Introduction to the Recipe

Hearty, wholesome, and full of rustic Italian flavor, this Easy Chicken Cacciatore Recipe brings comfort food to a whole new level. With its rich tomato base, tender chicken thighs, and aromatic vegetables, this dish is a time-honored classic that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. Whether you’re serving it over pasta, polenta, or rice, it’s guaranteed to warm you from the inside out.

Traditionally known as “hunter-style chicken,” Chicken Cacciatore (or Pollo alla Cacciatora) dates back centuries in Italian cuisine. The dish is built on humble ingredients: chicken simmered slowly in tomatoes, herbs, vegetables, and wine. In this version, bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs deliver deep flavor and remain juicy after braising. Fresh herbs like thyme and parsley, a mix of bell peppers, onions, celery, and mushrooms, as well as a splash of red wine, elevate the sauce into something magical.

If you’re new to braising, check out this beginner’s guide to braising meats for tips on achieving fall-off-the-bone tenderness. And for those wanting wine pairing ideas, this Italian wine guide can help you choose the perfect bottle to enjoy with your meal.

This Easy Chicken Cacciatore recipe delivers deep, layered flavor with just one pot and minimal prep—making it a fantastic option for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners.

Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

Easy Chicken Cacciatore Recipe

Author: Sarah White

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Description

This Easy Chicken Cacciatore Recipe features tender chicken, wine, and vegetables in a rich tomato sauce. A classic one-pot Italian dish.

Ingredients

Scale

6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, trimmed of excess fat
Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
Extra virgin olive oil

1 small yellow onion, chopped
2 celery ribs, chopped
½ red bell pepper, chopped

½ green bell pepper, chopped
8 ounces mushrooms (white or baby bella), cleaned and sliced
3 garlic cloves, minced

1 tsp dried oregano
3 sprigs fresh thyme
2 tbsp fresh chopped parsley (more for garnish)

Pinch of red pepper flakes
1 cup red wine
28-ounce can crushed tomatoes

Instructions

Season and Sear Chicken
Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken skin-side down until browned (about 4–5 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.
Sauté Vegetables
In the same pot, add more olive oil if needed. Add chopped onions and celery. Cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add bell peppers and mushrooms, and cook for another 4–5 minutes until vegetables are tender.
Add Garlic and Herbs
Stir in minced garlic, oregano, thyme sprigs, chopped parsley, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

Deglaze with Red Wine
Pour in the red wine and use a wooden spoon to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for about 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.
Add Tomatoes and Return Chicken
Stir in crushed tomatoes. Return chicken thighs to the pot, nestling them into the sauce. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Simmer and Cook
Cover and simmer on low heat for 35–45 minutes, or until chicken is tender and fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C). Remove lid in the last 10 minutes to let the sauce thicken slightly.

Finish and Serve
Discard thyme sprigs. Sprinkle with extra fresh parsley before serving. Serve hot over pasta, rice, or crusty bread.

Notes

Bone-in chicken thighs stay juicy and add richness to the sauce.

For deeper flavor, marinate chicken in herbs and olive oil for 30 minutes beforehand.

Use a full-bodied red wine like Chianti, Merlot, or Cabernet Sauvignon.

Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors develop.

Keywords: Chicken Cacciatore Recipe

Advanced Techniques

Building Layers of Flavor Through Browning

Don’t skip the browning step—it’s essential to developing rich flavor. Browning the chicken and vegetables adds a deep caramelized note to the dish that will infuse every bite of sauce. Be patient and avoid overcrowding the pan.

Deglazing the Pan for Extra Depth

Deglazing with red wine not only lifts those delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pot, but it also adds acidity and richness that balance the tomatoes. Let the wine reduce slightly before adding the tomatoes for a well-rounded sauce.

Braising for Tenderness

Braising is key to this dish’s signature fall-off-the-bone texture. Keep the heat low and slow. If the sauce gets too thick before the chicken is fully cooked, add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist without diluting the flavor.

