Chicken cacciatore is a rustic Italian classic that celebrates simple ingredients and deep, comforting flavors. The name cacciatore means “hunter style,” reflecting the dish’s origins in hearty countryside cooking, where chicken was slowly simmered with vegetables, herbs, and tomatoes into a rich, aromatic stew.
The dish begins with chicken pieces lightly browned until golden, creating a flavorful base. Onions, garlic, bell peppers, and mushrooms are then added, bringing sweetness and earthiness to the sauce. Tomatoes, whether crushed or diced, form the heart of the dish, while herbs like oregano, basil, and rosemary infuse it with unmistakable Italian character. A splash of wine is often included, adding depth and gentle acidity that balances the richness.
As the chicken simmers, it becomes incredibly tender, soaking up all the flavors from the sauce. The result is a dish that feels both hearty and elegant, perfect for family dinners or relaxed gatherings. Each bite offers a harmony of savory chicken, soft vegetables, and a bold, herb infused tomato sauce.
Chicken cacciatore is wonderfully versatile when it comes to serving. It pairs beautifully with pasta, creamy polenta, mashed potatoes, or even simple crusty bread that can soak up every drop of the sauce. Leftovers taste even better the next day, making it a favorite for meal prep and cozy reheated meals.
Beyond its flavor, this dish carries a sense of tradition and warmth. It represents the Italian approach to cooking, where patience, quality ingredients, and simplicity come together to create something truly memorable.
Whether you are discovering it for the first time or returning to a familiar favorite, chicken cacciatore always delivers comfort, depth, and timeless appeal in every serving.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for browning chicken
- 4 pieces chicken thighs bone-in, skin-on
- 1 piece onion sliced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 piece red bell pepper sliced
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes canned
- 1/2 cup chicken broth low-sodium
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano optional
- 1/2 teaspoon salt to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs and brown on both sides. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are soft.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, oregano, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine.
- Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, making sure they are submerged in the sauce. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 30-35 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Serve Chicken Cacciatore hot with pasta or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Nutrition
It turned out okay, but I think I prefer having my chicken grilled instead.
Honestly, I don’t see what the hype is about. Just another chicken dish.
I followed the recipe exactly and my thighs came out dry. What did I do wrong?!
Yum!! I added mushrooms and some wine. Makes it so fancy! 🥳
Sounds delicious! Adding wine is a great idea! 🍷
Delicious! Made it for my family and they all loved it! 🥰
This was so good! The chicken was super tender! Definitely making it again!
Isn’t cacciatore supposed to be a tomato sauce type dish? It was too liquidy for me.