Easy Skillet Chicken Cacciatore: Your New Go-To Italian Comfort Food

Prepare to fall in love with a classic Italian dish, reimagined for modern convenience. This Easy Skillet Chicken Cacciatore delivers all the robust, heartwarming flavors you crave from traditional “hunter-style” chicken stew, but with significantly less effort and time. Crafted as a delightful one-pan meal, this recipe simmers succulent chicken with a vibrant medley of tomatoes, bell peppers, mushrooms, and aromatic herbs. The irresistible aroma alone will draw your family to the kitchen, promising a comforting and deeply satisfying dinner that tastes like it’s been slow-cooked all day.

Our Skillet Chicken Cacciatore is a testament to how quick cooking doesn’t mean compromising on taste. Each bite offers tender, fall-apart chicken bathed in a rustic, savory sauce that truly melts in your mouth, leaving you eager for a second helping. This isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience of pure comfort and authentic Italian flavor, made accessible for any home cook. Forget complex steps or lengthy simmering times; this recipe proves that incredible, slow-cooked taste can be achieved efficiently without sacrificing the gourmet feel.

If you’re a connoisseur of classic Italian flavors, you’ll also adore some of our other celebrated chicken dishes. Don’t miss out on our Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Pasta, a vibrant and creamy pasta dish; the sophisticated Creamy Chicken Florentine, with its rich spinach and cream sauce; and our ever-popular Creamy Tuscan Chicken, a sun-dried tomato and spinach delight. Each recipe offers a unique journey through the heart of Italian-inspired cuisine.

Why You’ll Adore This Easy Skillet Chicken Cacciatore Recipe

This recipe isn’t just another dinner idea; it’s a culinary triumph that will quickly become a cherished part of your meal rotation. Here’s why this simplified Chicken Cacciatore is an absolute must-try:

• Remarkably Fast: Experience the depth and richness of a dish that tastes like it has simmered all day, all achieved in under an hour. Perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something truly special without the extensive prep or cook time. This efficient cooking method doesn’t sacrifice flavor, making gourmet meals accessible on a tight schedule.
• Effortless Cleanup: Say goodbye to piles of pots and pans! This incredible one-skillet dish dramatically simplifies your kitchen routine, making cleanup an absolute breeze. More time enjoying your meal, less time scrubbing dishes – that’s a win-win in our book.
• Deeply Robust and Comforting: Every spoonful is a symphony of flavors and textures. Juicy, tender chicken thighs marry perfectly with the rich, savory tomatoes, earthy vegetables, and the delightful briny kick of capers and olives. The result is a profoundly satisfying meal that nourishes both body and soul, offering true comfort with every bite.
• Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with lean protein from chicken and a bounty of fresh vegetables, this cacciatore is a wholesome meal option. It’s rich in vitamins and minerals, providing a delicious way to enjoy a balanced diet without compromising on taste.
• Versatile and Customizable: Whether you prefer a spicier kick, different vegetables, or a lighter protein, this recipe serves as an excellent canvas for your culinary creativity. Its adaptability ensures it can cater to various tastes and dietary preferences, making it a family favorite.
• Impressively Delicious: Despite its simplicity, this dish tastes incredibly gourmet. It’s the kind of meal you can proudly serve to guests, making them believe you spent hours in the kitchen, when in reality, it was quick and easy.

Understanding Chicken Cacciatore: A Culinary Dive

The name “Cacciatore” translates to “hunter” in Italian, giving us a vivid image of its rustic origins. This classic Italian preparation, often referred to as “hunter-style,” traditionally involves chicken (or sometimes rabbit) stewed with a medley of onions, herbs, often bell peppers, and tomatoes. The beauty of cacciatore lies in its simplicity and the slow melding of flavors, resulting in incredibly tender meat and a rich, deeply savory sauce. Our skillet version captures this essence, delivering the authentic taste and comforting feel of traditional cacciatore, adapted for quick and easy preparation in your home kitchen.

Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Chicken Cacciatore

Crafting an exceptional Chicken Cacciatore starts with selecting the right ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in building the layered flavors that make this dish so memorable. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and why:

• Chicken Thighs: We opt for skin-on and bone-in chicken thighs for a reason. They are incredibly affordable, packed with rich flavor, and remain wonderfully juicy throughout the simmering process. The bone contributes to a deeper, more robust sauce, while the skin crisps up beautifully when seared, adding an extra layer of texture and taste before it braises into tender submission.
• Seasoning for Chicken: A generous application of Italian seasoning, along with a good pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper, elevates the chicken’s natural flavors. This simple blend ensures every piece of chicken is flavorful from the inside out, creating a delicious base for your cacciatore.
• Olive Oil: A light, neutral olive oil is perfect for browning the chicken to a golden crisp and gently sautéing the vegetables. It provides a subtle, fruity undertone without overpowering the other ingredients, ensuring a balanced flavor profile for your stew.
• Fresh Vegetables:
  • Yellow Onion: Sliced yellow onion forms the aromatic foundation of the dish, mellowing and sweetening as it cooks.
  • Baby Bella Mushrooms: Sliced baby Bella mushrooms add an earthy, umami depth that complements the chicken and tomato sauce beautifully. Their meaty texture also adds to the heartiness of the stew.
  • Red Bell Pepper: Sliced red bell pepper introduces a touch of sweetness and a vibrant color, alongside essential vitamins and a pleasing crunch.
• Fresh Minced Garlic: Fresh garlic is non-negotiable for authentic Italian flavor. Minced garlic infuses the entire dish with its pungent, aromatic essence, providing that characteristic warmth and depth that is a hallmark of cacciatore.
• Chicken Stock: Using low-sodium chicken stock allows you to control the overall saltiness of the dish while adding a savory liquid base for the sauce. It helps to deglaze the pan and build a richer flavor profile.
• Tomato Base:
  • Tomato Paste: A tablespoon of tomato paste adds concentrated tomato flavor and helps to thicken the sauce, contributing to its rich, rustic consistency.
  • Diced Tomatoes: A large can of diced tomatoes forms the bulk of the sauce, providing both texture and a bright, tangy sweetness that is essential for a classic cacciatore.
• Seasonings for Sauce: The sauce is brought to life with a harmonious blend of fresh thyme, more Italian seasoning, aromatic oregano, salt, and pepper. These herbs and spices are key to achieving that signature Italian depth and complexity.
• Olives and Capers: These two ingredients are the secret weapons for adding a unique salty, briny, and tangy zing to the sauce. Pitted black olives provide a rich, savory note, while capers offer a sharp, piquant burst that brightens the entire dish and cuts through the richness.
• Fresh Parsley: A final garnish of freshly chopped parsley adds a burst of freshness, vibrant color, and a herbaceous lift to the finished dish, making it visually appealing and enhancing its overall flavor.

Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Delicious Chicken Cacciatore

Follow these straightforward steps to prepare a truly spectacular Chicken Cacciatore. Precision and attention to detail at each stage will ensure a flavorful and tender result:

• Step 1: Season the Chicken to Perfection. Begin by thoroughly patting your bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This crucial step helps achieve a crispier skin when searing. Then, liberally season both sides of the chicken thighs with your Italian seasonings, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Ensure an even coating for maximum flavor.

• Step 2: Sear the Chicken for Depth of Flavor. Heat a large, heavy-bottomed skillet (preferably cast iron or an oven-safe pan) over a medium-high flame. Add the olive oil and once shimmering, carefully place the seasoned chicken thighs, skin-side down, into the hot pan. Cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until the skin turns a beautiful golden brown and the meat is nicely seared. This step is vital for developing a deep, rich crust and locking in moisture. Do not cook the chicken all the way through at this stage. Transfer the seared chicken to a clean plate and set aside.

• Step 3: Sauté the Aromatic Vegetables. Using the same skillet (don’t clean it, those browned bits are flavor!), add a little more olive oil if needed. Introduce the sliced yellow onions, minced garlic, and sliced baby Bella mushrooms. Sauté these aromatics for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions soften and become translucent, and the mushrooms release their moisture. Then, add the sliced red bell pepper and continue to cook for another 2 minutes, allowing it to soften slightly but retain a bit of crispness.

• Step 4: Build the Flavorful Sauce. Pour in the low-sodium chicken stock and stir, scraping up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan – this is known as deglazing and adds immense flavor. Stir in the tomato paste, diced tomatoes (undrained), fresh thyme sprig, remaining Italian seasonings, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring this rich sauce to a gentle boil, allowing the flavors to meld and develop.

