Roast & Bake

Chicken Cacciatore

Name: Chicken Cacciatore
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) chicken thighs, boneless; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 large onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 large bell peppers, chopped; 2 large mushrooms, chopped; 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

By Wren Merriweather · June 19, 2026 · Roast & Bake

Prep20 min

Cook30 min

Total50 min

Serves4

I still remember the first time I had Chicken Cacciatore at my Italian grandmother's house. The combination of juicy chicken, tender mushrooms, and sweet bell peppers in a rich tomato sauce was love at first bite. Over the years, I've perfected my own recipe, and it's become a staple in our household. It's easy to make, flavorful, and perfect for a weeknight dinner.

What I love about Chicken Cacciatore is its versatility. You can serve it with pasta, rice, or even as a filling for sandwiches. It's also a great way to use up any leftover vegetables you have on hand. In this recipe, I'll show you how to make a delicious and authentic Chicken Cacciatore that's sure to become a family favorite.

One of the key things that sets my recipe apart is the use of high-quality ingredients. I use fresh mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions, which add a depth of flavor and texture to the dish. I also use a combination of tomato paste and canned tomatoes to create a rich and tangy sauce. And of course, no Chicken Cacciatore would be complete without a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top.

In this recipe, I'll take you through the steps to make a delicious Chicken Cacciatore. From preparing the ingredients to cooking the chicken and sauce, I'll show you how to create a dish that's both flavorful and visually appealing. So let's get started and make some delicious Chicken Cacciatore!

Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and requires minimal ingredients. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the delicious flavors of Italy in the comfort of your own home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
It's perfect for a weeknight dinner, as it can be ready in under an hour.
The dish is versatile and can be served with a variety of sides, including pasta, rice, and vegetables.
It's a great way to use up any leftover vegetables you have on hand.
The recipe is customizable, so you can add your own favorite ingredients and spices.
It's a crowd-pleaser, and is sure to become a family favorite.

Why This Recipe Works

So what makes this Chicken Cacciatore recipe so special? For one, it's the combination of flavors and textures that come together to create a dish that's both hearty and delicious. The chicken is cooked to perfection, with a crispy exterior and a juicy interior. The mushrooms and bell peppers add a nice crunch and flavor, while the tomato sauce brings everything together.

Another key factor is the use of layering flavors. By cooking the chicken and vegetables in stages, we're able to build a depth of flavor that's hard to achieve with a single cooking method. And of course, the use of high-quality ingredients doesn't hurt either. Fresh herbs, real Parmesan cheese, and good-quality tomatoes all contribute to a dish that's truly special.

But what really sets this recipe apart is the technique. By cooking the chicken and sauce separately, we're able to achieve a level of control and precision that's hard to achieve with a one-pot dish. And by resting the chicken before serving, we're able to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a dish that's both tender and flavorful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to making Chicken Cacciatore, the ingredients are just as important as the technique. You'll need a combination of fresh vegetables, high-quality meats, and flavorful spices to create a dish that's truly delicious. In this recipe, we'll be using a variety of ingredients, including chicken, mushrooms, bell peppers, and tomatoes. We'll also be using some pantry staples, such as olive oil, garlic, and herbs, to add depth and flavor to the dish.

When shopping for ingredients, be sure to choose the freshest and highest-quality items you can find. Fresh mushrooms and bell peppers will add a nice texture and flavor to the dish, while high-quality tomatoes will provide a rich and tangy sauce. Don't be afraid to get creative with your ingredients, and feel free to add your own favorite spices and herbs to make the dish your own.

