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Chicken Cacciatore

Italian-American · Dinner · Easy

Chicken Cacciatore

Total
1 hr 15 min
Prep
20 min
Serves
4
Calories
530
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Bone-in chicken simmers in tomato sauce with mushrooms, bell pepper and olives until the meat is tender and the sauce turns rich.

Browning the skin first gives Chicken Cacciatore a savory base that carries through its long, gentle simmer. Mushrooms release their moisture before the tomatoes go in, keeping the sauce concentrated.

Choose bone-in thighs for meat that stays juicy during braising. Use a broad pan with a lid so the chicken can sit in one layer rather than stacking and cooking unevenly.

SavoryHerbyOne PotComfort FoodDairy-freeNut-freeEgg-freeGluten-freeHigh-protein

Method

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry and season with salt and black pepper. Heat the olive oil in a wide Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken for skin-side down and on the other side; transfer to a plate.

  2. Leave 1 tbsp fat in the pan. Add the mushrooms, onion and red bell pepper and cook over medium heat for until softened. Add the garlic and oregano and stir for .

  3. Add the red wine and simmer for , scraping up the browned bits. Stir in the crushed tomatoes and black olives.

  4. Nestle the chicken into the sauce, skin facing up. Cover and simmer over low heat for until tender and at least 165°F at the thickest point.

  5. Uncover and simmer for until the sauce thickens around the chicken. Spoon sauce around the thighs when serving.

Forkue tips

  • The braised skin will soften; leave its upper surface above the sauce to keep some of the browned texture.

Storing and reheating

Refrigerate with the sauce for up to 3 days or freeze for 2 months. Reheat covered over low heat, adding a splash of water if the tomato sauce has thickened.

Kitchen gear

Dutch ovenTop picks on AmazonInstant read thermometerTop picks on Amazon
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Nutrition per serving, estimated

530Calories
43gProtein
19gCarbs
30gFat

Photo: Burkhard Mücke, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons (cropped and enhanced)

Chicken Cacciatore: FAQ

Can I use boneless thighs?

Yes. They cook more quickly, so begin checking them after 15 minutes of simmering and stop once tender and cooked through.

What should I serve alongside it?

Soft polenta, mashed potatoes or sturdy bread all catch the tomato sauce. A crisp green salad balances the rich chicken.

How do I store and reheat Chicken Cacciatore?

Refrigerate with the sauce for up to 3 days or freeze for 2 months. Reheat covered over low heat, adding a splash of water if the tomato sauce has thickened.

How long does Chicken Cacciatore take?

About 1 hr 15 min in total: 20 min prep and 55 min cooking.

What do I need to make Chicken Cacciatore?

The key ingredients are chicken thighs, cremini mushrooms, red bell pepper, onion, garlic and canned crushed tomatoes, plus pantry basics.

Any tips for Chicken Cacciatore?

The braised skin will soften; leave its upper surface above the sauce to keep some of the browned texture.

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