This Easy Chicken Cacciatore Recipe is a classic Italian dish that shines – rustic chicken and slow-braised veggies in our rich tomato sauce.

For more one-pot meals, try our Chicken Stew, Chicken with Zucchini, or Balsamic Chicken.

easy chicken cacciatore recipe in a dutch oven. this recipe
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Why This Recipe Works

  • Tender Meat – In this rustic stew-like dish, the slow-braised chicken is so tender it practically falls off the bone.
  • Rich Sauce – Our version includes celery and carrots, resulting in a richly flavored sauce – just like our Sausage Cacciatore. 
  • Comfort Food – It’s a heartwarming meal ideal for the whole family, especially for that cherished Sunday night dinner time. Try serving it over comforting red skin mashed potatoes.

What is Chicken Cacciatore?

Chicken Cacciatore is a classic braised chicken recipe originating from Italian cuisine. The term “cacciatore” translates to “hunter” in Italian. It was a comforting one-pot meal that could be cooked outside. 

Historically, the dish was made with whatever meat was available – often rabbit or chicken. Its hunter-style preparation always involved a hearty mix of onions, Italian herbs, and sometimes tomatoes. 

Every Italian household has its own version of the classic recipe, with some adding a little wine for extra flavorful tomato sauce.

Ingredients

Head to your local grocery store to gather everything you need for this hearty, rustic chicken cacciatore recipe:

ingredients for easy chicken cacciatore.
  • Chicken: Bone-in chicken drumsticks are best – boneless chicken tends to dry out. 
  • Tomatoes: They break down to offer a rich tomato flavor.
  • Onion: Sets the foundation for the stew, bringing in a gentle, sweet flavor
  • Carrots: Not just for color – they add a natural sweetness, balancing out the acidity from the tomatoes.
  • Celery: Provide a crisp texture and earthy flavor.
  • Garlic: A bit of savory, spicy warmth to add more depth to the dish.
  • Herbs & Spices: Fresh thyme, bay leaves, and fresh chopped parsley. Dried herbs or pre-made Italian seasoning is fine if you’re in a rush.

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

Variations

Add a personal touch to our chicken cacciatore recipe with these suggestions:

  • Sausage: Check out this Sausage Cacciatore – it’s made with Italian sausage.
  • Olives: Add in 1/4 cup of chopped green olives for a subtle briny flavor.
  • Mushrooms: Toss in some simple white mushrooms for an added layer of umami flavor. 
  • Vinegar: A splash of balsamic vinegar can bring out the deeper flavors in the sauce.
  • Spicy: Spice things up with red pepper flakes for that added kick!
  • Wine: A touch of dry white wine will take your dish to the next level – improving flavors without being too sweet.

How to Make

Making our take on traditional chicken cacciatore is straightforward and quick! Just follow these simple steps. Check out the detailed recipe card at the bottom of the page for more help.

chicken drumsticks on a cutting board seasoned with salt and pepper.

Step 1: Pat dry the chicken and season with salt and pepper.

seared chicken drumsticks inside a dutch oven.

Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat, then brown the chicken. Remove from the pan and set aside.

onions, carrots, and celery inside a dutch oven.

Step 3: In the same pan sauté the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic until soft.

seared chicken drumsticks layered over cooked vegetables inside dutch oven.

Step 4: Add the tomatoes with thyme and bay leaves and season well with salt and pepper. Place the chicken back in and cover with water. Simmer on low for about 45 minutes.

chicken drumsticks inside sauce in a dutch oven.

Step 5: Halfway through, flip the chicken and taste the sauce for seasoning.

cooked chicken drumsticks and vegetables in sauce garnished with chopped parsley.

Step 6: After cooking, take out the bay leaves and thyme sprigs and mix in some fresh parsley.

Expert Tips

To master this simple chicken cacciatore recipe, try these expert tips:

  • Stay Dry: Pat the chicken with paper towels so it’s nice and dry – this will help you get the perfect sear. 
  • Space Matters: Don’t overcrowd the chicken in the pan. They need space for even browning.
  • Golden Rule: Always wait for the oil to get hot before adding your meat – this ensures you get that golden brown finish.
  • Patience, Please: Let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
  • Taste Test: Always taste and adjust seasonings as you go. A pinch of salt or a splash of lemon can make all the difference.

