Tuscan Skillet Chicken Cacciatore

Tuscan Skillet Chicken Cacciatore is a rustic and flavorful Italian-inspired dish made with seared chicken, simmered in a savory tomato-based sauce enriched with olives, garlic, bell peppers, and herbs. Cooked in one skillet, this hearty meal is perfect for cozy dinners and delivers bold, wholesome flavors with minimal cleanup.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-Pan Meal: Everything cooks in one skillet, making prep and cleanup easy.
• Rich Italian Flavors: Tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and olives give it a robust, tangy profile.
• Versatile Serving Options: Pairs well with pasta, polenta, or crusty bread.
• Hearty and Satisfying: Perfect for cooler nights or when you want a comforting dish.
• Meal-Prep Friendly: Stores well and tastes even better the next day.

Ingredients

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

• Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or a mix of thighs and drumsticks)
• Olive oil
• Salt and black pepper
• Yellow onion, sliced
• Bell peppers (red and yellow), sliced
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Crushed tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• Chicken broth or dry red wine
• Fresh rosemary or thyme
• Dried oregano
• Kalamata or black olives
• Capers (optional)
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Directions

this recipe

1. Season and Sear Chicken: Pat chicken dry and season with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and sear the chicken until golden brown on both sides. Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add more oil if needed and sauté the sliced onions and bell peppers until soft. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Deglaze and Simmer: Pour in chicken broth or wine to deglaze the skillet, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in crushed tomatoes, herbs, olives, and capers if using.
4. Return Chicken and Simmer: Nestle the seared chicken back into the skillet. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 30–40 minutes until chicken is cooked through and tender.
5. Finish and Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot over pasta, rice, or with a side of crusty bread.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes

Variations

• Boneless Option: Use boneless chicken thighs for a faster cook time.
• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or sliced chili for heat.
• White Wine Version: Swap red wine or broth with white wine for a lighter sauce.
• Vegetable Add-ins: Add mushrooms or zucchini to enhance the veggie content.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze cooled chicken and sauce in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.

FAQs

What does “cacciatore” mean?

“Cacciatore” means “hunter” in Italian, and refers to a style of cooking with onions, herbs, tomatoes, and sometimes wine.

Can I use chicken breasts?

Yes, though thighs are more flavorful and stay juicier. Adjust cooking time as breasts may cook faster.

Is wine necessary?

No, you can substitute chicken broth for wine if preferred.

Can I make this ahead?

Yes, it tastes even better the next day and is perfect for meal prep.

What sides go well with chicken cacciatore?

Pasta, polenta, mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread work great.

Can I make this dish in the oven?

Yes, after searing and assembling, cover and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 35–40 minutes.

How do I thicken the sauce?

Simmer uncovered for the last 10 minutes, or stir in a bit of tomato paste.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, as long as the broth and other ingredients used are certified gluten-free.

What herbs are best?

Fresh rosemary, thyme, oregano, and bay leaves are ideal.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Substitute the chicken with hearty vegetables like eggplant or mushrooms and add chickpeas for protein.

Conclusion

Tuscan Skillet Chicken Cacciatore is a deliciously rustic dish full of bold Mediterranean flavors. With tender chicken, rich tomato sauce, and hearty vegetables, it’s a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. Serve it with your favorite side, and enjoy a taste of Italy in your own kitchen.

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