Hearty Chicken Cacciatore

Name: Hearty Chicken Cacciatore
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 bone-in chicken thighs; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 large onion, sliced; 1 bell pepper, sliced; 1 cup mushrooms, sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1/2 cup dry red wine; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1 bay leaf; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

🕒 Prep: 15 min

🔥 Cook: 1 hour

🍽 Serves: 4

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Chicken Cacciatore is a classic Italian dish that brings warmth to any table with its rich flavors and comforting aromas. This hearty version features tender chicken thighs nestled in a savory sauce, perfect for a cozy dinner any night of the week.

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Ingredients for Hearty Chicken Cacciatore

Chicken thighs are the star here, providing rich flavor and tender meat. We use bone-in for extra juiciness. Olive oil is essential for browning the chicken, adding a subtle fruity note. The trio of onion, bell pepper, and mushrooms gives the dish its hearty base, while garlic infuses it with a punch of aroma. Diced tomatoes form the saucy component, alongside chicken broth and dry red wine, which deepen the flavor profile. Oregano, basil, and a bay leaf bring in earthy, herbal notes, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper rounds everything out. Finish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Tips & Tricks

For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in olive oil, garlic, and herbs for a few hours before cooking.
Use a mix of red and green bell peppers for a more colorful dish.
If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to thicken.
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to three days and actually taste better as the flavors develop.

Serving Suggestions

This Chicken Cacciatore pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or creamy polenta to soak up the delicious sauce. A side of steamed green beans or a simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette would complement the richness perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use boneless chicken?: Yes, but bone-in provides more flavor and keeps the meat juicy. Adjust cooking time accordingly if using boneless.
What can I substitute for red wine?: You can use additional chicken broth or a splash of balsamic vinegar for depth.

Hearty Chicken Cacciatore Recipe Walkthrough

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the chicken thighs, skin-side down. Let them sizzle undisturbed until golden-brown, then flip and brown the other side. This step locks in flavor, so take your time. Once browned, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

In the same pan, toss in the sliced onion, bell pepper, and mushrooms. Sauté them until they soften and the onion turns translucent, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add the minced garlic and cook until it becomes fragrant—just about a minute.

Now, pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, chicken broth, and red wine. Stir in the oregano, basil, and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Return the browned chicken thighs to the pan, nestling them into the sauce. Cover the pan, reduce the heat to low, and let it all simmer for 45 minutes to an hour. The goal here is to let the chicken become tender and the flavors meld together beautifully.

Once done, remove the bay leaf and sprinkle the dish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy the fruits of your labor!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Uses simple, wholesome ingredients you likely have on hand.
Combines bold flavors into a satisfying and hearty meal.
Perfect for making ahead and tastes even better the next day.
Great for impressing guests without spending all day in the kitchen.

Ingredients

4 bone-in chicken thighs

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 large onion, sliced

1 bell pepper, sliced

1 cup mushrooms, sliced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

1/2 cup chicken broth

1/2 cup dry red wine

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 bay leaf

Salt and pepper to taste

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat and brown the chicken thighs on both sides.

2. Remove the chicken and set aside. In the same pan, sauté the onion, bell pepper, and mushrooms until soft.

3. Add garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, red wine, oregano, basil, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.

4. Return the chicken to the pan, cover, and simmer on low heat for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until the chicken is tender.

5. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

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