Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore

Savory and comforting, this Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore features tender chicken thighs cooked in a robust tomato sauce with mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, and aromatic herbs—ready in under an hour with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One‑Pot Meal: Everything cooks in the Instant Pot—no juggling multiple pans or everything landing up your sink.
• Effortless Flavors: Deglazing with wine unlocks caramelized bits that lock in deep, rich flavor.
• Make‑Ahead Friendly: The sauce gets even better after sitting a day; freeze portions for easy future dinners.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Chicken thighs (bone‑in or boneless), skin removed
• All‑purpose flour for dredging
• Olive oil
• Onion, diced
• Bell peppers (mixed colors), sliced
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Mushrooms, sliced
• Dry white wine or chicken stock
• Crushed or diced tomatoes (canned or fire‑roasted)
• Chicken broth
• Capers
• Olives (Kalamata or black), pitted and halved
• Tomato paste (optional, for thickness)
• Italian seasoning (oregano, thyme, bay leaves)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Optional for umami boost: splash of balsamic vinegar, sugar, fish sauce, or soy sauce

Directions

this recipe

1. Prep the chicken: Season thighs with salt and pepper, then lightly dredge in flour.
2. Sauté: Set Instant Pot to “Sauté,” heat olive oil, brown chicken in batches (~4 minutes per side), then set aside.
3. Veggies first: Add onion, peppers, mushrooms, and garlic—cook until onions soften.
4. Deglaze: Pour in wine (or stock), scraping up browned bits from the bottom.
5. Build the sauce: Stir in tomatoes, broth, tomato paste, olives, capers, and Italian seasoning.
6. Finish the dish: Nestle browned chicken into the sauce. Seal lid, seal vent, cook on High Pressure for 12 minutes.
7. Natural release: Let pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining steam.
8. Reduce (optional): Remove chicken, set Instant Pot to “Sauté,” simmer sauce to thicken if desired.
9. Serve: Return chicken to the sauce, adjust seasoning, and serve hot.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4–6
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 25 minutes (including sealing and release)
• Total time: ~45 minutes

Variations

• Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or sliced hot peppers during sauté.
• Vegetable boost: Stir in zucchini or spinach near the end.
• Wine swap: Use dry red wine for richer depth.
• No‑alcohol version: Use chicken stock plus a tablespoon of vinegar.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Keeps for up to 3 months—thaw overnight in fridge before reheating.
• Reheat: Gently warm on stovetop over low heat or microwave until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, but reduce pressure‑cook time to 8 minutes to avoid drying out the breasts.

2. Do I have to dredge the chicken in flour?

No, it helps thicken the sauce and gives the chicken a better sear, but you can skip it for gluten‑free or lighter preparations.

3. Can I omit the wine?

Absolutely. Substitute equal parts chicken broth plus 1 Tbsp vinegar (white wine, apple cider, or balsamic).

4. Is this recipe spicy?

Not by default. Add crushed red pepper flakes or sliced hot peppers for heat.

5. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but ensure your Instant Pot can hold the volume. Increase pressure‑cook time by 2–3 minutes if very full.

6. Can I add pasta directly to the Instant Pot?

It’s better to cook pasta separately; the liquid ratio is designed for the chicken and sauce.

7. How can I thicken the sauce more?

After pressure cooking, remove lid, set “Sauté,” and simmer until desired consistency.

8. Can I make it dairy‑free?

Completely—there’s no dairy in this recipe.

9. What sides go well with it?

Serve over pasta, polenta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

10. How do I prevent food from sticking when pressure cooking?

Always deglaze the pot thoroughly after sauté. If your IP has a burn warning, add an extra splash of liquid.

Conclusion

This Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore is a flavorful, fuss‑free family favorite—rich tomato sauce, tender chicken, and flavorful add‑ins come together in under an hour. Perfect for weeknight dinners, make‑ahead meals, or freezer prep. Enjoy the comfort with minimal effort!

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