If you’re craving a soul-warming, deeply flavorful meal that instantly transports your kitchen to an Italian countryside villa, Hearty Chicken Cacciatore is the answer. Imagine tender, rustic chicken simmered in a rich tomato sauce, vibrant bell peppers, briny olives, and aromatic herbs—every bite is a hug in a bowl. Whether it’s a laid-back Sunday dinner or a cozy gathering with friends, this classic Italian dish never fails to impress. And the best part? The savory aroma wafting out of your kitchen will have everyone gathering around the table long before you serve.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s start with the essentials! Each ingredient in Hearty Chicken Cacciatore is chosen for a reason, from building bold flavors to creating luscious textures and stunning colors. With a handful of simple ingredients, you’ll create a dish that tastes like it simmered all night—no fuss, just pure comfort.
- Chicken thighs and drumsticks: Bone-in, skin-on pieces deliver maximum flavor and succulence—you’ll get juicy meat and a deeply savory sauce.
- Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings give the chicken a much-needed savory punch before browning.
- Olive oil: Use a good olive oil to sear the chicken and sauté the veggies for that unmistakable Mediterranean base.
- Onion: Sliced onion brings sweetness and depth as it cooks down in the sauce.
- Red and yellow bell peppers: These peppers add color, mild sweetness, and a touch of rustic charm to every bite.
- Garlic: A few cloves, minced, go a long way toward that irresistible aroma and flavor.
- Dry red wine: Adds depth, richness, and a little acidity that balances the sauce perfectly.
- Crushed tomatoes: The star of the sauce, crushed tomatoes provide body and tang.
- Chicken broth: A bit of broth keeps the sauce silky and amps up the savory notes.
- Dried oregano and thyme: Classic Italian herbs that tie everything together with their earthy fragrance.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): A hint of heat for those who love a little kick.
- Pitted black olives: Bringing signature brininess and Mediterranean flair to the dish.
- Capers: Their salty, punchy tang brightens the rich sauce beautifully.
- Chopped fresh parsley: A fresh sprinkle that adds color and garden-fresh flavor at the finish.
- Fresh basil (optional): Tear a few leaves over the top for an extra pop of vibrant “green” and summery aroma.
How to Make Hearty Chicken Cacciatore
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Begin by generously sprinkling the chicken thighs and drumsticks with salt and pepper on all sides. Heat up a large Dutch oven or deep skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat. Working in batches so you don’t overcrowd the pan, sear the chicken pieces until the skin is deeply golden and crisp—about 4 to 5 minutes per side. This step is key: browning adds incredible flavor to the final Hearty Chicken Cacciatore. Once browned, move the chicken to a plate and set aside; you’ll let them finish cooking in the sauce.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables
In that same pot, add your sliced onion, red bell pepper, and yellow bell pepper. Sauté these veggies for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and start to caramelize. The onion and peppers will soak up that gorgeous chicken flavor left in the pan. Add your minced garlic and cook for just one more minute—be careful not to let it burn, just let the fragrance bloom.
Step 3: Deglaze with Red Wine
Pour in the dry red wine and use a wooden spoon to scrape up all those savory browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. This is where you unlock even more depth for your sauce. Give it a couple of minutes for the wine to reduce slightly.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Now bring it all together! Stir in the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, dried oregano, dried thyme, and (if you love spice) a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes. Mix everything well. Nestle the seared chicken back into the pan, making sure the pieces are skin-side up. Spoon some of the sauce over each piece, cover the pot, and let it all gently simmer over low heat for 35 to 40 minutes. The chicken will slowly soak up all those rich flavors, becoming fall-off-the-bone tender.
Step 5: Add Olives, Capers, and Thicken
Uncover your pot and scatter in the pitted black olives and drained capers. Continue to cook for another 10 minutes with the lid off so the sauce thickens ever so slightly and the briny flavors infuse every bite. The kitchen smells absolutely incredible at this point!
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Turn off the heat and finish your Hearty Chicken Cacciatore with a generous dusting of chopped fresh parsley. For extra Italian charm, add a few torn basil leaves. The freshness balances the savory sauce perfectly and makes the whole dish look irresistible.
