Easy Chicken Cacciatore
Easy homemade Chicken Cacciatore recipe with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and herbs. Ready in 60 minutes. Perfect for weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 medium yellow onions, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large red bell pepper, cut into thick strips
- 1 large green bell pepper, cut into thick strips
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed San Marzano tomatoes
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup pitted green olives, halved
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- 1
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season generously on both sides with salt and pepper.
- 2
Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
- 3
Place the seasoned chicken in the hot oil and sear for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown, then transfer to a clean plate.
- 4
Reduce heat to medium and add the diced onions to the same pot, stirring frequently until they turn translucent and soften, about 5 minutes.
- 5
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 6
Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté for 3-4 minutes, allowing them to release their moisture and begin to brown.
- 7
Mix in the bell pepper strips and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 8
Stir the tomato paste into the vegetable mixture and cook for 2 minutes to deepen its flavor.
- 9
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth, stirring well to combine all ingredients.
- 10
Add the dried oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, bay leaf, and the reserved chicken breasts to the pot.
- 11
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low and cover partially with a lid.
- 12
Simmer for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F) and the sauce has thickened slightly.
- 13
Stir in the halved green olives and taste the sauce, adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- 14
Remove the bay leaf and divide the chicken and sauce among serving bowls or plates.
- 15
Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately with whole grain pasta or crusty bread.
Variations & Substitutions
| Ingredient | Substitute | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs | Thighs provide more moisture and flavor with slightly longer cooking time, creating a richer dish for those not watching fat intake |
| Extra virgin olive oil (3 tbsp) | Cooking spray or 1 tbsp olive oil plus 2 tbsp low-sodium vegetable broth | Reduces total fat and calories while maintaining moisture and preventing sticking during searing and sautéing |
| Crushed San Marzano tomatoes (28 oz can) | Fresh tomatoes (3 lbs), blanched and crushed, or 2 cans crushed fire-roasted tomatoes | Fresh tomatoes provide brighter acidity and flavor when in season; fire-roasted adds smoky depth with no added sugar |
| Low-sodium chicken broth | Homemade vegetable stock or water with 1/2 cup dry white wine | Vegetable stock eliminates any remaining sodium; white wine adds acidity and aromatic depth that brightens the sauce |
| Pitted green olives | Sun-dried tomatoes (1/3 cup, chopped) or kalamata olives | Sun-dried tomatoes intensify umami and add natural sweetness; kalamata olives provide earthier, more robust flavor |
Recommended Equipment
Tools that make this recipe easier
Nutrition Information
Per serving (serves 4)
| Calories | 340 |
| Total Fat | 10g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Cholesterol | 95mg |
| Sodium | 520mg |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugar | 8g |
| Protein | 43g |
This recipe was extracted from the original video source using AI. Nutritional information is estimated and may vary. Not a substitute for professional dietary advice. As an Amazon Associate, AlmostChefs earns from qualifying purchases. Product links are affiliate links — they cost you nothing extra but help support the site. Read full disclaimer