Slow-Cooker Chicken Cacciatore

While stovetop for preparing chicken cacciatore is traditional, a crock pot can be just as good – making this classic dish incredibly straightforward. 

You should still start by browning the chicken in a large skillet first – this helps unlock the meat’s flavor. You can also sauté the vegetables beforehand, but it’s not strictly necessary. 

Once done, throw everything in your slow cooker. Make sure the liquid covers the meat – add more water if needed. Then, set it to LOW for 8 hours or switch it up to HIGH for a quicker 4-hour cook.

How to Store

If you have any leftovers, here’s how you can store your chicken cacciatore:

  • Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freezer: Use a freezer-safe storage container, and it’ll keep for 3 months.
  • Reheat: For best results, gently warm in a Dutch oven on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a splash of water or stock. If you’re in a hurry, using a microwave is fine, too.
close up cooked chicken drumsticks in sauce.

Serving Sides

When it comes to serving simple Italian comfort food, sometimes just a side of crusty bread is enough. Here are some more easy-side options:

Recipe FAQs

What is chicken cacciatore sauce made of?

We make our chicken cacciatore sauce with whole tomatoes, onions, carrots, celery ribs, garlic cloves, and a mix of herbs & spices – including thyme and bay leaves.

It’s a rich and hearty sauce that complements the chicken perfectly, though there are many different versions. 

How do you thicken Cacciatore sauce?

If your sauce is too thick, let it simmer uncovered in your Dutch oven or slow cooker.

For a quick thickening solution, try using a little cornstarch. Mix cornstarch with cold water, then stir into the sauce until it thickens.

Can I use boneless chicken?

We recommend bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks for the best flavor and texture.

Boneless chicken might not provide the same flavor depth and tends to go dry – the bones naturally add flavor and moisture. 

Is it okay to use dried herbs?

Absolutely! While we use fresh thyme, bay leaves, and parsley in the original recipe, you can use the dried versions if you’re short on time – though expect a slight difference in taste. 

For an even quicker option, there’s even pre-made Italian seasoning. 

You May Also Like

Chicken Stew Recipe

Chicken with Zucchini Recipe

One Pan Balsamic Chicken

One-Pot Chicken and Quinoa in Mustard Sauce

If you try Easy Chicken Cacciatore Recipe, please leave a star rating and let me know how you like the recipe in the comments below.

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Chicken Cacciatore - one pot chicken meal that the whole family will love! | littlebroken.com

Easy Chicken Cacciatore Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 2 reviews
  • Author: Katya
  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 15 mins
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 mins
  • Yield: 6 1x
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian
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Description

Classic Italian dish of rustic chicken with slowly braised vegetables. It’s a one-pot meal that is perfect for family dinner time!

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 2 1/2 lbs. chicken drumsticks*
  • 4 Tbsp. olive oil or avocado oil, divided
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 large carrot, diced (1 cup)
  • 2 celery ribs, diced (1 cup)
  • 4 garlic cloves, chopped
  • 3 springs fresh thyme
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 (28 oz.) can whole tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup water or chicken stock
  • 1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley
  • Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken lightly with a couple of sheets of paper towels to remove some of the moisture. Generously season both sides of chicken with salt and pepper, to taste.
  2. Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large dutch oven or saute pan over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add chicken and cook in batches for 4-5 minutes per side or until lightly browned. Remove the chicken to a plate.
  3. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the pan, then add the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic with a pinch of salt. Cook the vegetables for 10-13 minutes or until soft, stirring frequently.
  4. Stir in the tomatoes, thyme, and bay leaves. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Layer the chicken over the vegetable mixture. Add water, cover, and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 45 minutes, stirring and flipping the chicken halfway through. Also at the halfway mark, taste the sauce for salt and pepper.
  5. Discard bay leaves and thyme sprigs and stir in parsley. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Chicken: Bone-in chicken thighs can be substituted. I do not recommend using anything boneless.
  • Veggies: You can mix in additional veggies such as bell pepper, zucchini, yellow squash, or mushrooms.
  • Leftovers: Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days in an airtight container. Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a splash of liquid such as stock or water.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 drumstick with sauce
  • Calories: 381
  • Sugar: 5.4 g
  • Sodium: 466.4 mg
  • Fat: 17.7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 11.6 g
  • Protein: 43.7 g
  • Cholesterol: 192.8 mg

Recipe originally published August 2018 but since been updated with more information.