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Chicken Cacciatore

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Chicken Cacciatore is a rustic Italian-inspired dish featuring chicken simmered in a rich tomato sauce with onions, bell peppers, garlic, and herbs. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a comforting family dinner.

Ingredients

  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks (or boneless if preferred)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth or dry white wine
  • 2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Optional: 1 cup sliced mushrooms or 1/4 cup olives

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
  3. Brown the chicken on both sides, about 4–5 minutes per side, then remove and set aside.
  4. In the same pan, sauté the onions and bell peppers until softened, about 5 minutes.
  5. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
  6. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
  7. Add crushed tomatoes, broth or wine, Italian seasoning, and bay leaf. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
  8. Return the chicken to the pan, nestling it into the sauce. Cover and simmer on low heat for 30–40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
  9. For a thicker sauce, remove the lid and simmer uncovered for the last 10 minutes.
  10. Remove the bay leaf, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.

Notes

  • Add mushrooms or olives for extra flavor.
  • Boneless chicken cooks faster and is lighter.
  • Use crushed red pepper flakes for heat.
  • Try it in the slow cooker for convenience.
  • Great make-ahead dish — flavors improve overnight.

Nutrition