Chicken Cacciatore, also known as Hunter-Style Chicken, is a hearty Italian classic bursting with rustic flavors. The word “cacciatore” means “hunter” in Italian, and this dish captures that countryside essence perfectly. Tender chicken is slowly simmered in a rich tomato sauce with bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, garlic, and herbs. The result is a deeply flavorful one-pan meal that feels both cozy and elegant. Whether served with pasta, rice, or crusty bread, every bite tastes like a trip to an Italian farmhouse kitchen.
2. Ingredients
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or 2 thighs and 2 drumsticks)
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1 teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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1 small onion, sliced
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1 red bell pepper, sliced
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1 green bell pepper, sliced
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8 oz (225 g) mushrooms, sliced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
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½ cup chicken broth or dry red wine
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2 tablespoons tomato paste
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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1 teaspoon dried basil
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½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
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1 bay leaf
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¼ cup pitted black olives (optional)
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Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish
3. Instructions
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Brown the chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Place the chicken skin-side down and cook for 6–8 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set aside. -
Sauté the vegetables:
In the same pan, add the sliced onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Cook for 5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. -
Build the sauce:
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken broth (or wine), oregano, basil, crushed red pepper flakes, and bay leaf. Mix well and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. -
Simmer the chicken:
Return the browned chicken pieces to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Cover and cook on low heat for 30–35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is tender and the sauce has thickened beautifully. -
Add olives and finish:
Stir in olives (if using) and simmer uncovered for another 5 minutes. Remove the bay leaf and taste the sauce—add salt or pepper if needed. -
Serve:
Spoon the chicken and sauce over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil for a fresh finish.
4. Preparation Time
Total: 55–60 minutes
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 40–45 minutes
5. Serving
Serves 4 people
6. Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: 420 kcal
Protein: 35 g
Fat: 25 g
Carbohydrates: 14 g
Fiber: 3 g
Sugar: 8 g
Sodium: 850 mg
7. Tips
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Wine swap: If you prefer not to use wine, replace it with chicken broth and a splash of balsamic vinegar for depth.
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For extra flavor: Add a handful of chopped sun-dried tomatoes when building the sauce.
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Make it creamy: Stir in a spoonful of mascarpone or cream at the end for a silky texture.
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One-pan meal: You can add baby potatoes directly into the sauce during simmering for a complete dish.
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Storage: Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days; flavors deepen beautifully overnight.
8. Final Thought
Chicken Cacciatore is everything comfort food should be — rich, hearty, and made with simple ingredients that simmer into magic. Its tomato-herb sauce pairs perfectly with tender chicken, and the aroma alone feels like home. Whether you’re cooking for family or treating yourself to a cozy dinner, this timeless Italian favorite never disappoints.
