Chicken Cacciatore (Simple & Flavorful)

Name: Chicken Cacciatore
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 2 pounds boneless chicken thighs; 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided); 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; Kosher salt and pepper (to taste); 1 medium onion (finely chopped); 2 bell peppers (seeded and sliced); 4-6 cloves garlic (minced); ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar; 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes with basil (one can); 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried basil; fresh basil or parsley (optional garnish)

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This Chicken Cacciatore features tender chicken thighs braised in a rich, tangy tomato, onion, and bell pepper sauce. This wholesome stew is delicious served over pasta or polenta for the coziest dinner.

A skillet with chicken cacciatore made with chicken thighs.

Also known as Hunter’s Chicken, this classic Italian dish features simple ingredients that come together to form a comforting one-pan meal. While often made with rabbit, I’ve used chicken thighs here for their tender texture and savory flavor. I like to serve it as is, with fresh Italian focaccia or spaghetti, for a simple, stress-free dinner perfect for friends or family.

For more serving suggestions, try this tasty stew with my Italian Chopped Salad or Garlic Butter Mashed Cauliflower.

Recipe Overview

Skill Level

Intermediate

Prep Time

10 mins

Cook Time

40 mins

Ingredients Needed

Below are the ingredients you’ll need to make Chicken Cacciatore. The full quantities can be found in the recipe card further down the post.

Chicken thighs: I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs because they cook quickly and have a lovely, rich flavor. Chicken breast also works, but you may need to adjust the cooking time.
Olive oil: Used to sear the chicken and soften the vegetables. Avocado oil also works great.
Seasonings: Italian seasoning, Red pepper flakes, dried thyme, oregano, basil, Kosher salt, and black pepper
Onion: Adds layers of flavor to the sauce. Use a yellow or sweet onion, or a couple of shallots if you like.
Bell pepper: Brings sweetness and texture to the tomato sauce. You can use a mixture of colors. I like to add a green bell pepper so the sauce doesn’t become too sweet.
Garlic: I use fresh garlic for the best flavor. Pre-chopped garlic can speed up prep. Garlic powder also works in a pinch!
Balsamic vinegar: A key ingredient in chicken cacciatore, bringing some acidity and sweetness. You can swap it out for red wine vinegar, but you may need to add a touch of honey to bring some sweetness too.
Diced tomatoes: I use diced tomatoes with basil for added flavor. If using plain, diced tomatoes, stir in a bit of fresh, chopped basil.
Fresh basil or parsley: For a fresh color and flavor, parsley or basil is a delicious, optional garnish for the dish.

How to Make Chicken Cacciatore

Step 1: Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning on both sides.

Step 2: Heat a rimmed skillet over medium-high heat. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of oil and add the chicken. Sear until golden on both sides, then set aside (it doesn’t have to be cooked through for now).

process shot to marinate the chicken and cooking on skillet.

Step 3: Add the remaining oil to the pan and saute the onions and peppers for 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic and crushed chili, and cook for 1 minute. Add the balsamic vinegar and a splash of filtered water, then deglaze the pan by stirring to scrape up the bottom.

Step 4: Add diced tomatoes and the seasonings. Stir to combine, and bring the sauce to a boil. Reduce to low, then add the seared chicken.

process shot to sear the veggies in a skillet, then cook until soft.

Step 5: Simmer the sauce together with the chicken for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and tender. Make sure you occasionally stir through the bottom of the pan to avoid it from burning.

process shot to add diced tomatoes in with the veggies, then add chicken and cook in a skillet.

Step 6: Once ready, remove from heat. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

Step 7: Serve warm, over cooked spaghetti, if desired.

Variations & Tips

Add more veggies: Saute sliced cremini mushrooms along with the bell peppers, or stir in a handful of baby spinach at the end of cooking.
For a salty twist: Stir in capers or pitted olives.
For a richer dish: Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, which will make the sauce super flavorful. You’ll need to simmer the dish longer, as bone-in thighs take longer to cook through.
Simmering the chicken low and slow will ensure the meat turns out tender and falling apart.
Use high-quality canned chopped tomatoes or fresh tomatoes (when they’re in season) for the best flavor.
Add a parmesan rind to the sauce as it simmers to enrich it with a savory flavor. Just make sure you remember to remove the rind before serving the dish!

A white bowl of chicken cacciatore with spaghetti and a fork.

Common Questions

How do I store it?

Allow the chicken to cool, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How do I reheat it?

Warm the chicken cacciatore in a skillet over a medium-low heat with a splash of water, stirring occasionally, until piping hot throughout.

What does cacciatore mean?

‘Cacciatore’ means hunter in Italian. So the dish translates to Hunter’s Chicken. It was traditionally made with rabbit or pheasant, but is more commonly made with chicken thighs in America for a milder flavor.

Why is my sauce watery?

This can happen if the vegetables aren’t cooked for long enough before adding the liquids to the skillet. You can simply simmer the dish over low heat until the sauce thickens to your liking, or stir in some tomato paste to make it richer.

Is it gluten-free?

Yes! This dish is naturally gluten-free. You can serve it over polenta or mashed potatoes as a gluten-free side, or use gluten-free spaghetti.

More Chicken Recipes

Thank you so much for being here and for cooking along with me. If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Leave a comment and rating below.