Name: Easy Chicken Cacciatore
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 6 chicken thighs bone-in, skin on, trimmed of excess fat; Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste; Extra virgin olive oil; 1 small yellow onion, chopped; 2 celery ribs, chopped; ½ red bell pepper, chopped; ½ green bell pepper, chopped; 8 ounces mushrooms (white or baby bella), cleaned and sliced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tsp oregano; 3 sprigs fresh thyme; 2 tbsp fresh chopped parsley, more for garnish; Pinch red pepper flakes; 1 cup red wine; 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes

Description

This Easy Chicken Cacciatore recipe offers a delicious, comforting Italian dish made with tender chicken thighs simmered in a savory tomato-based sauce. With vegetables, herbs, and a splash of red wine, this one-pot meal is perfect for a satisfying dinner. Serve it with pasta, rice, or crusty bread for a complete and flavorful meal.

Ingredients

6 chicken thighs bone-in, skin on, trimmed of excess fat

Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste

Extra virgin olive oil

1 small yellow onion, chopped

2 celery ribs, chopped

½ red bell pepper, chopped

½ green bell pepper, chopped

8 ounces mushrooms (white or baby bella), cleaned and sliced

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 tsp oregano

3 sprigs fresh thyme

2 tbsp fresh chopped parsley, more for garnish

Pinch red pepper flakes

1 cup red wine

28-ounce can crushed tomatoes

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Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven. Sear the chicken thighs skin-side down for 5-7 minutes, until golden and crispy. Flip and cook for another 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Cook the Vegetables: In the same pan, add more olive oil if necessary. Sauté onion, celery, bell peppers, and mushrooms until softened, about 5-6 minutes. Add garlic, oregano, thyme, red pepper flakes, and parsley; cook for 1 more minute.
Add Wine and Tomatoes: Pour in red wine and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes. Stir in crushed tomatoes.
Simmer the Chicken: Return the chicken thighs to the pan, skin-side up. Cover and simmer on low heat for 30-40 minutes, until chicken is tender.
Finish and Serve: Remove chicken, discard thyme sprigs, and stir in fresh parsley. Serve with pasta, rice, or bread.

Notes

For Leaner Meat: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs, but thighs provide more flavor and juiciness.

Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with hearty vegetables such as eggplant or zucchini for a vegetarian alternative.

Spicy Version: Add extra red pepper flakes or a chopped chili pepper for more heat.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Searing, Simmering
Cuisine: Italian