Recipe variations

  • Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs instead of bone-in, skin-on chicken.
  • Replace the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
  • Add mushrooms to the sautéed vegetables for extra flavor.
  • Substitute red wine for the white wine for a different flavor profile.
  • Add sliced olives to the sauce for a briny taste.
  • Include a variety of bell peppers, such as red, yellow, and orange, for a colorful dish.
  • Try using diced tomatoes with Italian herbs for added seasoning.
  • For a meat-free option, replace the chicken with firm tofu or seitan.
  • Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
  • Serve the cacciatore over pasta or rice for a heartier meal.

Recipe overview

This Chicken Cacciatore recipe is a classic Italian dish that you'll likely find yourself making again and again. With succulent chicken thighs simmered in a rich, flavorful tomato sauce, it's a one-pot meal that's both satisfying and delicious. The combination of bell pepper, onion, and garlic adds a depth of flavor, while capers and oregano lend a distinctive Mediterranean touch. Once simmered to perfection, the dish is finished off with a sprinkling of fresh basil. This dish pairs well with pasta, rice, or a loaf of crusty bread to mop up the tasty sauce. Expect a cooking experience filled with aromatic spices and a final dish that is truly comfort food at its best.

Common questions

  1. Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of bone-in? Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs for this recipe. Adjust the cooking time accordingly as boneless thighs cook faster than bone-in.
  2. Can I substitute the dry white wine? If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute it with an equal amount of chicken broth or vegetable broth.
  3. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned? Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes instead of canned. Peel and chop about 4 large tomatoes to substitute for the canned tomatoes.
  4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the oven before serving.
  5. Can I freeze the leftovers? Yes, you can freeze the leftovers. Allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Serving platter - Used to present the cooked chicken and sauce.
  • Tongs - Used to transfer the cooked chicken from the pan to the serving platter.
  • Spoon - Used to spoon the sauce over the chicken.
  • Cooking pan - A large, heavy sauté pan used to brown the chicken and simmer the sauce.
  • Cutting board - Used to chop the bell pepper, onion, garlic, and basil.
  • Knife - Used to chop the vegetables and herbs.

Origin stories

Cacciatore, which means "hunter" in Italian, is a dish that harkens back to Italy's rich culinary tradition. The story goes that hunters' wives would prepare this dish for their husbands upon return from their excursions. They used the most practical and accessible ingredients they had on hand, such as onions, herbs, bell peppers, and tomatoes. The hunters would then add whatever game they had caught, most commonly chicken, resulting in a hearty, flavorful stew that was a welcome reward after an exhausting day. The dish's rustic and hearty flavors are a testament to its humble origins, yet its simplicity is precisely what has made it a beloved staple in Italian kitchens and beyond.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.