Spicy Lemon Herb Chicken Cacciatore

🕒 Prep: 20 min
🔥 Cook: 55 min
🍽 Serves: 4
★★★★★
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Spicy Lemon Herb Chicken Cacciatore is a vibrant twist on a classic Italian dish. Infused with zesty lemon and a kick of heat, this recipe brings a refreshing and bold flavor profile to your dinner table. It's perfect for those nights when you want something hearty yet lively.

Ingredients for Spicy Lemon Herb Chicken Cacciatore

Chicken thighs give you juicy, flavorful meat that's perfect for slow cooking. Using bone-in pieces ensures they stay tender and moist. The olive oil helps to sear the chicken and build a rich base flavor when sautéing the vegetables. Onion and garlic add depth and aroma, serving as a classic foundation for many Italian dishes.

Your choice of red and yellow bell peppers not only adds color but also a sweet, slightly earthy note that balances the acidity of the cherry tomatoes. Black olives bring a briny, savory element, while the crushed red pepper flakes add a spicy kick.

Lemon zest and lemon juice introduce a fresh, tangy brightness that complements the spicy and savory ingredients. The chicken broth helps create a flavorful sauce, while dried oregano and dried basil bring in traditional Italian herbaceousness. A sprinkle of parsley at the end adds a pop of color and freshness.

Tips & Tricks

  • For extra crispy skin, sear the chicken skin-side down without moving it until a crust forms.
  • If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of crushed red pepper flakes.
  • Try using a mix of green and black olives for a different flavor profile.
  • Use a cast-iron skillet if you have one — it retains heat well and helps develop a great sear.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of creamy polenta or a crusty loaf of Italian bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can complement the richness of the cacciatore nicely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use boneless chicken thighs?
Yes, boneless thighs work well, just reduce the cooking time slightly to prevent overcooking.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely, the flavors develop beautifully when allowed to rest overnight in the fridge.
Is there a substitute for chicken broth?
You can use vegetable broth or even a splash of white wine for a different flavor.

Spicy Lemon Herb Chicken Cacciatore Recipe Walkthrough

Start by heating your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. While the oil heats up, season your chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper. Place them skin-side down in the skillet, letting them get a nice golden brown, about five minutes per side. Once browned, remove them from the skillet and set them aside for now.

In the same skillet, toss in your sliced onion and minced garlic. Sauté these until they're fragrant and the onions turn translucent, taking care not to burn the garlic. Next, add the sliced red and yellow bell peppers, cooking them until they begin to soften, which should take around 5 minutes.

Add the cherry tomatoes and black olives into the pan, along with the crushed red pepper flakes. Stir everything together, letting the flavors meld for about 3 minutes. Now, it's time to return the chicken to the skillet. Nestle the thighs into the vegetable mixture.

Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, chicken broth, dried oregano, and dried basil to the skillet. Give everything a gentle stir, ensuring the chicken is partially submerged in the liquid. Cover the pan and lower the heat, allowing it to simmer for about 30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

Once done, sprinkle fresh parsley over the top before serving. This will add a lovely freshness that contrasts with the rich, spicy sauce.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Combines tangy lemon with spicy heat for an unforgettable flavor.
  • Uses simple, fresh ingredients you probably already have.
  • Easy one-pan meal — less cleanup, more enjoyment.
  • Packed with colorful veggies, making it as nutritious as it is delicious.
  • Great for meal prep — flavors deepen over time.

Ingredients

4 bone-in chicken thighs
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup black olives, pitted and halved
2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then sear them in the skillet until golden brown on each side, about 5 minutes per side. Remove chicken and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add sliced onion and minced garlic, sauté until fragrant.
4. Add red and yellow bell peppers, cooking until slightly softened.
5. Stir in cherry tomatoes, black olives, and crushed red pepper flakes; cook for an additional 3 minutes.
6. Return the chicken to the skillet, adding lemon zest, lemon juice, chicken broth, oregano, and basil.
7. Cover and simmer on low heat for 30 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

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