1 lb (450g) chicken thighs, bonelessI like to use boneless chicken thighs for this recipe, as they're easy to cook and stay moist. You can also use bone-in thighs if you prefer, just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
2 tablespoons olive oilOlive oil is a great choice for cooking the chicken and vegetables, as it has a high smoke point and a rich, fruity flavor. You can also use avocado oil or grapeseed oil if you prefer.
1 large onion, choppedOnions add a nice flavor and texture to the dish, and can be cooked until they're soft and caramelized. Be sure to chop them finely, so they cook evenly and quickly.
3 cloves garlic, mincedGarlic is a key ingredient in many Italian dishes, and adds a rich, savory flavor to the sauce. Be sure to mince it finely, so it cooks quickly and evenly.
2 large bell peppers, choppedBell peppers add a nice crunch and flavor to the dish, and can be cooked until they're tender and slightly caramelized. Be sure to chop them finely, so they cook evenly and quickly.
2 large mushrooms, choppedMushrooms add a nice earthy flavor and texture to the dish, and can be cooked until they're tender and slightly caramelized. Be sure to chop them finely, so they cook evenly and quickly.
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoesCrushed tomatoes are a great choice for the sauce, as they're easy to cook with and have a rich, tangy flavor. You can also use diced tomatoes or fresh tomatoes if you prefer.
1 teaspoon dried thymeThyme is a key herb in many Italian dishes, and adds a rich, savory flavor to the sauce. Be sure to use dried thyme, as it's easier to cook with and has a more intense flavor than fresh thyme.
1/2 teaspoon saltSalt is a key seasoning in many dishes, and helps to bring out the flavors of the other ingredients. Be sure to use a high-quality salt, such as kosher salt or sea salt, for the best flavor.
1/4 teaspoon black pepperBlack pepper is a key seasoning in many dishes, and helps to add depth and complexity to the sauce. Be sure to use freshly ground black pepper, as it has a more intense flavor than pre-ground pepper.
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheeseParmesan cheese is a key ingredient in many Italian dishes, and adds a rich, savory flavor to the sauce. Be sure to use a high-quality Parmesan cheese, such as Parmigiano-Reggiano, for the best flavor.
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsleyParsley is a key herb in many Italian dishes, and adds a fresh, bright flavor to the sauce. Be sure to chop it finely, so it cooks quickly and evenly.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or wokSharp chef's knifeInstant-read thermometer Cutting boardMeasuring cups and spoonsWooden spoon or spatula

How to Make Chicken Cacciatore

1
Heat the olive oil in a large heavy skillet or wok over medium-high heat. While the oil is heating up, season the chicken with salt and pepper.
2
Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until it's browned on both sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Use the instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach 165 F (74 C).
3
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest. Reduce the heat to medium and add the chopped onion to the skillet. Cook until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
4
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can quickly become bitter.
5
Add the chopped bell peppers and mushrooms to the skillet and cook until they're tender and slightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes.
6
Add the crushed tomatoes, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine, then bring the sauce to a simmer.
7
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it's thickened and the flavors have melded together.
8
Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and stir to combine with the sauce. Let it simmer for a few minutes, until the chicken is fully coated in the sauce.
9
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Let it simmer for a few minutes, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
10
Serve the Chicken Cacciatore hot, garnished with additional parsley and Parmesan cheese if desired.
11
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving, to allow the juices to redistribute and the flavors to meld together.

Expert Tips

Use high-quality ingredients, such as fresh vegetables and real Parmesan cheese, to get the best flavor.
Don't overcook the chicken, as it can become dry and tough. Use the instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature.
Let the sauce simmer for at least 10-15 minutes, to allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken.
Stir the sauce occasionally, to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.
Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and stir to combine with the sauce, to ensure the chicken is fully coated.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving, to allow the juices to redistribute and the flavors to meld together.
Experiment with different ingredients, such as adding other vegetables or using different types of cheese, to make the dish your own.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the chicken, which can make it dry and tough.
Not letting the sauce simmer for long enough, which can result in a thin and flavorless sauce.
Not using high-quality ingredients, which can affect the flavor and texture of the dish.
Not stirring the sauce occasionally, which can cause it to stick to the bottom of the skillet.
Not letting the dish rest before serving, which can result in a lackluster presentation and flavor.
Not using the instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken, which can result in undercooked or overcooked chicken.