• Step 5: Simmer the Chicken to Tenderness. Carefully arrange the seared chicken thighs back into the skillet, nestling them into the simmering sauce. Distribute the pitted black olives and capers around the chicken. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet tightly, and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes. The chicken is cooked through when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and it’s wonderfully fork-tender, falling off the bone.

• Step 6: Garnish and Serve Hot. Once the chicken is cooked to perfection, remove the skillet from the heat. Generously garnish the chicken cacciatore with freshly chopped parsley to add a burst of color and a fresh herbaceous note. Serve immediately, perhaps with your favorite side dish to soak up all that incredible sauce. Enjoy this rustic, comforting Italian meal!

Expert Tips for Crafting the Best Chicken Cacciatore

Achieving a truly exceptional Chicken Cacciatore is easy with these insider tips. Elevate your dish from great to extraordinary by incorporating these simple yet effective techniques:

• Embrace Bone-In, Skin-On Chicken: While you can remove the skin, keeping bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs provides unparalleled flavor and juiciness. The bone infuses the sauce with depth, and the skin, when properly seared, adds a delightful crispiness before rendering into tender richness. This is key for that slow-cooked taste.
• Master the Sear: Ensure you sear the chicken until the skin is beautifully golden brown, but resist the urge to cook it all the way through at this stage. The goal is to develop a deep, rich crust and lock in moisture. The chicken will finish cooking as it gently braises in the savory sauce, resulting in ultimate tenderness.
• Sauté Vegetables with Care: Take your time to properly sauté the onions and bell peppers. This step allows them to develop their natural sweetness and caramelize slightly, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the sauce. Avoid overcooking them to the point of mushiness; they should still have a slight structural integrity.
• Mushroom Alternatives: If mushrooms aren’t a favorite at your table, feel free to omit them entirely. To compensate for the lost volume and earthy flavor, consider increasing the quantities of onions and bell peppers, or even adding other hearty vegetables like zucchini or carrots.
• Elevate with Wine: For an extra layer of complexity and authentic Italian flavor, substitute half a cup of low-sodium chicken broth with a dry white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. Add the wine after sautéing the vegetables and allow it to simmer for a few minutes to cook off the alcohol before adding the tomatoes.
• Add a Spicy Kick: If you appreciate a touch of heat, stir in a teaspoon of red pepper flakes along with the other seasonings. Adjust the amount to your preferred level of spiciness, adding a dynamic warmth to the rustic sauce.
• White Meat Option: While chicken thighs are recommended for their flavor and tenderness, you can certainly use bone-in chicken breast if you prefer white meat. Be mindful to adjust the cooking time, as chicken breast cooks faster and can dry out more easily. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).
• Don’t Skip the Brine: Olives and capers are not just an optional addition; they are crucial for providing a delightful salty, briny, and tangy counterpoint to the rich tomato sauce. Their unique flavors brighten the dish and enhance its overall Italian character. While you can omit them, the final taste will be noticeably different.
• Verify Doneness: For food safety and optimal texture, always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should register 165°F (74°C) at its thickest part to be safely cooked through and perfectly tender.

Delicious Variations & Smart Substitutions for Your Cacciatore

This Easy Skillet Chicken Cacciatore is wonderfully versatile, inviting you to customize it to your taste or what you have on hand. Don’t hesitate to experiment with these ideas to make it your own:

• Add More Vegetables: Beyond the core ingredients, feel free to incorporate other vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or even green beans for added nutrition and texture. Add harder vegetables like carrots during the sautéing stage with onions, and softer ones like zucchini towards the end of the simmering.
• Spice It Up: For those who love a bit of heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper with the seasonings.
• Herb Garden Freshness: While dried Italian seasoning and oregano are excellent, consider experimenting with other fresh herbs like basil, rosemary, or bay leaves for different aromatic notes. Add fresh delicate herbs like basil towards the end of cooking.
• Olives Galore: If you’re an olive lover, try a mix of Kalamata and green olives alongside or instead of black olives for a more complex briny flavor profile.
• Different Protein: As mentioned, bone-in chicken breasts are a good alternative. For a truly traditional approach, some cacciatore recipes use rabbit. For a vegetarian version, hearty vegetables like eggplant or chickpeas can replace the chicken.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Cacciatore

