Name: Hearty Chicken Cacciatore Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs; 2 bone-in chicken drumsticks; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 small onion, sliced; 1 green bell pepper, sliced; 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 1/2 cup dry red wine; 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes; 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 2 tablespoons capers (optional); 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If there’s one dish I endlessly crave when the weather turns chilly, it’s Hearty Chicken Cacciatore. With tender chicken simmered in a rich, rustic tomato sauce, colorful bell peppers, and aromatic herbs, this classic Italian dinner brings warmth and lively flavor to every bite. Whether you serve it over creamy polenta, your favorite pasta, or a fluffy bed of rice, it always manages to steal the show—and it’s even better the next day. Gather around the table and let this soul-satisfying recipe work its cozy, delicious magic for your loved ones!

Hearty Chicken Cacciatore Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Hearty Chicken Cacciatore comes together with a short and accessible list of ingredients—each one bringing something special to the pot, from tender texture and vibrant color to deep, savory flavor. These building blocks are the secret to transforming simple chicken into a memorable dinner.

Chicken thighs and drumsticks: Bone-in, skin-on pieces deliver the juiciest texture and infuse the sauce with rich flavor as they braise.
Salt and black pepper: Simple seasoning but critical for drawing out the best in both the chicken and the vegetables.
Olive oil: The base for sautéing, giving a subtle fruitiness and helping the chicken brown to perfection.
Onion: Sliced thin, it lays the foundation for a naturally sweet and mellow sauce.
Green and red bell pepper: A duo that delivers sweetness, vibrant color, and a gentle crunch.
Garlic: Adds depth and unmistakable aroma; don’t hold back!
Dried oregano and thyme: These classic Italian herbs bring warmth, earthiness, and complexity to the sauce.
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For a kick of gentle heat, add as much or as little as you prefer.
Dry red wine: For deglazing and deepening the sauce, infusing it with a touch of acidity and boldness.
Diced tomatoes and tomato sauce: These combine for a thick, hearty base that blankets every piece of chicken.
Chicken broth: Adds savory complexity and ensures a braising liquid that’s never dry or bland.
Capers (optional): Their briny bite adds zest, cutting through the richness beautifully.
Fresh parsley: A final, fresh pop of color and herbal flavor to finish the dish.

How to Make Hearty Chicken Cacciatore

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken pieces dry, then season them generously with salt and pepper. This crucial step builds layers of flavor from the get-go. Heat a glug of olive oil in your Dutch oven or deep skillet until shimmering, and then add the chicken in batches. Sear each piece on both sides until a deep golden crust forms—about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Remove the chicken to a plate; you’ll return them to glory soon.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In that same pan, let the onion and both bell peppers sizzle for about 4 to 5 minutes, scraping up any delicious fond from the bottom. Their sweetness and earthy flavor will infuse the base of your sauce, making every bite layered and satisfying.

Step 3: Build the Aromatics

Add in the minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, and if using, crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for just a minute—long enough to unleash their fragrances and wake up the whole kitchen. This is where Hearty Chicken Cacciatore really starts to smell irresistible.

Step 4: Deglaze and Build the Sauce

Pour in the dry red wine, using a spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the pan—these are packed with flavor! Once the wine has simmered for a minute, stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, and, if you’re feeling bold, a spoonful of capers for a briny zing. Return the chicken to the pan, nestling it right into the simmering sauce so each piece soaks up all that goodness.

Step 5: Simmer to Perfection

Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the pot work its magic. After 35 to 40 minutes, your kitchen will smell incredible and the chicken will be melt-in-your-mouth tender. For a thicker, concentrated sauce, uncover and simmer an extra 5 to 10 minutes. Finish by scattering fresh parsley over the top, brightening every spoonful.

How to Serve Hearty Chicken Cacciatore

Garnishes

A final flourish of chopped fresh parsley brings a lively freshness to cut through the rich sauce, while a sprinkling of grated Parmesan or a few extra capers is never out of place for true fans of bold flavor.

Side Dishes

Hearty Chicken Cacciatore begs for a classic side: try it over al dente pasta, fluffy rice, or creamy polenta to soak up every drop of sauce. A crusty piece of rustic Italian bread is perfect for mopping up the last bits.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy family dinner, serve Hearty Chicken Cacciatore straight from the pot at the table. For a dinner party twist, plate pieces of chicken atop individual portions of polenta and top each with extra sauce and a pinch of parsley for a restaurant-worthy look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool any leftovers completely, then refrigerate them in an airtight container. The flavors deepen overnight, meaning tomorrow’s lunch may be even tastier than tonight’s dinner—just be sure to eat within 3 to 4 days for the best taste and safety.

Freezing

Hearty Chicken Cacciatore freezes beautifully. Transfer completely cooled chicken and sauce to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty bag. Label and freeze for up to three months, making it perfect for future cozy nights in.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen. Warm gently over low heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water if the sauce has thickened. You can also microwave single portions, but be sure to cover to keep everything juicy.

FAQs

Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless thighs cook a bit more quickly and still soak up tons of flavor from the sauce. Just reduce the simmering time by about 10 minutes and keep a close eye so the chicken doesn’t dry out.

What if I don’t have red wine?

If you’d rather skip the wine, substitute with additional chicken broth plus a dash of balsamic or red wine vinegar to mimic the acidity. The sauce will still turn out deliciously robust.

What vegetables can I add?

Mushrooms, olives, or even sliced zucchini are all classic in Hearty Chicken Cacciatore. Add heartier veggies like mushrooms with the bell peppers, or toss in olives halfway through simmering for extra depth.

Is Hearty Chicken Cacciatore gluten free?

Yes! As prepared, it contains no gluten. Just check your store-bought broth and canned products to be sure they’re certified gluten free.

How can I make this dish spicier?

If you love heat, you can add more crushed red pepper flakes at the beginning or even toss in a finely chopped hot pepper with the bell peppers. Taste as you go to get the spice just right for you!

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing more comforting than the inviting aroma (and even better taste) of Hearty Chicken Cacciatore simmering on your stovetop. Give it a try this week—you just might discover your newest family favorite and a true taste of Italian home cooking. Happy simmering!

Hearty Chicken Cacciatore Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 13 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A comforting and flavorful recipe for Hearty Chicken Cacciatore, a classic Italian dish featuring tender chicken simmered in a rich tomato sauce with peppers, onions, and aromatic herbs. Perfect for a satisfying family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
2 bone-in chicken drumsticks
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Sauce:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 cup dry red wine
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
1/2 cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons capers (optional)
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Season the chicken: Season chicken thighs and drumsticks with salt and pepper.
Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or deep skillet. Sear chicken on both sides until golden brown.
Sauté vegetables: In the same pan, sauté onion and bell peppers until softened. Add garlic, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes.
Deglaze with wine: Pour in red wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits.
Add remaining ingredients: Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, and capers. Return chicken to the pan.
Simmer: Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook until chicken is tender. Uncover and simmer to thicken the sauce.
Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve hot over pasta, polenta, or rice.