5 Best Chicken Cacciatore Recipes for Delicious Home Cooking

Chicken cacciatore is a classic Italian dish that offers a wonderful blend of flavors and textures. It combines tender chicken with a rich, savory sauce made from tomatoes, herbs, and vegetables. I believe trying out different variations of this recipe can bring exciting new tastes to your dinner table.

In this article, I will share my top five chicken cacciatore recipes that cater to various dietary preferences and skill levels. These recipes showcase how versatile and easy this dish can be, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re an experienced cook or a beginner, these cacciatore recipes will inspire you to create a comforting meal at home.

1. Classic Italian Chicken Cacciatore

Classic Italian Chicken Cacciatore is a savory dish that brings together chicken, tomatoes, and herbs. The name “cacciatore” means “hunter” in Italian, referring to the rustic style of cooking. It’s a comforting and hearty meal that I enjoy preparing.

This recipe is quite easy to make, making it suitable for both beginner and experienced cooks. I appreciate how simple ingredients create rich flavor.

Here are the basic steps to prepare this dish:

1. Ingredients: Gather chicken pieces, diced tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, garlic, olive oil, and herbs like oregano and basil.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a pan and brown the chicken on all sides. This adds depth to the flavor.
3. Cook the Vegetables: Remove the chicken and sauté the onions, garlic, and bell peppers until soft.
4. Add Tomatoes: Return the chicken to the pan, add diced tomatoes, and stir in herbs.
5. Simmer: Cover and simmer for about 30-40 minutes until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.

Serve with crusty bread or pasta for a complete meal. This dish is perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

2. Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore

Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore is a tasty Italian dish. It typically includes chicken, tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, and herbs. The slow cooking method allows the flavors to blend beautifully.

Making this dish is quite simple. I love how I can prepare it with minimal effort. First, I season the chicken with salt and pepper. Then, I brown it in a skillet for added flavor.

Next, I place the chicken in the slow cooker. I add the chopped vegetables and a can of diced tomatoes. For extra flavor, I add Italian seasoning and some garlic.

I set the slow cooker on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours. The chicken becomes tender and soaks up all the delicious flavors. Finally, I serve it over pasta or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

This dish is perfect for busy days when I want a hearty meal without much fuss.

3. Spicy Chicken Cacciatore with Red Wine

Spicy Chicken Cacciatore is a flavorful Italian dish. It features chicken cooked with tomatoes, bell peppers, and red wine. The red wine adds depth, while spices give it a kick.

I find this dish easy to make. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners. The preparation time is about 15 minutes, and cooking takes around 45 minutes.

To prepare, I follow these steps:

1. Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and chili powder before browning it for 5-7 minutes.
3. Add sliced bell peppers, onions, and minced garlic. Cook for another 5 minutes.
4. Pour in a cup of red wine and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Add canned tomatoes and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 30 minutes.

This recipe is satisfying and has a nice balance of spicy and savory flavors. It pairs well with pasta or crusty bread. Enjoy!

4. Tuscan-style Chicken Cacciatore

Tuscan-style Chicken Cacciatore is a classic Italian dish known for its rich flavors. I enjoy making this comforting meal, which features chicken simmered in a savory tomato sauce with bell peppers and olives.

It’s quite easy to prepare. I usually start by gathering my ingredients: chicken thighs, tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, garlic, olives, and herbs. With just a few steps, I can have a delicious meal ready.

1. In a large skillet, I heat some olive oil over medium heat.
2. I brown the chicken thighs for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden.
3. Next, I remove the chicken and sauté chopped onions and bell peppers until they soften.
4. I stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
5. Then, I add canned tomatoes, olives, and herbs like oregano and basil to the skillet.
6. Finally, I return the chicken to the pan and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes until cooked through.

This dish is perfect served with crusty bread or over pasta. It truly captures the essence of Tuscan cuisine.

