Authentic Italian Hunter-Style Chicken Cacciatore Recipe

This recipe brings a modern twist to the traditional Italian dish of Chicken Cacciatore. The succulent chicken is cooked in a rich tomato sauce with herbs, mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers. Perfectly seasoned and bursting with flavors, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Serve it with crusty bread or creamy polenta for a hearty and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup red wine (optional)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Directions

1. Season the chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken thighs and cook until browned on both sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the sliced onion, minced garlic, and bell peppers. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown.
5. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, red wine (if using), and tomato paste. Stir well to combine.
6. Add the dried oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary, and red pepper flakes. Season with additional salt and pepper, if desired.
7. Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Cover and simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
8. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
9. Serve the Hunter-Style Chicken Cacciatore with crusty bread or creamy polenta.

Interesting Facts