Quick chicken cacciatore

Name: Quick chicken cacciatore
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil (14g); 4 chicken thighs (400g); 1 onion (160g); 2 garlic cloves (6g); 1 tsp rosemary (5g); 1 red pepper (80g); 1 cup olives (230g); 1 cup red wine (230g); 1 can canned tomatoes (400g); 1 tbsp fresh parsley (5g)

Quick Chicken Cacciatore is a simplified take on the classic Italian dish, featuring tender thighs simmered in a rich tomato and wine sauce with olives and peppers. It's a flavoursome weeknight meal that's both hearty and satisfying.

14 Nov 2025
Cook time 25 min
Prep time 5 min

Ingredients:

1 tbsp olive oil
4 chicken thighs
1 onion
2 garlic cloves
1 tsp rosemary
1 red pepper
1 cup olives
1 cup red wine
1 can canned tomatoes
1 tbsp fresh parsley

Chicken Cacciatore is a classic Italian dish that's perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner. This quick version maintains all the rich, flavorful elements while cutting down on cooking time. With tender chicken thighs, a medley of vegetables, and a savory tomato sauce, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite.

Instructions:

1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by gathering and prepping all your ingredients. Chop the onion and parsley, mince the garlic, and slice the red pepper. Halve the olives if needed.

2. Heat Oil: In a large skillet or pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.

3. Brown the Chicken: Once the oil is hot, add the chicken thighs to the pan, skin-side down. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the skin is golden and crispy. Flip and cook for another 3 minutes on the other side. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

4. Cook the Onions and Garlic: Add the chopped onion to the same pan. Sauté for about 3 minutes, or until softened. Add the minced garlic and rosemary, and sauté for another minute until fragrant.

5. Add Red Pepper and Olives: Stir in the sliced red pepper and olives. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.

6. Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the red wine, stirring to deglaze the pan and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Let the wine simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing some of the alcohol to cook off.

7. Add Tomatoes: Add the canned tomatoes to the pan, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

8. Return Chicken to the Pan: Place the browned chicken thighs back into the pan, nestling them into the sauce. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

9. Finish with Parsley: Once the chicken is fully cooked, sprinkle the fresh parsley over the top.

10. Serve: Serve the chicken cacciatore hot, either on its own or over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

With just a few simple steps and ingredients, you can create a delicious and comforting Chicken Cacciatore in no time. Serve over pasta, rice, or with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. Enjoy the rich, robust flavors of this Italian classic, made easy for busy nights.

Quick chicken cacciatore FAQ:

What is the cooking time for chicken cacciatore?

The total cooking time is approximately 30-35 minutes. After browning the chicken thighs (about 8 minutes), the dish simmers for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The meat should be tender and no longer pink inside.

Can I substitute the red wine in this recipe?

Yes, if you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute it with chicken broth or a mixture of grape juice and vinegar (1 cup juice with 1 tablespoon vinegar) to mimic the acidity.

What is the best way to store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

What size pan should I use for this recipe?

A large skillet or pan (approximately 12 inches in diameter) works best for this recipe, allowing enough space for browning the chicken and simmering the sauce.

Cooking Tips:

- Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for more flavor; however, boneless, skinless thighs work well too if you prefer.

- Brown the chicken well at the start to lock in moisture and develop a deeper flavor.

- Feel free to add additional vegetables like mushrooms or carrots to enhance the dish's nutritional value and complexity.

- If you don't cook with wine, you can substitute with an equal amount of chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version.

- Garnish the finished dish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

Nutrition Facts

4 Servings
Calories 380kcal
Protein 18g
Carbohydrates 14g
Fiber 4.08g
Sugar 6g
Fat 27g

Quick chicken cacciatore