Variations and Substitutions

Add other vegetables, such as zucchini or eggplant, to the skillet with the bell peppers and mushrooms.
Use different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or ricotta, to add a unique flavor to the dish.
Add some spice to the sauce, such as red pepper flakes or diced jalapenos, to give it a kick.
Use different types of protein, such as shrimp or pork, to create a unique and delicious variation.
Add some acidity to the sauce, such as a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, to brighten the flavors.
Use different types of tomatoes, such as cherry tomatoes or fresh tomatoes, to add a unique flavor and texture to the sauce.
Add some freshness to the dish, such as chopped fresh basil or oregano, to add a bright and herbaceous flavor.

What to Serve With Chicken Cacciatore

Chicken Cacciatore is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Some popular options include pasta, rice, and roasted vegetables. You can also serve it with some crusty bread, such as ciabatta or baguette, to mop up the sauce.

One of my favorite ways to serve Chicken Cacciatore is with a side of garlic and herb roasted potatoes. Simply slice some potatoes thinly and toss them with olive oil, minced garlic, and chopped fresh herbs, such as rosemary or thyme. Roast them in the oven until they're crispy and golden, then serve them alongside the Chicken Cacciatore.

Serve with pasta, such as spaghetti or linguineServe with rice, such as white or brown riceServe with roasted vegetables, such as broccoli or Brussels sproutsServe with crusty bread, such as ciabatta or baguetteServe with a side salad, such as a green salad or caprese salad

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

Chicken Cacciatore can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply cook the chicken and sauce, then let it cool to room temperature. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate it until you're ready to serve.

To reheat the Chicken Cacciatore, simply microwave it or heat it in a skillet over low heat. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months, then thaw it and reheat it when you're ready to serve. Be sure to label the container with the date and contents, so you can easily keep track of what you have in the fridge or freezer.

When reheating the Chicken Cacciatore, be sure to stir it occasionally to prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the skillet. You can also add a splash of water or broth to the sauce if it's too thick, to thin it out and make it more saucy.

In addition to making it ahead, you can also customize the recipe to suit your tastes and preferences. For example, you can add other vegetables, such as zucchini or eggplant, to the skillet with the bell peppers and mushrooms. You can also use different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or ricotta, to add a unique flavor to the dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Chicken Cacciatore?

Chicken Cacciatore is a classic Italian dish made with chicken, mushrooms, bell peppers, and tomatoes in a rich and tangy sauce. It's a hearty and flavorful dish that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.

Can I make Chicken Cacciatore ahead of time?

Yes, you can make Chicken Cacciatore ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply cook the chicken and sauce, then let it cool to room temperature. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate it until you're ready to serve.

Can I freeze Chicken Cacciatore?

Yes, you can freeze Chicken Cacciatore for up to 2 months. Simply cook the chicken and sauce, then let it cool to room temperature. Transfer it to an airtight container and freeze it until you're ready to serve. Be sure to label the container with the date and contents, so you can easily keep track of what you have in the freezer.

What type of chicken is best for Chicken Cacciatore?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are the best choice for Chicken Cacciatore. They're easy to cook and stay moist, and they have a rich and tender flavor that pairs well with the sauce.

Can I use different types of vegetables in Chicken Cacciatore?

Yes, you can use different types of vegetables in Chicken Cacciatore. Some popular options include zucchini, eggplant, and cherry tomatoes. Simply chop the vegetables and add them to the skillet with the bell peppers and mushrooms.

How do I serve Chicken Cacciatore?

Chicken Cacciatore can be served with a variety of sides, including pasta, rice, and roasted vegetables. You can also serve it with some crusty bread, such as ciabatta or baguette, to mop up the sauce.

Can I make Chicken Cacciatore in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make Chicken Cacciatore in a slow cooker. Simply cook the chicken and sauce in the slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours, then serve it hot and enjoy.

What is the best way to reheat Chicken Cacciatore?

The best way to reheat Chicken Cacciatore is to microwave it or heat it in a skillet over low heat. You can also add a splash of water or broth to the sauce if it's too thick, to thin it out and make it more saucy.

Can I make Chicken Cacciatore for a crowd?

Yes, you can make Chicken Cacciatore for a crowd. Simply multiply the ingredients and cook the chicken and sauce in a large skillet or Dutch oven. You can also make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer until you're ready to serve.

The Full Recipe

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