Using Herb Bundles or Sachets

Instead of fishing out thyme sprigs at the end, bundle your herbs in cheesecloth or tie them together with kitchen twine. This keeps your sauce herbaceous without worrying about stray stems.

Enhancing Umami with Mushrooms

Mushrooms bring a deep, earthy umami flavor that balances the acidity of the tomatoes and richness of the chicken. Sauté them separately if you want a firmer texture in the final dish.

See more advanced recipes at cookingwhite.com

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

Refrigerating Leftovers

Allow the dish to cool completely before storing. Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove for best texture and flavor.

Freezing for Later

Chicken Cacciatore freezes very well. Place cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat over low heat.

Meal Prep Friendly

Make the dish a day ahead for even better flavor. Store sauce and chicken together, and reheat gently before serving. This makes it a great make-ahead option for busy weeks.

Reheating Without Drying Out

When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to prevent the sauce from becoming too thick. Use low heat and cover the pot to keep moisture in.

Storing Sauce Separately (Optional)

If you’re planning to serve leftovers with pasta, you can store the chicken and sauce separately. This keeps the pasta from soaking up all the liquid and becoming mushy.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

Low-Carb/Keto Option

Skip the pasta and serve with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. The dish is already low in sugar and high in protein, making it keto-friendly with minor adjustments.

Gluten-Free Adaptation

The base recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to check that your wine and canned tomatoes don’t contain any added gluten-based preservatives.

Dairy-Free

This recipe contains no dairy, making it perfect for those avoiding milk or cream. Just ensure your wine is vegan/dairy-free if necessary.

Vegetarian/Vegan Version

Swap chicken for chickpeas or tofu and use vegetable broth instead of wine. Add more mushrooms and eggplant for meaty texture and richness.

Lower Sodium Version

Use low-sodium crushed tomatoes and go light on added salt. You can also skip the wine and replace with low-sodium broth and a splash of vinegar.

FAQs About the Recipe

Can I use boneless chicken?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs or breasts work too. However, they cook faster—so reduce the braising time to about 25–30 minutes and keep a close eye to avoid overcooking.

What can I use instead of red wine?

You can substitute red wine with chicken or vegetable broth plus a splash of balsamic or red wine vinegar for acidity. Grape juice with vinegar also works for a non-alcoholic option.

How thick should the sauce be?

The sauce should be rich but pourable—not watery. If it’s too thin, simmer uncovered for the last 10 minutes. If too thick, add a little broth to adjust.

Can I cook this in a slow cooker?

Yes. Brown the chicken and sauté vegetables first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.

Is it okay to make this a day ahead?

Definitely! Like most tomato-based dishes, this one gets better with time. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making leftovers even more delicious.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

This Easy Chicken Cacciatore Recipe captures the soul of rustic Italian cooking: hearty ingredients, simple steps, and bold, satisfying flavor. Whether you’re new to the kitchen or a seasoned home chef, this dish delivers restaurant-quality results with everyday ingredients.

The combination of chicken, wine, tomatoes, herbs, and vegetables makes for a beautifully balanced meal that’s rich without being heavy. It’s a true comfort dish—one that simmers away on the stove, fills your home with mouthwatering aromas, and brings people together around the table.

Whether you’re serving it for Sunday dinner or a cozy weeknight meal, this Chicken Cacciatore delivers on every level—flavor, texture, and comfort. It’s a one-pot wonder that feels elevated yet accessible, and it only gets better with time.

Pair it with a side of buttery polenta, al dente pasta, or crusty Italian bread to soak up every drop of that rich, savory tomato-wine sauce. Don’t forget a glass of red wine to complete the experience—it’s a dish meant to be savored slowly.

In a world of fast meals and microwave dinners, Easy Chicken Cacciatore reminds us of the power of slow cooking and timeless tradition. It’s a classic that fits any season, any table, and any skill level. Once you make it, you’ll want to keep it in your regular rotation.