Chicken Cacciatore

A rustic Italian dish of chicken simmered in tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, garlic, herbs, and wine. Rich, comforting, and deeply flavorful.

Ingredients

• 4–6 chicken thighs or mixed chicken pieces
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, sliced
• 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1–2 bell peppers, sliced
• 1 cup mushrooms (optional)
• 1 can (14–15 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• ½ cup red wine or chicken broth
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Directions

1. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven; sear chicken on all sides until browned. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same pan, sauté onions, garlic, and bell peppers until softened.
4. Add mushrooms (optional) and cook until lightly browned.
5. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian herbs, and a splash of red wine or chicken broth.
6. Return chicken to the pan, nestling it into the sauce.
7. Cover and simmer on low heat for 40–50 minutes until chicken is tender.
8. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or a pinch of sugar if tomatoes are too acidic.
9. Serve over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.