Learn how to make a delicious and hearty Chicken Cacciatore with this easy recipe! It’s a rustic Italian stew with tender chicken thighs, veggies, herbs, and flavorful aromatics, creating a comforting and family-friendly dish you can cook on the stovetop or in your slow cooker.
This recipe holds a special place in my heart as it’s a beloved favorite of my family. Whenever we gather for a meal, Chicken Cacciatore is a top request, and I’m excited to share it with you.
This easy Chicken Cacciatore is delicious and super simple to make with just one pan to clean. The mix of juicy chicken, flavorful herbs, and veggies makes it a favorite, especially when you want a delicious meal without making a big mess in the kitchen.
Trust me, you are going to love this one-skillet Chicken Cacciatore recipe. We start by searing juicy chicken thighs in a hot pan, mixing colorful bell peppers and earthy mushrooms, and sprinkling it all with aromatic Italian seasoning. Everything cooks together in a tasty tomato sauce with some red wine for extra flavor. It’s a simple and satisfying recipe that brings the delicious flavors of Italian cuisine right to your table.
Try this easy and comforting chicken cacciatore, also known as Pollo alla cacciatora in Italian. It’s a versatile dish, perfect for adding your favorite ingredients. My mom makes it for special occasions or Sunday family dinners; everyone loves it!
What Is Chicken Cacciatore?
Chicken Cacciatore is an Italian-style dish known for its tasty and hearty flavors. The name “cacciatore” means “hunter” in Italian, and the dish is made simply, country-style. It usually involves cooking chicken pieces in a flavorful tomato sauce, like thighs or drumsticks.
The sauce typically includes tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, garlic, and herbs like oregano and basil. Some versions may also add mushrooms, olives, or capers for extra flavor. The chicken is usually cooked slowly in the sauce, allowing the flavors to mix and the meat to become tender.
Chicken Cacciatore is loved for its easy preparation method, making it a favorite for home cooks. It’s often served over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to enjoy the tasty sauce.
Is Chicken Cacciatore Keto?
Sure, chicken Cacciatore is keto-friendly because it doesn’t contain a lot of high-carb ingredients. But it’s important to check the specific recipe and required ingredients. You can make it more keto-friendly by paying attention to the tomatoes and bell peppers quantities, using low-carb veggies, and adding healthy fats like olive oil.
Ingredients Needed
This chicken cacciatore recipe is super easy to make and requires only a few naturally low-carb ingredients that are easy to find. Here is a list of everything you will need:
- Olive Oil – use extra virgin olive oil for a rich flavor.
- Chicken Thighs – Chicken thighs are important for this dish because they’re juicy, flavorful, and release natural fats that mix with the sauce.
- Salt and Pepper – used to enhance all the flavors in this chicken recipe.
- Onion – Finely chop or slice the onion and sauté it until it’s golden and translucent to add sweetness to the dish.
- Garlic – use fresh minced garlic for an intense, delicious flavor.
- Bell Pepper – feel free to choose red, yellow, or green peppers according to your preference.
- Dry Red Wine – Use a dry red wine to add depth and richness to the sauce. If you prefer to skip the wine, you can substitute it with chicken broth.
- Crushed Tomatoes – I used canned ones, but you can also replace them with fresh tomatoes and cook longer to create the sauce using fresh tomatoes. Ensure that you read the label and that there is no added sugar.
- Baby Bella Mushrooms – used to add an earthy flavor and meaty texture.
- Italian Seasoning – I prefer the taste of homemade Italian Seasoning, but you can also use store-bought.
- Black Olives – black olives are great for this recipe, but you can also use green ones or skip them if you don’t like them.
How To Make Chicken Cacciatore
This chicken cacciatore recipe, coated in a creamy and refreshing tomato sauce, is ready in just a couple of minutes from start to finish. Here’s how to make it:
Sear Chicken Thighs
Heat 2 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Add chicken thighs to the hot oil, seasoning both sides with salt and pepper. Sear them until golden brown, then remove the seared chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Sautee The Vegetables
In the same skillet, add chopped onion and sliced bell pepper.
