Transport your kitchen to the Italian countryside with this soul-warming chicken cacciatore recipe that’s been passed down through generations. This rustic “hunter’s style” dish transforms simple ingredients into something magical, with tender chicken pieces slowly simmered in aromatic wine and vegetables until they practically fall off the bone. Best of all, this one-pot wonder delivers maximum flavor with minimal cleanup.
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Table of Contents
Why This Recipe Works
The magic of chicken cacciatore lies in the slow braising process that allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Using bone-in chicken pieces saves money and adds incredible flavor as the bones release their natural gelatin during cooking. The combination of white wine, tomatoes, and aromatic vegetables creates a rich, complex sauce that’s perfect for soaking up with pasta or crusty bread.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- Chicken pieces – Bone-in pieces provide the best flavor and stay moist during braising
- Olive oil – Creates the foundation for browning and adds Mediterranean flavor
- Salt – Enhances the natural flavors of all ingredients
- Black pepper – Adds subtle heat and aromatic depth
For the Sauce:
- Sliced onion – Provides sweet, caramelized base notes for the sauce
- Garlic – Adds aromatic complexity and classic Italian flavor
- Hot ground red pepper – Brings gentle heat and authentic Italian character
- Parsley – Fresh herb brightness that balances the rich flavors
- Bay leaves – Contribute earthy, herbal undertones to the braising liquid
- Dry white wine – Deglazes the pan and adds acidity to balance the dish
- Tomato pulp – Forms the rich, savory base of the sauce
- Mushrooms – Adds meaty texture and earthy, umami flavors
How to Make Chicken Cacciatore
- Brown chicken parts in olive oil over low heat until golden brown.
- Add onion, red pepper, black pepper, salt, parsley, garlic, and bay leaves.
- Cover and cook for 10 minutes.
- Add wine and cook for 15 minutes.
- Add tomato pulp and mushrooms. Cook for 20 minutes or until mushrooms are done. Serve hot.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage: Store in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Flavors actually improve overnight as they meld together.
- Reheating Method: Reheat gently in a covered pot over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth if the sauce seems too thick.
- Freezing: Freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Favorite Chicken Recipes
- Aussie Chicken Recipe
- Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Bake
- Chicken Oriental Salad
- Chicken Shoyu
- Chilis Margarita Chicken
- Japanese Style Chicken
- Longhorn Chicken Parmesan
- Sunday Chicken
Popular Italian Recipes
- Chicken Alfredo Olive Garden
- Chicken Parmigiana Olive Garden
- Classic Shrimp Scampi
- Crusted Chicken Romano
- Toscana Soup Recipe
Be sure to check out my easy chicken recipes and the best Italian recipes here on CopyKat!
Italian Chicken Cacciatore – Easy One-Pot Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 pounds chicken pieces
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 3/4 cup sliced onion
- 1 pinch ground red pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 bay leaves
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1/4 cup tomato pulp
- 1 1/2 cups sliced mushrooms
Instructions
- Brown chicken parts in olive oil over low heat until golden brown.
- Add onion, red pepper, black pepper, salt, parsley, garlic, and bay leaves. Cover pan and cook for 10 minutes.
- Add wine and cook on low for 15 minutes.
- Add tomato pulp and add sliced mushrooms and let cook slowly for 20 minutes or until mushrooms are done. Serve hot.
Tried this recipe last night. It was excellent! I’m a big fan of the dish at olive garden. I added mushrooms in with the vegetables. I also added butter to the sauce. I still think maybe a bit more garlic would have made it just a bit better. thanks
This was better than the chicken Cacciatore my mom used to make.