When you think about Chicken Cacciatore, you might picture a comforting dish rich with flavors and aromas. But did you know there are several ways to enhance this classic? You can investigate a traditional version brimming with vibrant vegetables or opt for a slow cooker recipe that saves time without sacrificing taste. Plus, there are unique twists like spicy variations and those featuring olives that can surprise your palate. Curious about which recipes stand out the most? Let's uncover the five best Chicken Cacciatore recipes that might just become staples in your kitchen.
Classic Chicken Cacciatore
Classic Chicken Cacciatore is a hearty Italian dish that features tender chicken braised in a rich tomato sauce with bell peppers, onions, and herbs.
This rustic recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a cozy gathering, as it offers a comforting blend of flavors that evoke the essence of home-cooked Italian meals.
Serve it over pasta or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce, and enjoy a taste of Italy right at your table.
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions:
Season the chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper.
In a large, heavy skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken, skin-side down, and sear until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes per side.
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
Stir in the sliced bell peppers and cook for another 3 minutes.
Add the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes if using.
Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce.
Cover and simmer on low heat for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Extra Tips:
For the best flavor, allow the chicken to marinate in the seasoning for a few hours or overnight before cooking.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer the dish uncovered for the last 10-15 minutes of cooking.
Feel free to add mushrooms or olives for additional depth of flavor.
This dish also freezes well, making it a great option for meal prep or for enjoying later on a busy night.
Don't forget to garnish with fresh parsley before serving for a pop of color!
Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore is a comforting and flavorful dish that makes the most of your slow cooker, allowing you to enjoy a hearty meal with minimal effort. This Italian-inspired recipe features tender chicken simmered in a rich tomato sauce with bell peppers, onions, and herbs, creating a delicious sauce that pairs perfectly with pasta or crusty bread.
Simply toss the ingredients into your slow cooker and let the magic happen while you go about your day.
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 bell peppers (any color), sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then brown them in the skillet for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Transfer the browned chicken to the slow cooker, and add the sliced onion, bell peppers, and minced garlic.
Pour the crushed tomatoes over the top, then sprinkle with oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes if using.
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
Before serving, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces if desired, and stir to combine everything.
Extra Tips:
For added depth of flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the herbs and some olive oil the night before.
You can also use boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs for a leaner option, but keep in mind that they may cook faster and could dry out if overcooked.
Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preferences; mushrooms and zucchini make great additions.
Serve your Chicken Cacciatore over pasta or with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce!
Chicken Cacciatore With Olives
Chicken Cacciatore with Olives is a delightful Italian dish that brings together tender chicken, rich tomato sauce, and the briny goodness of olives for a meal that's bursting with flavor.
This rustic recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner and can be served over pasta, polenta, or even with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. Prepare to impress your family and friends with this comforting and hearty dish that's sure to become a favorite in your home.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced (red or yellow)
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup green or black olives, pitted and halved
- 1 tablespoon capers (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions:
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet, skin-side down.
Brown the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown, then remove them from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth, then stir in the olives, capers (if using), oregano, and basil.
Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce.
Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover, and let it cook for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Extra Tips:
For an added depth of flavor, consider marinating the chicken in olive oil, garlic, and herbs for a few hours prior to cooking.
You can also use bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts if you prefer, but thighs tend to yield a juicier result.
Feel free to experiment with different types of olives or even add a splash of red wine to the sauce for an extra layer of complexity.
Serve your Chicken Cacciatore with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a beautiful and flavorful presentation.
Spicy Chicken Cacciatore
Spicy Chicken Cacciatore is a delicious Italian dish that brings warmth and flavor to any dinner table. This vibrant and hearty meal features tender chicken simmered in a zesty tomato sauce infused with bell peppers, onions, and a kick of heat from red pepper flakes.
Perfect for a cozy family dinner or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to impress with its rich flavors and aromatic spices. Serve it over pasta or with crusty bread to soak up every last bit of the spicy sauce.
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions:
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet, cooking until browned on both sides, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in the garlic, red and yellow bell peppers, and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
Add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, and return the chicken to the skillet. Cover and let simmer on low heat for about 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Extra Tips:
For an even spicier kick, feel free to add fresh sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce while cooking.
You can also use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs if you prefer a leaner option, just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
To improve the flavor, let the dish sit for a little while after cooking; the spices will meld beautifully.
Pair your Spicy Chicken Cacciatore with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad for a well-rounded meal.
Healthy Chicken Cacciatore Recipe
Healthy Chicken Cacciatore is a flavorful and nutritious twist on the classic Italian dish. This recipe uses skinless chicken breasts and loads of fresh vegetables to create a hearty meal that's lower in fat but rich in taste. The combination of bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes not only adds vibrant colors but also provides a wealth of vitamins and minerals.
Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this dish can be served over whole-grain pasta or brown rice for a wholesome meal that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients:
- 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 bell peppers (red and green), sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Cooking Instructions:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and add the chopped onion, cooking until translucent.
Add the sliced bell peppers and minced garlic, sautéing until the vegetables are tender. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet, browning on both sides for about 5 minutes.
Pour in the diced tomatoes and chicken broth, then sprinkle the oregano and basil over the top. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for about 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Extra Tips:
For an extra touch of flavor, consider marinating the chicken in a mixture of lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for a few hours beforehand.
You can also add mushrooms or zucchini for more veggies. If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the chicken once it's cooked and let the sauce simmer uncovered for a few minutes to reduce.
Finally, this dish can be made in advance and reheated, making it a great option for meal prepping!