Sauté until vegetables are softened and aromatic.
Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Make the Sauce
Pour dry red wine into the skillet, scraping the bottom to release flavorful bits. Allow the wine to simmer for a few minutes to reduce the alcohol.
Add crushed tomatoes, sliced mushrooms, and Italian seasoning.
Stir well to combine, bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat.
Return the Chicken Thighs
Add seared chicken thighs to the sauce and let it simmer for 10 more minutes or until fully cooked and tender. Add the black olives and mix until well combined. Stir occasionally.
Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning as needed—add more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning according to your preference.
Tips For Making Chicken Cacciatore
- You can opt for bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for richer flavor and juiciness.
- Pat chicken thighs dry before seasoning to achieve a crispy skin when searing.
- Generously season chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Use dry red wine for depth and richness in the sauce.
- If avoiding alcohol, substitute with chicken broth, but be aware it may alter the flavor.
- When adding wine, scrape the bottom of the skillet to release flavorful bits stuck to the pan.
- Choose canned crushed tomatoes without added sugars.
- You can sauté mushrooms separately before adding them to enhance their flavor.
- Taste the sauce before serving and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Consider adding more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning to suit your taste.
Recipe Variations
- Capers: Add a salty and tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the sauce’s richness.
- Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or oregano just before serving for a burst of freshness.
- Balsamic Vinegar: A splash of balsamic vinegar can add depth and a slightly sweet tang to the sauce.
- Artichoke Hearts: For a unique twist, add artichoke hearts. They contribute a mild, slightly nutty flavor.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes
- Parmesan Cheese
Storing Ideas
- Fridge – You can store the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for about 5 days.
- Freezer – You can also store the leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 month.
Serving Ideas
When I make this chicken recipe, I like to enjoy it with some keto pasta or a slice of my favorite keto bread. But many side dishes pair perfectly with this chicken cacciatore skillet. Here are some great ideas:
- Cauliflower Rice
- Mashed Cauliflower
- Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower
- Garlic Butter Whole Roasted Cauliflower
- Roasted Vegetables
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead Of Thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts but do not overcook them, as they can become dry.
Can I Make Chicken Cacciatore In A Slow Cooker?
Sure! Sear the chicken first, then transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the chicken is tender.
Chicken Parmesan Vs. Chicken Cacciatore
Chicken Parmesan is like crispy chicken covered in cheesy tomato sauce. Meanwhile, Chicken Cacciatore is like chicken cooked in a chunky tomato and veggie sauce, all in one pot for a heartier meal. So, one’s about crispy, cheesy goodness, and the other’s a comforting mix of chicken and veggies.
More Easy Chicken Recipes
- Crispy Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings
- Marry Me Chicken with Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Sauce
- Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs
- Easy Chicken Piccata
Chicken Cacciatore
Description
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1 medium yellow onion
- 1 medium bell pepper
- 3 cloves garlic
- 3/4 cup dry red wine
- 1 28- ounce can of crushed tomatoes
- 8 ounces sliced baby bella cremini mushrooms
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup black olives
Instructions
- Heat 2 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken thighs to the hot oil and season them with salt and pepper on both sides. Sear on both sides until golden brown.
- Once seared, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sliced bell pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are softened and aromatic.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute.
- Pour the dry red wine into the skillet, scraping the bottom to release any flavorful bits stuck to the pan.
- Allow the wine to simmer for a few minutes to reduce the alcohol.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, sliced mushrooms, and Italian seasoning. Stir well to combine, bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
- Add the seared chicken thighs to the sauce and let it simmer for 10 more minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Stir occasionally.
- Add the black olives and mix until well combined.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning according to your preference.
- Once the chicken is fully cooked and the flavors have melded together, serve the Chicken Cacciatore over cooked keto pasta, cauliflower rice, or your favorite side dish.
How do we calculate the nutrition info?
These nutrition facts listed are determined using nutrition information from the USDA Food Database. Our nutrition facts are accurate, but if you are using different products, please make your calculations. Net carb count is calculated by subtracting both fiber and sugar alcohols because they don’t raise blood sugar.
