Description
Warm, hearty, and bursting with Italian flavors, this Quick Chicken Cacciatore is the perfect weeknight dinner. Juicy chicken thighs simmered with vibrant vegetables, herbs, and a rich tomato sauce make this dish a comforting favorite that’s easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Chicken and Basics
- Chicken thighs: 1 lb
- Olive oil: 4 tbsp (divided)
- Kosher salt: 3 tsp (divided)
- Black pepper: 2 tsp (divided)
- All-purpose flour: ¾ cup
- Dry white wine: ½ cup
Vegetables and Herbs
- Yellow onion: 1 medium, diced
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Bell peppers: 3 assorted colors, sliced
- Cremini mushrooms: 8 oz, quartered
- Marinated olives: ½ cup (green and black)
- Fresh herbs: 1 tbsp each of oregano, basil, and parsley; 1 tsp rosemary; 1 tbsp thyme
Sauce
- San Marzano tomatoes: 28 oz can
- Red pepper flakes: ½ tsp
- Parmesan cheese: For garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Season chicken thighs with 1 tsp kosher salt and 1 tsp black pepper.
- Dredge the chicken in flour, shaking off excess.
- Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear chicken thighs for 3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
2. Cook the Aromatics
- In the same skillet, heat the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil.
- Sauté diced onion for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
3. Add the Vegetables
- Stir in bell peppers, mushrooms, and olives.
- Season with 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Cook for 5 minutes until vegetables are tender.
4. Build the Sauce
- Add canned tomatoes to the skillet, crushing them with your hands.
- Stir in fresh herbs (oregano, basil, parsley, rosemary, thyme).
- Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes.
5. Bake the Cacciatore
- Return the seared chicken to the skillet, ensuring it’s submerged in the sauce.
- Cover the skillet with a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven.
- Bake for 45 minutes, until the chicken is tender and infused with flavor.
6. Serve and Garnish
- Remove the skillet from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
- Serve hot with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
Notes
- For extra depth, deglaze the skillet with white wine before adding the vegetables.
- Adjust the heat level by increasing or decreasing red pepper flakes.
- This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sear and Bake
- Cuisine: Italian