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Easy Italian Chicken Cacciatore Recipe

Easy Italian Chicken Cacciatore Recipe

Comforting chicken cacciatore with tender thighs, peppers, and mushrooms simmered in a rich tomato‑wine sauce. Weeknight easy, dinner‑party worthy.
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 6

Ingredients
 

Main Ingredients

  • 2 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 1.25 tsp kosher salt plus more to taste
  • 0.75 tsp black pepper
  • 0.25 cup all-purpose flour for light dredging
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1.5 cup sliced bell peppers any color
  • 1.25 cup chopped yellow onion
  • 8 oz sliced mushrooms
  • 2 tsp minced garlic
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 0.5 cup dry red wine or use more broth
  • 28 oz crushed tomatoes
  • 0.75 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 0.5 tsp dried thyme
  • 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes optional heat
  • 1.5 tbsp capers, drained
  • 0.5 cup pitted black olives, halved optional but classic
  • 0.25 cup chopped fresh parsley for serving

Instructions

Preparation Steps

  • Pat chicken dry; season with salt and pepper. Dust lightly with flour, shaking off excess.
  • Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Sear chicken until golden on both sides, about 6–8 minutes total; transfer to a plate.
  • Add peppers, onion, and mushrooms to the pan; sauté until softened and browned, 6–8 minutes.
  • Stir in garlic and tomato paste; cook until fragrant and slightly darkened, about 1 minute.
  • Pour in red wine; scrape up browned bits and reduce by half, 2–3 minutes.
  • Add crushed tomatoes, broth, oregano, basil, thyme, and red pepper flakes; bring to a gentle simmer.
  • Nestle chicken into the sauce; add capers and olives. Cover and simmer 20–25 minutes.
  • Uncover and cook 3–5 minutes to thicken. Taste and adjust salt. Sprinkle with parsley and serve.

Notes

Serve over polenta, buttered noodles, or a bowl of creamy mashed potatoes. No wine? Swap in extra broth and a splash of balsamic for depth. Use bone-in thighs if you prefer; increase simmer time by 10–15 minutes. Leftovers keep 4 days refrigerated; rewarm gently, adding a splash of broth if needed.
This recipe is an original creation inspired by classic Easy Italian Chicken Cacciatore Recipe flavors. All ingredient ratios and instructions are independently developed.