Enjoy a taste of Italy with this classic Baked Chicken Cacciatore recipe. Tender chicken pieces are baked in a flavorful tomato sauce with bell peppers, onions, and aromatic herbs. This hearty and satisfying dish is perfect for a family dinner or entertaining guests. Serve it over pasta or with crusty bread to soak up all the delicious sauce. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious and comforting meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 4 chicken drumsticks
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 2 bell peppers, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (14 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season the chicken thighs and drumsticks with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and brown them on all sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add onion, bell peppers, and garlic. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried oregano, dried thyme, dried basil, and red pepper flakes.
- Add the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling the pieces in the sauce.
- Cover the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil and transfer it to the preheated oven.
- Bake for 45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
- Serve the Baked Chicken Cacciatore over pasta or with crusty bread.
Interesting Facts
Cacciatore means 'hunter' in Italian, and this dish was originally made by hunters using game meat.
Traditionally, chicken cacciatore is prepared on the stovetop, but baking it allows the flavors to meld together even more.
This dish can be made with various vegetables depending on personal preference, such as mushrooms or carrots.
Leftovers of Baked Chicken Cacciatore taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop and intensify.