Chicken Cacciatore Recipe
Bone-in chicken simmers gently with tomatoes, peppers, mushrooms, garlic, herbs, and olives for a deeply flavored one-pot dish.
Brown the chicken before simmering
Pat the chicken dry and season it lightly before browning, starting skin-side down if using skin-on pieces. Cook the vegetables in the same pot, then return the chicken to the tomato and stock-based sauce. Keep the lid partially open during the 30–35-minute simmer so the sauce thickens gradually, and add the olives during the final 10 minutes. Bone-in pieces add flavor as they cook gently.
- Yield
- 4 servings
- Servings
- 4 servings
- Total time
- 1 hr 10 min
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Prep time
- 20 min
- Cook time
- 50 min
Ingredients for Chicken Cacciatore
Ingredients
How to Make Chicken Cacciatore
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01
Pat the Chicken Dry
Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels; season lightly with half the salt and the black pepper.
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02
Brown the Chicken
Brown the chicken in olive oil, starting skin-side down, over medium-high heat for 8–10 minutes, turning as needed; transfer to a plate.
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03
Cook the Vegetables
Sauté the onion, pepper, and mushrooms in the same pot for 6–8 minutes. Add the garlic and stir briefly.
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04
Build the Sauce
Add the tomatoes, chicken stock, thyme, bay leaf, and remaining salt. Return the chicken pieces to the pot.
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05
Simmer Gently
Simmer gently with the lid partially open for 30–35 minutes. Add the olives during the last 10 minutes; remove the bay leaf.
Mastery Guide
Review the technical details, common mistakes and correct practices that determine the recipe result.
Critical Tips
Check the Skin
This is the key point that determines the result.
Best practice: If using skin-on chicken, brown the skin first until golden.
Keep Everything in Balance
When making Chicken Cacciatore, the measurements and steps must work together as one system.
Best practice: Measure the ingredients in advance and follow the steps in order.
Check the Result
Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the equipment and ingredient temperature.
Best practice: In addition to the cooking time, check the appearance and consistency specified in the recipe.
Common Mistakes
Check the sauce
This mistake can compromise the texture and flavor.
Best practice: Boiling the sauce for too long can toughen the chicken.
Maintain the balance
When making Chicken Cacciatore, the measurements and steps must work together.
Best practice: Measure the ingredients in advance and follow the order of the steps.
Check the result
Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the equipment and ingredient temperature.
Best practice: In addition to the cooking time, check the appearance and consistency specified in the recipe.
Why Does This Happen?
Check the lid
The ingredients’ physical and chemical behavior affects the result.
Best practice: Leaving the lid slightly ajar allows the sauce to thicken gradually.
Maintain the balance
When making Chicken Cacciatore, the measurements and steps must work together.
Best practice: Measure the ingredients in advance and follow the order of the steps.
Check the result
Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the equipment and ingredient temperature.
Best practice: In addition to the cooking time, check the appearance and consistency specified in the recipe.
Mayana Tips
Check before serving
This improves the serving and preparation process.
Best practice: Before serving, reduce the sauce until it coats the back of a spoon.
Maintain the balance
The measurements and steps for Chicken Cacciatore should work together.
Best practice: Measure the ingredients in advance and follow the order of the steps.
Check the result
Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the equipment and the temperature of the ingredients.
Best practice: In addition to the cooking time, check the appearance and consistency described in the recipe.
Ingredients & Measurements
Check the bone-in pieces
The ingredient choice determines the balance of the recipe.
Best practice: Bone-in pieces add flavor to the sauce during slow cooking.
Maintain the balance
The measurements and steps for Chicken Cacciatore should work together.
Best practice: Measure the ingredients in advance and follow the order of the steps.
Check the result
Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the equipment and the temperature of the ingredients.
Best practice: In addition to the cooking time, check the appearance and consistency described in the recipe.
Cooking Techniques
Check the browning
Heat and cooking technique determine the final consistency.
Best practice: Maintain the method of browning the chicken, then cooking it slowly in the sauce.
Maintain the balance
The measurements and steps for Chicken Cacciatore should work together.
Best practice: Measure the ingredients in advance and follow the order of the steps.
Check the result
Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the equipment and the temperature of the ingredients.
Best practice: In addition to the cooking time, check the appearance and consistency described in the recipe.
How to Store and Make Chicken Cacciatore Ahead
- Serving temperature
Serve at a suitable temperature once cooking is complete.
- Best resting time
If the recipe requires resting or steeping, follow the stated time.
- Refrigerator storage
Do not leave it out for a long time before it has cooled completely; store it in a covered container below 4°C for 3–4 days.
- Room-temperature limit
Do not keep this perishable food at room temperature for longer than 2 hours.
- Freezing
Freeze in suitable airtight portions; the texture may change after thawing.
- Thawing method
Thaw in the refrigerator.
- Reheating
Reheat thoroughly and safely; aim for 74°C in the center of chicken and meat leftovers.
- Make-ahead steps
Measure and prepare the ingredients in advance to speed up the cooking process.
- Serving suggestion
Serve at the recipe’s appropriate serving temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Cacciatore
Why doesn't Chicken Cacciatore reach the right consistency?
Boiling the sauce too vigorously can make the chicken tough. To prevent this, control the ingredient proportions and heat.
What is the most important tip for making Chicken Cacciatore?
If you are using skin-on chicken, brown the skin first.
Can Chicken Cacciatore be prepared a day ahead?
You can prepare the ingredients ahead of time; store the cooked dish according to the storage instructions in the recipe.
How is Chicken Cacciatore served?
Before serving, reduce the sauce until it coats the back of a spoon.
What should you look for when choosing ingredients for Chicken Cacciatore?
Bone-in pieces add a flavorful sauce when cooked slowly.
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