Name: Chicken Cacciatore
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs; 1 ½ tsp salt, divided; 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 medium onion, chopped; 1 red bell pepper, chopped; 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp tomato paste; 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1 sprig fresh rosemary; ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped; 2 tbsp capers, drained; ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Chicken Cacciatore is a rustic Italian dish featuring tender chicken thighs slowly simmered in a rich tomato sauce with bell peppers, mushrooms, capers, and aromatic herbs. It’s a comforting one-pan meal packed with bold Mediterranean flavors—perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Authentic Italian Flavor – A slow-simmered tomato sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, capers, and herbs creates a deep, rich taste.
One-Pan Meal – Everything cooks in one skillet for easy cleanup.
Tender, Juicy Chicken – Searing the chicken before simmering locks in moisture.
Perfect for Meal Prep – Tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
1 ½ tsp salt, divided
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
2 tbsp olive oil

For the Sauce:

1 medium onion, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 sprig fresh rosemary
¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
2 tbsp capers, drained

For Garnish:

¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season with 1 teaspoon of salt and black pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Place the chicken skin-side down and sear for 8-10 minutes until golden brown.
Flip and cook for another 3 minutes, then transfer to a plate and set aside.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add onion, bell pepper, and mushrooms.
Season with the remaining ½ teaspoon of salt and sauté for 7 minutes until softened.
Stir in garlic, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and rosemary sprig, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.

3. Make the Sauce

Stir in crushed tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, and capers.
Bring the mixture to a simmer.

4. Simmer the Chicken

Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the skillet, spooning sauce over the top.
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

5. Serve & Garnish

Remove the rosemary sprig.
Sprinkle with fresh basil and parsley before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4 servings
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

Use Boneless Chicken – Swap bone-in thighs for boneless chicken thighs or breasts for a quicker cooking time.
Spicy Version – Add red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
Vegetarian Twist – Replace the chicken with eggplant and zucchini for a plant-based version.
Wine Addition – Add ½ cup of dry red or white wine for extra depth of flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing – Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating – Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if needed.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?

Yes, but bone-in chicken adds more flavor. If using boneless chicken breasts or thighs, reduce the cooking time slightly.

Can I substitute fresh tomatoes for canned?

Yes, but you may need to cook them longer to break down properly.

What can I serve with Chicken Cacciatore?

This dish pairs well with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! Zucchini, carrots, or olives make great additions.

Is this dish spicy?

No, but you can add red pepper flakes or chili peppers if you want some heat.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

The internal temperature should reach 165°F, and the meat should be tender and easy to pull from the bone.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! It tastes even better the next day after the flavors have melded.

What’s the best way to thicken the sauce?

If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes, sear the chicken first, then cook everything in a slow cooker on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

Conclusion

Chicken Cacciatore is a flavorful, rustic Italian dish that’s easy to make and incredibly satisfying. Whether served over pasta, rice, or with a slice of crusty bread, this dish is a comforting meal that will quickly become a family favorite!