Easy and Flavorful Chicken Cacciatore with Red Peppers, Tomato, and Onion Recipe
Discover the magic of Chicken Cacciatore, a dish that tastes like it’s been slow-cooking all day but is ready in just over an hour. This Italian-inspired recipe combines tender chicken legs with a vibrant medley of red peppers, tomatoes, and onions, creating a mouthwatering meal that’s perfect for any night of the week.
Chicken Cacciatore, or “hunter-style” chicken, is a versatile dish with countless variations. Our version embraces the freedom to create, offering a delicious balance of flavors that will transport you to the Italian countryside. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 3 to 4 pounds (1.4 to 1.8kg) bone-in, skin-on chicken legs, thighs and drumsticks split
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons (45ml) extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 medium (8-ounce; 225g) yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 1 large (8-ounce; 225g) red bell pepper, stemmed, seeded, and thinly sliced
- 5 medium cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 3/4 cup (175ml) dry white wine
- 1 (28-ounce; 795g) can peeled whole tomatoes, drained and crushed by hand, plus 1/2 cup (120ml) reserved juices from can
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, sage, or thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Minced flat-leaf parsley, for garnish (optional)
Directions
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Prepare the Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). Season the chicken legs generously with salt and pepper, ensuring each piece is well-coated for maximum flavor.
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Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven or large straight-sided sauté pan over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the chicken in batches and cook for about 6 minutes per side, until beautifully browned. Transfer the seared chicken to a platter and set aside.
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Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pan, add the sliced onion, red pepper, and garlic. Cook for approximately 8 minutes, stirring occasionally and scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This step is crucial for building a rich, flavorful base for your sauce.
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Create the Sauce
Pour in the white wine and bring it to a simmer, allowing the alcohol to cook off slightly. Add the hand-crushed tomatoes along with the reserved juices, herb sprigs, and bay leaf. Return the mixture to a simmer and season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Combine and Cook
Nestle the seared chicken pieces back into the pan, making sure they’re partially submerged in the sauce. Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and cook uncovered for about 30 minutes. The chicken should be fully cooked and tender, and the sauce will have reduced slightly, becoming rich and flavorful.
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Serve and Enjoy
Remove the herb sprigs and bay leaf before serving. If desired, garnish with a sprinkle of minced parsley for a fresh, colorful touch. Serve your Chicken Cacciatore hot, alongside your favorite pasta, polenta, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Pro Tips for Perfect Chicken Cacciatore
- For the best flavor and texture, use bone-in, skin-on chicken legs. The higher fat content keeps the meat juicy and tender throughout the cooking process.
- Don’t rush the browning process. Proper searing creates a depth of flavor that’s essential to this dish.
- Feel free to experiment with herbs. While this recipe suggests rosemary, sage, or thyme, you can use a combination or try others like oregano for a different twist.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can simmer it on the stovetop for a few extra minutes after removing the chicken.
- This dish often tastes even better the next day, so don’t hesitate to make extra for delicious leftovers!
Wine Pairing Suggestion
Enhance your Chicken Cacciatore experience with a well-paired wine. A medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese complements the tomato-based sauce beautifully. If you prefer white, a crisp Pinot Grigio can balance the rich flavors of the dish.
Nutritional Facts
| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Servings: 4 to 6 | |
| Amount per serving | |
| Calories | 634 |
| % Daily Value* | |
| Total Fat 31g | 40% |
| Saturated Fat 7g | 37% |
| Cholesterol 336mg | 112% |
| Sodium 730mg | 32% |
| Total Carbohydrate 11g | 4% |
| Dietary Fiber 3g | 12% |
| Total Sugars 6g | |
| Protein 65g | |
| Vitamin C 85mg | 423% |
| Calcium 91mg | 7% |
| Iron 4mg | 23% |
| Potassium 1075mg | 23% |
| *The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice. | |
Storing and Reheating
This Chicken Cacciatore stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining. Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a covered pan on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
Customizing Your Cacciatore
One of the beauties of Chicken Cacciatore is its versatility. Feel free to add your personal touch to this classic dish. Try incorporating olives for a briny kick, or mushrooms for an earthy flavor. You can even swap the chicken for rabbit or pheasant for a more traditional hunter’s style meal. The possibilities are endless!