5. Quick Skillet Chicken Cacciatore

Quick Skillet Chicken Cacciatore is a simple dish that combines chicken and vegetables in a savory sauce. This version is easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights.

To prepare this dish, I start with skinless chicken thighs for better flavor. The cooking process typically takes about 30 minutes from start to finish.

Here are the steps I follow:

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil.
2. Sauté chopped onions and bell peppers until soft, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the chicken thighs and season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Cook for 6-8 minutes until browned.
4. Pour in crushed tomatoes and let it simmer for 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend.
5. Stir in olives and capers for added taste. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.

This dish is not only quick but also packed with flavor. The combination of tomatoes, herbs, and olives gives it a fresh taste that complements the chicken perfectly. Enjoying this meal is easy, and the clean-up is simple too.

What Are the Ingredients Used in Chicken Cacciatore?

When making chicken cacciatore, selecting the right ingredients is crucial. The flavors come from both the fresh herbs and spices used, as well as the choice of chicken cuts. I will focus on these essential elements.

What Are the Essential Herbs and Spices for Chicken Cacciatore?

I like to use a mix of herbs and spices that truly enhance the dish. Common ones include:

• Oregano: This herb adds a slightly bitter and aromatic flavor, key in Italian cooking.
• Basil: Fresh basil offers a sweet and fragrant taste that brightens the dish.
• Garlic: Minced garlic gives cacciatore its savory depth and richness.
• Red pepper flakes: These add a nice heat that’s adjustable based on your taste.

I also recommend using fresh herbs whenever possible. They provide a vibrancy that dried herbs often lack. A blend of these ingredients creates a well-rounded flavor profile that makes chicken cacciatore so delightful.

How Do You Choose the Right Chicken Cuts for Chicken Cacciatore?

For chicken cacciatore, I prefer using bone-in, skin-on chicken. Cuts like thighs and drumsticks are ideal because they stay juicy and tender during cooking.

Here’s a quick look at why these cuts work well:

• Thighs: They are flavorful and won’t dry out easily, even if cooked for a longer time.
• Drumsticks: Like thighs, these provide moisture and a hearty option for the dish.

I avoid using chicken breasts for this recipe since they can become dry quickly. Using the right cuts helps achieve the authentic taste and texture that makes chicken cacciatore a classic dish.

What Are the Cooking Techniques for Chicken Cacciatore?

When making chicken cacciatore, it’s important to choose the right cooking techniques to bring out the rich flavors in the dish. I find that braising and using a slow cooker are both effective methods that enhance the taste and texture of the chicken while allowing the sauce to develop fully.

How Do You Cook Chicken Cacciatore Using the Braising Method?

Braising is a traditional technique that combines cooking in a small amount of liquid after browning the meat. For chicken cacciatore, I start by heating oil in a heavy pot. I season the chicken and brown it on all sides for about 5-7 minutes. This step adds depth to the flavor.

After browning, I remove the chicken and sauté onions, garlic, and bell peppers until they are soft. Next, I return the chicken to the pot and add crushed tomatoes, herbs, and spices. I add enough liquid, like chicken broth or wine, to cover about half of the chicken.

I cover the pot and let it simmer on low heat for 30-45 minutes. This allows the chicken to cook through while absorbing flavors from the sauce. The result is tender chicken with a rich, flavorful sauce.

How Do You Prepare Chicken Cacciatore Using a Slow Cooker?

For busy days, I often turn to the slow cooker for my chicken cacciatore. This method is convenient and ensures the chicken remains moist and flavorful. To start, I brown the chicken in a skillet as I do with braising but can skip this step if I’m short on time.

I place the chicken in the slow cooker with sliced onions, garlic, bell peppers, and mushrooms. I pour in crushed tomatoes and seasonings. I like to add a splash of red wine for depth.

I set the slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The long cooking time allows the flavors to meld together perfectly. When it’s done, the chicken will be tender and infused with the delicious sauce that can be served over pasta or alongside crusty bread.