Soups & Stews > Hearty Stews > Chicken Stews > Chicken Cacciatore Recipe

Classic Chicken Cacciatore

Chicken Cacciatore, meaning 'hunter's chicken' in Italian, is a rustic and flavorful stew. This recipe features tender chicken simmered in a rich tomato sauce with onions, peppers, mushrooms, and herbs.

Prep Time
25 minutes
Cook Time
1 hour 15 minutes
Servings
4-6
Ingredients
  • 2.5 lbs (thighs, drumsticks, breasts) Chicken pieces (bone-in, skin-on)
  • 3 tablespoons Olive oil
  • 1 large, chopped Yellow onion
  • 1 medium, sliced (any color) Bell pepper
  • 8 oz, sliced Cremini mushrooms
  • 3 cloves, minced Garlic
  • 1/2 cup Dry red wine
  • 28 oz can Crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon Dried basil
  • 1 Bay leaf
  • 1/2 cup Chicken broth
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons, chopped, for garnish Fresh parsley

Step 1: Brown the Chicken

Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown chicken in batches on all sides. Remove chicken and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

Add onion and bell pepper to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and brown slightly, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.

Step 3: Deglaze and Simmer

Pour in red wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Cook until the wine is almost completely reduced, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, bay leaf, and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Return the chicken to the pot. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour, or until chicken is very tender.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Remove bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Serve over pasta, polenta, or rice.

Nutrition Facts Estimated per 100g of product

Values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients used.
Calories: 150-200
Protein: 15-20g
Fat: 7-12g
Carbohydrates: 5-8g

Other Considerations for Nutrition

Use skinless chicken pieces to reduce fat. To lower sodium, choose no-salt-added crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Serve with whole-wheat pasta or brown rice for added fiber.

← Authentic Moroccan Lamb Tagine with Apricots and Almonds Classic Chicken Stew →

FAQ

  • Can I use boneless chicken?

    Yes, but bone-in chicken provides more flavor. If using boneless, skinless chicken thighs, reduce the simmering time to about 30-40 minutes.
  • Can I make this in a slow cooker?

    Yes, brown the chicken and sauté the vegetables as directed. Then, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
  • What if I don't have red wine?

    You can substitute with additional chicken broth or a tablespoon of red wine vinegar.