Description
Hearty chicken cacciatore brings rustic Italian countryside flavors dancing across your plate with tender chicken simmered in rich tomato sauce. Fragrant herbs and robust ingredients create a classic comfort meal that connects generations of home cooks through simple, delicious traditions.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 4 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
- 1 can (14.5 ounces / 411 grams) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare a large skillet or Dutch oven, heating olive oil over medium-high temperature until shimmering. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then sear for 4-5 minutes per side until developing a rich golden-brown crust. Transfer browned chicken to a separate plate.
- Without cleaning the skillet, sauté diced onions, sliced bell peppers, and minced garlic. Cook for approximately 5 minutes, allowing vegetables to soften and release their aromatic flavors.
- Introduce crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, dried oregano, and fresh basil into the vegetable mixture. Stir ingredients thoroughly to create a harmonious sauce. Gently reposition the browned chicken pieces into the liquid, ensuring skin remains exposed.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and allow the chicken to simmer for 30-40 minutes. Periodically check and stir to prevent sauce from scorching. Confirm chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, indicating complete cooking.
- Once fully cooked, remove chicken from the sauce and let rest briefly. Plate the chicken, generously spooning the robust sauce over the top. Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Complement the dish with pasta, steamed rice, or crusty artisan bread.
Notes
- Select bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for maximum flavor and juiciness during the cooking process.
- Pat chicken completely dry before seasoning to ensure proper browning and develop a delicious golden crust.
- Use a heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven to distribute heat evenly and prevent sauce from burning.
- Adjust cooking time slightly for different cuts of chicken, checking internal temperature for doneness.
- Low and slow simmering helps tenderize the meat and allows herbs and spices to meld beautifully into the sauce.
- Gluten-free option: Serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of traditional pasta.
- Make ahead and store in refrigerator for up to 3 days, as flavors continue to develop and intensify overnight.
- Freeze leftover sauce in portion-sized containers for quick future meals.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg