Italian Chicken Cacciatore

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

2. Add the chicken, skin side down, and sear for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown.

3. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Browning locks in flavor and gives the sauce a richer taste.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

1. In the same skillet, add onions and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.

2. Add bell peppers and mushrooms; cook for another 4–5 minutes.

3. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Pro tip: Don’t rush the vegetables—they build the base flavor for the sauce.

Step 4: Deglaze the Pan

1. Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom.

2. Let the liquid simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.

Deglazing incorporates the flavorful bits into the sauce.

Step 5: Make the Sauce

1. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, thyme, and red pepper flakes.

2. Mix well and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.

Optional: Taste and adjust salt and pepper at this stage.

Step 6: Simmer the Chicken

1. Return the browned chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce.

2. Pour in 1/2 cup chicken broth to keep the chicken moist.

3. Cover and simmer on low heat for 35–40 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

Tip: Simmering slowly lets the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

1. Taste the sauce one last time and adjust seasoning if needed.

2. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the chicken.

3. Serve hot with rustic bread, pasta, or creamy polenta for a complete meal.

Chef’s Notes

• For an extra depth of flavor, marinate the chicken with a bit of olive oil, garlic, and herbs for a few hours before cooking.

• Adding olives or capers gives a briny twist to the dish.

• Leftovers taste even better the next day, as the flavors continue to develop.

Conclusion
Italian Chicken Cacciatore is more than a meal—it’s a celebration of simple ingredients transformed by time and care. The tender chicken, enveloped in a rich, herby tomato sauce, makes it a comforting dish perfect for family dinners or special occasions. With this step-by-step guide, you can bring a taste of Italy into your own kitchen and impress anyone at the table.

If you want, I can also make a shortcut “30-minute version” of Chicken Cacciatore that’s faster but still full of flavor—perfect for busy weeknights. Do you want me to do that?