Ah, Chicken Cacciatore! Just saying the name makes me think of cozy dinners at home and the comforting aroma of simmering sauces wafting through the air. This dish has a special place in my heart because it reminds me of my grandmother’s kitchen, where I first learned how to cook. I can still vividly remember her recreating this Italian classic, with bell peppers and vibrant tomatoes going into the pot, all while telling stories of her adventures in Italy. It feels like a hug on a plate!
What I truly love about Chicken Cacciatore is how simple and forgiving it is to make. You can toss together whatever veggies you have on hand, and it always turns out delicious. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder, making cleanup easy, which is a major win for any weeknight dinner! Ready to dive into this deliciously rustic recipe? Let’s get cooking!
What’s in Easy Chicken Cacciatore?
Chicken Thighs: I prefer using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for their rich flavor and juicy texture. Plus, they hold up beautifully during simmering, bringing heartiness to the dish.
Bell Peppers: A vibrant mix of red and green bell peppers adds a lovely crunch and sweetness to the sauce. Feel free to swap in yellow, or orange if that’s what you have on hand!
Onion: I usually go for a medium yellow onion. The caramelized sweetness from the onion forms the backbone of the sauce and adds depth.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is a must in my kitchen! It provides that aromatic pungency that makes everything better.
Tomatoes: I like using canned crushed tomatoes for convenience, but fresh tomatoes work beautifully when in season. Just chop them up and let them meld into the sauce.
Olives (optional): A handful of sliced black olives is an optional addition, providing an extra briny kick that complements the dish.
Italian Seasoning: To keep things simple, I use a pre-mixed Italian seasoning blend for that classic flavor profile. It’s a blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme.
Is Easy Chicken Cacciatore Good for You?
Absolutely! This dish is packed with protein from the chicken, and the veggies add all sorts of vitamins and minerals.
Chicken Thighs: Not only packed with protein, but they also provide essential vitamins like B6 and B12, contributing to overall health and energy levels.
Bell Peppers: These colorful beauties are a fantastic source of vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber, which are all great for your immune system.
Olives: If you decide to add olives, know they’re rich in healthy fats, particularly monounsaturated fat, which is beneficial for heart health.
The only thing to keep in mind is the sodium content if you’re using canned products. I recommend choosing low-sodium options whenever possible to keep things heart-healthy.
Ingredients List
– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (serves 4)
– 1 red bell pepper, sliced
– 1 green bell pepper, sliced
– 1 medium onion, sliced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (28 oz.) crushed tomatoes
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– ½ cup black olives (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
How to Make Easy Chicken Cacciatore?
1. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, and brown them in the oil, skin-side down. Cook until golden, about 5-7 minutes. Flip and brown the other side for another 5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
2. In the same pan, add the sliced onions and bell peppers, cooking until they start to soften, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
3. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and add the olives if you’re using them.
4. Return the chicken to the pan, skin-side up. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it cook for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
5. Once the chicken is done, taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to mop up that amazing sauce!
Serving Suggestions and Kitchen Whispers
One of my favorite things about Chicken Cacciatore is how versatile it is. You can serve it over a bed of cozy spaghetti, creamy polenta, or even a fluffy rice. And if you’re feeling decadent, sprinkle on a bit of grated Parmesan cheese right before serving—it’s the cherry on top of this comforting dish!
Feel free to customize this dish with whatever vegetables you have lying around—zucchini, mushrooms, or even eggplant can all make great additions. Trust me, you can’t mess this one up!
I hope you feel compelled to give this Chicken Cacciatore recipe a try! It’s perfect for sharing with friends or family, or for simply enjoying on your own after a long day. If you give it a whirl, let me know how it turns out—I’d love to hear your thoughts and any creative spins you put on it! Happy cooking!