Irresistible Chicken Cacciatore Recipe for Comfort Food Lovers

When you think of comfort food, what springs to mind? For me, it’s the warm embrace of a chicken cacciatore recipe, simmering on the stove with rich, savory aromas that beckon from the kitchen. Picture tender pieces of chicken bathed in a luscious tomato sauce, mingling with bell peppers and fragrant herbs. It’s a dish that not only fills your belly but also warms your heart.

This classic Italian dish is perfect for cozy family dinners or impressing guests at a dinner party. I remember the first time I made chicken cacciatore; my friends were skeptical at first, but their eyes lit up after the first bite. The blend of flavors and textures was nothing short of magic, and they couldn’t help but ask for seconds. Trust me; your taste buds are in for an unforgettable experience.

I once served this dish during a family gathering, and my uncle declared it “the best thing since sliced bread,” which might be setting the bar a tad high, but who am I to argue?

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: Chicken thighs are juicier than breasts and hold up well in slow cooking.

• Bell Peppers: Use a mix of red and green for color and sweetness.

• Onion: A yellow onion adds depth; sauté until translucent for maximum flavor.

• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves enhance the aroma; don’t skimp on this ingredient.

• Canned Tomatoes: Opt for whole peeled tomatoes for a richer sauce; crush them by hand.

• Dried Oregano: This herb brings authentic Italian flavor; fresh oregano works too if you have it.

• Red Wine: A splash of red wine adds complexity; use one you’d enjoy drinking.

• Chicken Broth: Low-sodium broth keeps salt levels in check while adding richness.

• Olive Oil: Use extra-virgin olive oil for sautéing; it enhances the overall taste.

• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all other flavors in the dish.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prep Your Chicken: Start by patting your chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. This step helps develop a beautiful crust when searing.

Sauté Vegetables First: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, toss in diced onion and bell peppers. Cook until softened—about 5 minutes—while releasing their sweet aroma.

Add Garlic and Herbs: Stir in minced garlic and dried oregano next. Sauté for another minute until fragrant—garlic should smell heavenly at this point!

Sear the Chicken Thighs: Push the veggies to one side of the skillet and add chicken thighs skin-side down. Sear until golden brown—approximately 4-5 minutes per side—and then remove from pan.

Create Your Sauce!: Pour in red wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any tasty bits stuck on the bottom. Add canned tomatoes (crushed by hand), chicken broth, salt, and pepper.

Simmer to Perfection!: Return seared chicken thighs to the skillet along with any accumulated juices. Bring everything to a gentle simmer. Cover partially and let cook on low heat for about 30-40 minutes until chicken is tender.

Now all that’s left is to plate your creation! Serve this fabulous chicken cacciatore over pasta or alongside crusty bread—just make sure there’s enough sauce to soak it all up!

Remember that cooking should be fun! Enjoy your culinary adventure as you savor each step along the way!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by searing the chicken until golden brown, then remove it and sauté onions, garlic, and bell peppers before adding tomatoes and herbs. Finally, nestle the chicken back in to finish cooking.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out chicken for mushrooms or add olives for extra flavor. You can also experiment with herbs like basil or oregano to suit your taste.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover chicken cacciatore in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave until warmed through.

The first time I made this dish, my friends couldn’t stop raving about how cozy it felt—like a warm hug in a bowl!

FAQ

What is the best type of chicken for this recipe?

Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are perfect for rich flavor and tenderness.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it a day before and reheat when ready to serve.

What sides pair well with chicken cacciatore?

Serve it with pasta, rice, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

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Delicious Chicken Cacciatore

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Indulge in the warmth of this classic Chicken Cacciatore, a comforting Italian dish that combines tender chicken thighs with a rich tomato sauce, vibrant bell peppers, and aromatic herbs. Perfect for family gatherings or impressing guests, this easy-to-make dish provides a delightful explosion of flavors and is sure to leave everyone craving more.

• Author: Logan Reed
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6
• Category: Main
• Method: Sautéing/Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 cup diced bell peppers (mixed red and green)
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 28 oz canned whole peeled tomatoes
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• ½ cup red wine
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Pat chicken thighs dry and season with salt and pepper.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil; sauté onions and bell peppers until softened (about 5 minutes).
3. Stir in minced garlic and oregano; cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
4. Push vegetables aside; sear chicken thighs skin-side down until golden brown (4–5 minutes per side), then remove from pan.
5. Deglaze the skillet with red wine, scraping up flavorful bits; add crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, salt, and pepper.
6. Return the chicken to the skillet, cover partially, and let simmer on low heat for 30–40 minutes until tender.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 480mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 110mg