How to Serve Hearty Chicken Cacciatore
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley is non-negotiable—it adds a burst of color and a subtle herby note. If you have fresh basil leaves, tear a few on top just before serving. Don’t forget an extra grind of black pepper or even a drizzle of good olive oil for a restaurant-worthy finish to your Hearty Chicken Cacciatore.
Side Dishes
This saucy, rustic main shines when spooned over a bed of perfectly cooked pasta (think wide pappardelle), creamy polenta, or even fluffy rice to soak up every drop of the rich sauce. Crusty Italian bread makes an excellent addition, too—ideal for mopping up all that tomatoey goodness. Consider a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping centerpiece, serve the Hearty Chicken Cacciatore straight from your Dutch oven at the table with a big ladle. To elevate weeknight leftovers, shred the tender chicken and stuff it inside crusty sandwich rolls with a slice of mozzarella, or spoon over roasted vegetables for a lighter take. You can even use leftovers as a base for a soul-warming Italian stew by stirring in white beans or extra veggies.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow any remaining Hearty Chicken Cacciatore to cool completely before transferring into airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen and improve after a night in the cold, making leftovers even more satisfying.
Freezing
This dish is an absolute champ in the freezer. Simply portion the chicken and sauce into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight for best results, and you’ll have a ready-made feast for future you.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently in a covered saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. Either way, make sure the chicken is hot all the way through before serving.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken instead of bone-in?
Absolutely! Boneless chicken thighs or breasts are a great option if you want to save a little time. Just reduce the simmering time to avoid overcooking—about 20 to 25 minutes should do the trick. Keep in mind that bone-in pieces add extra flavor and richness to your Hearty Chicken Cacciatore, though!
Is wine essential in the recipe?
While red wine adds depth and complexity to the sauce, you can skip it if you prefer not to cook with alcohol—simply substitute with extra chicken broth. You’ll still have a robust and delicious Hearty Chicken Cacciatore, just a bit lighter in flavor.
How spicy is this dish?
The spice level is totally in your control! The crushed red pepper flakes add gentle heat, but you can leave them out for a milder version or amp them up if you love spice. The basic Hearty Chicken Cacciatore flavor is savory and comforting, not fiery, so it’s family-friendly as written.
What’s the best way to thicken the sauce?
Letting the sauce simmer uncovered in the final steps helps it reduce and intensify. If you prefer a thicker sauce, simply keep simmering a bit longer, or mash a few of the cooked vegetables into the sauce. Avoid adding flour or cornstarch—let the natural ingredients shine!
Can I prepare Hearty Chicken Cacciatore in advance?
Yes! In fact, the flavors only get better with time. Feel free to cook the entire dish a day ahead, cool, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, gently reheat over the stove. It’s ideal for entertaining or meal prepping for the week.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’ll give this Hearty Chicken Cacciatore a try—it’s a dish I turn to again and again whenever I’m craving comfort, rustic flavor, and a little dash of Italian magic. There’s just something special about a simmering pot of chicken, tomatoes, and peppers that turns any night into a celebration. Enjoy your kitchen’s new signature meal!
Print
Hearty Chicken Cacciatore Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Braising
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and flavorful recipe for Hearty Chicken Cacciatore, featuring tender chicken pieces simmered in a rich tomato sauce with bell peppers, olives, and capers. This classic Italian dish is perfect for a satisfying family dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Other Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup dry red wine
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup pitted black olives
- 2 tablespoons capers, drained
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season chicken thighs and drumsticks with salt and pepper.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or skillet, sear chicken until golden brown, then set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: Sauté onion, bell peppers, and garlic until softened.
- Deglaze: Deglaze the pan with red wine.
- Add Ingredients: Stir in tomatoes, broth, herbs, and spices. Return chicken to the pan.
- Simmer: Cover and simmer until chicken is tender.
- Final Touches: Add olives and capers, cook uncovered to thicken sauce. Garnish with parsley and basil.
Notes
- Serve over pasta, rice, or creamy polenta.
- You can substitute boneless chicken, but adjust cooking time.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece thigh + 1 drumstick with sauce
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
