Chicken Cacciatore

Savor the Rustic Comfort of Chicken Cacciatore

Embark on a flavor-filled journey with this Chicken Cacciatore recipe, merging tender chicken, smoky bacon, and a medley of vegetables with a rich garlic-herb tomato sauce. This hearty Italian-inspired dish translates to “hunter’s chicken” and brings rustic warmth to your table.

Whether it’s a laid-back weeknight dinner or a festive family gathering, this recipe transports the charm of traditional Italian cooking into your home. With its bold flavors and comforting textures, it pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or even crusty bread.

Ideal for an enjoyable evening or a joyous occasion, this Chicken Cacciatore recipe embodies the essence of comfort food done right. Ready to elevate your mealtime with a cozy classic? Let’s dive into this straightforward and utterly rewarding recipe.

---

Flavorful and Hearty: Your New Go-To Chicken Cacciatore Recipe

This Chicken Cacciatore not only celebrates the richness of tomatoes and herbs but also brings together mushrooms, peppers, and olives for a balance of earthy, tangy, and savory flavors. The slow-simmered sauce coats every bite of chicken, creating a dish that feels both rustic and refined.

Not just a meal, this is a foray into soulful cooking, made simple enough for any home cook to master. The Instant Pot version makes it even faster, while stovetop or Crock-Pot variations allow for a hands-off, slow-simmered experience.

Here’s how you can achieve that classic taste of Chicken Cacciatore, complete with expert tips to ensure each bite is unforgettable.

Serving Suggestions: Serve this Chicken Cacciatore with creamy polenta, al dente pasta, fluffy rice, or warm bread for dipping.

---

Pro Tips for the Perfect Chicken Cacciatore

1. Brown the Chicken First: Lightly searing the chicken locks in juices and builds rich flavor in the sauce.
2. Deglaze with Wine: A splash of red wine deepens flavor, but chicken stock works well if you prefer non-alcoholic.
3. Balance the Sauce: Add a pinch of sugar if the tomatoes taste too acidic.
4. Use Fresh Herbs: Basil and parsley at the end brighten the dish, complementing the richness of the sauce.
5. Rest Before Serving: Letting the dish sit for five minutes helps the flavors settle beautifully.

---

Chicken Cacciatore Recipe

• Preparation time: 20 minutes
• Cooking time: 40 minutes (Instant Pot), or longer for stovetop/Crock-Pot
• Servings: 6
• Equipment: Instant Pot, sauté pan (for stovetop version), wooden spoon

With this Chicken Cacciatore recipe, your kitchen will be filled with the comforting aromas of garlic, herbs, and simmering tomatoes.

---

Ingredients:

• 6 slices bacon, diced
• 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• Fine sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour (optional, for dredging)
• ⅔ cup dry red wine (or chicken stock)
• 8 ounces baby bella mushrooms, thickly sliced
• 2 medium bell peppers, diced (red and yellow for color)
• 1 large carrot, diced
• 1 red onion, peeled and thickly sliced
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup pitted Kalamata or black olives
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• Toppings: chopped fresh basil and freshly grated Parmesan cheese

---

Directions:

1. Fry the Bacon: Press “Sauté” on the Instant Pot. Once hot, add diced bacon and cook until crispy. Transfer bacon to a bowl, leaving grease in the pot.
2. Sauté the Chicken: Season chicken with salt and pepper. Dredge lightly in flour. Add to the pot and sear for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
3. Add the Veggies and Wine: Pour in red wine to deglaze, scraping up brown bits with a wooden spoon. Stir in mushrooms, peppers, carrot, onion, and garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
4. Combine Ingredients: Add crushed tomatoes, olives, oregano, red pepper flakes, and reserved bacon. Stir to combine. Nestle chicken into the sauce.
5. Pressure Cook: Close the lid and set to high pressure for 15 minutes. Quick release the steam after cooking.
6. Shred the Chicken (Optional): Transfer chicken to a plate and shred with two forks if desired. Return shredded chicken to the pot and stir.
7. Season and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or herbs. Garnish with basil and Parmesan. Serve hot.

---

Ready to Relish!

This dish offers a fabulous taste experience and brings the joy of traditional Italian comfort food into your home. The Chicken Cacciatore recipe combines juicy chicken, aromatic herbs, and hearty vegetables in a sauce that clings perfectly to pasta, rice, or bread. Each bite feels rustic, warming, and deeply satisfying.

Print