Classic Chicken Cacciatore

Chicken Cacciatore, translating to “hunter’s chicken” in Italian, is a traditional Italian dish where chicken is braised in a savory tomato sauce with onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, and herbs. It’s a warm and comforting meal, perfect for a family dinner. Below is a simple yet delicious recipe to make your own Chicken Cacciatore.

Ingredients:
– 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
– 1 large yellow bell pepper, sliced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
– 1 cup dry white wine
– 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Season the chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper.

2. Sear the Chicken:
Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken thighs, skin side down, and sear until the skin is golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
Flip the chicken and sear the other side for 3-4 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, sliced bell peppers, and mushrooms.
Sauté until the vegetables are softened and beginning to caramelize, about 8-10 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

4. Deglaze and Combine:
Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
Allow the wine to simmer and reduce by half.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce and vegetables.

5. Bake the Cacciatore:
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
Bake, uncovered, for 45-50 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and tender, and the sauce is thickened.

6. Serve:
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Serve the Chicken Cacciatore over pasta, polenta, or with a crusty loaf of bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Enjoy your hearty and flavorful Classic Chicken Cacciatore!