Chicken Cacciatore Recipe

Chicken Cacciatore, meaning “hunter-style chicken,” is a rustic Italian classic perfect for cozy dinners. With juicy chicken cooked in a savory tomato-based sauce filled with bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, and garlic, this dish is bursting with rich, comforting flavors. Serve it over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread for an irresistible meal.

Equipment:

• Large skillet or Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients:

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 4 drumsticks
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• ½ cup dry white wine
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 bay leaf
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   Season the chicken thighs and drumsticks with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. Sear the Chicken:
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
   Add the chicken and sear until golden brown on both sides, about 5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
3. Cook the Vegetables:
   In the same skillet, add onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Sauté until softened, about 5–7 minutes.
   Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Deglaze the Pan:
   Pour in the white wine, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes.
5. Make the Sauce:
   Add the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, oregano, basil, bay leaf, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine.
6. Simmer the Chicken:
   Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Cover and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 30–40 minutes, occasionally spooning sauce over the chicken, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
7. Serve:
   Discard the bay leaf and garnish the dish with fresh parsley. Serve hot over pasta, rice, or alongside crusty bread.

Tips:

• Substitute white wine with red wine for a deeper flavor.
• Bone-in chicken adds richness to the dish, but you can use boneless chicken thighs if preferred.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

This Chicken Cacciatore recipe is a comforting and flavorful meal that transports you straight to Italy. Perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, it’s a dish that’s sure to satisfy every time. Buon appetito!