Discover More Delicious Chicken Thigh Recipes

If you’ve enjoyed the rich flavors and tender texture of chicken thighs in this Cacciatore, you’ll be thrilled to explore more recipes featuring this versatile cut of poultry. Chicken thighs are celebrated for their affordability, juiciness, and ability to absorb incredible flavors. Here are some of our other favorite ways to transform chicken thighs into memorable meals:

• Garlic Mushroom Chicken Thighs: A simple yet elegant dish featuring pan-seared chicken thighs in a luscious garlic mushroom sauce.
• Lemon Herb Mediterranean Chicken: Bright and zesty, this recipe brings the fresh flavors of the Mediterranean right to your table, perfect for a lighter meal.
• Creamy Sundried Tomato Chicken Thighs: Indulge in a rich, creamy sauce infused with savory sun-dried tomatoes, making for an incredibly comforting dish.
• Tuscan Chicken Thighs: A hearty and flavorful recipe inspired by the rustic cuisine of Tuscany, featuring spinach and a rich sauce.
• Honey Mustard Instant Pot Chicken Stew: For those who love the convenience of the Instant Pot, this sweet and tangy stew delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

We sincerely hope you find joy in every recipe we share, especially this delightful Easy Skillet Chicken Cacciatore. We encourage you to try it out, savor its flavors, and share your experience with friends and family! Your feedback is invaluable and helps us continue creating delicious content.

If you recreate this recipe and love it, please consider leaving a star rating and a comment below. Don’t forget to use our hashtag #CookinWithMima when sharing your delicious creations on Instagram – we love seeing what you cook! For all our latest culinary updates and recipe inspirations, be sure to follow Cookin’ With Mima on FACEBOOK |INSTAGRAM |PINTEREST. Happy cooking!

Best Chicken Cacciatore

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars based on 5 votes

By: Mariam Ezzeddine

Easy chicken cacciatore pairs stewed chicken thighs with a rich tomato and white wine sauce for a rustic and comforting one-skillet dish, perfect for any weeknight.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Pin Recipe

Ingredients

• 4 whole chicken thighs, skin on and bone in
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (for chicken)
• ½ teaspoon salt (for chicken)
• ½ teaspoon ground pepper (for chicken)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, sliced
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• 8 oz baby Bella mushrooms, sliced
• 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
• ½ cup chicken broth, low sodium
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 sprig fresh thyme
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (for sauce)
• ½ teaspoon oregano
• ½ tsp Salt, to taste (for sauce)
• ¾ tsp black pepper (for sauce)
• ½ cup black olives, pitted
• 2 tablespoons capers
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped, to garnish

Instructions

1. Season the chicken thighs generously with Italian seasonings, salt, and pepper on all sides.
2. Heat a large skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and well-seared. Transfer them to a plate and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the sliced onions, minced garlic, and sliced mushrooms. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened. Then, add the sliced bell pepper and cook for 2 more minutes.
4. Stir in the chicken stock, tomato paste, diced tomatoes (with their liquid), fresh thyme sprig, Italian seasonings, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a boil.
5. Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Add the pitted black olives and capers. Cover the skillet, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken thighs are cooked through and fork-tender (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C).
6. Once cooked, remove from heat. Garnish the chicken cacciatore with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot.

Recipe Notes & Tips

• Bone-in chicken provides superior flavor and moisture; keep the skin on for an even richer taste, though it can be removed.
• Sear the chicken thoroughly to develop a flavorful crust, but avoid cooking it completely as it will finish braising in the sauce.
• Sauté onions and peppers until they develop flavor and soften, but ensure they don’t become overly mushy.
• If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, simply leave them out and increase the quantity of other vegetables like onions and peppers.
• For a deeper flavor, you can substitute half of the chicken broth with a dry white wine.
• Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes during the sauce preparation if you enjoy a touch of heat.
• Should you prefer white meat, bone-in chicken breast can be used instead of thighs; adjust cooking time as needed and always check for 165°F (74°C) internal temperature.
• Olives and capers are essential for their briny, salty notes that balance the richness of the dish; omitting them will alter the final flavor profile significantly.
• Always use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken is cooked to 165°F (74°C) for food safety and perfect tenderness.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

• Calories: 172 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 19g
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 11g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 7g
• Cholesterol: 1mg
• Sodium: 1298mg
• Potassium: 872mg
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 9g
• Vitamin A: 1771 IU
• Vitamin C: 77mg
• Calcium: 115mg
• Iron: 3mg