Chicken Cacciatore with Tomatoes and Peppers is a rustic Italian classic rooted in simple, countryside cooking. “Cacciatore” means “hunter-style,” and this dish reflects hearty, comforting flavors created from slow-simmered chicken, aromatic vegetables, and rich tomatoes.

This version is vibrant, colorful, and deeply flavorful thanks to tender chicken simmered with bell peppers, onions, garlic, and herbs. It’s a one-pot meal that fills your home with an irresistible aroma and offers the perfect balance of comfort and sophistication. Ideal for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings, it’s the kind of dish that feels special without requiring complicated steps.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this Chicken Cacciatore because of how beautifully all the ingredients come together in one pot. Every bite is savory, satisfying, and layered with flavor—from the sweetness of the peppers to the richness of the tomatoes and the fragrance of herbs. It’s a dish that tastes like it simmered all day, even though it’s incredibly easy to make.

The adaptability is another reason I love it: serve it with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread, and it transforms each time into something new. It’s the kind of recipe that becomes a household staple.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it brings restaurant-quality flavor to your kitchen with minimal effort. You don’t need special ingredients or techniques—just a slow simmer that does all the work. Chicken Cacciatore is also nutritious, wholesome, and well-balanced, combining lean protein with vegetables and herbs.

Its versatility makes it suitable for meal prep, family dinners, or entertaining guests. Whether you’re craving something cozy or looking for a dish to impress, this recipe delivers every time.

Recipe Details

Category	Information
Course	Main Course
Cuisine	Italian
Prep Time	20 minutes
Cook Time	45–50 minutes
Total Time	65–70 minutes
Servings	4 servings
Calories per Serving	~380 calories

Ingredients

For the Chicken Cacciatore

• 4 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional but recommended)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tbsp capers or olives (optional for authentic flavor)

Cooking Directions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then sear both sides until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same pan, sauté onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms until softened.
4. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
5. Stir in crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, herbs, bay leaf, and optional capers or olives.
6. Return chicken to the pan, cover, and simmer for 40 minutes or until chicken is tender.
7. Remove bay leaf, sprinkle with parsley, and serve hot.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken dry and season generously with salt and pepper. This ensures a flavorful, well-seared crust.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Add oil to the pan and sear chicken on both sides until browned. This step builds the foundation of flavor for the entire dish.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

Use the same pan to soften onions, peppers, and mushrooms. Allow them to caramelize slightly for deeper flavor.

Step 4: Add Aromatics and Liquids

Stir in garlic, crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and herbs. Combine well so the flavors distribute evenly.

Step 5: Simmer

Return the chicken to the pot and let the mixture simmer gently, covered, until the chicken is tender and infused with the sauce.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Remove the bay leaf, adjust seasoning, garnish with parsley, and serve.

How to Serve This Recipe

Chicken Cacciatore is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:

• Buttered pasta or fettuccine
• Creamy mashed potatoes
• Steamed rice
• Polenta
• Crusty Italian bread
• Roasted vegetables

Serve with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.

Recipe Tips

• Sear the chicken well for better depth of flavor.
• Use bone-in chicken for tenderness and richer sauce.
• Let the sauce simmer uncovered for the last 10 minutes to thicken.
• Add wine (½ cup red or white) for a more authentic Italian taste.
• Adjust spice level with red pepper flakes.

Variations

• White Wine Cacciatore: Replace broth with dry white wine.
• Spicy Cacciatore: Add jalapeño or extra crushed red pepper flakes.
• Mushroom Lovers: Double the mushrooms for a heartier dish.
• Slow Cooker Version: Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
• Vegetarian Cacciatore: Replace chicken with chickpeas or tofu.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheat: Warm in a saucepan over medium heat or microwave until hot.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or Dutch oven
• Sharp knife for slicing vegetables
• Cutting board
• Wooden spoon
• Ladle

FAQ

Can I use boneless chicken?

Yes, but bone-in cuts offer richer flavor.

Can I add wine to the sauce?

Absolutely. White or red wine adds classic Italian depth.

Is this dish spicy?

Not by default, but you can increase heat with red pepper flakes.

Can I make this ahead?

Yes, it reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep.

Can I skip mushrooms?

Yes, they’re optional but enhance flavor.

Conclusion

Chicken Cacciatore with Tomatoes and Peppers is a timeless Italian comfort dish that delivers hearty flavors, rich aromas, and a deeply satisfying meal—all from simple ingredients. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or yourself, this recipe promises warmth, depth, and authentic rustic charm. It’s easy enough for weeknights yet impressive enough for gatherings, making it a staple worth adding to your home kitchen collection.