This Zesty Chicken Cacciatore is the perfect Italian one skillet meal! It’s an easy recipe that’s perfect for family dinner!
I think in a previous life I must have been Italian. Serve me an Italian dish and I’ll be your best friend for life. I think I put on five pounds just from the aromas coming from my kitchen when I’m cooking anything Italian!
The first main dish I ever prepared on my own growing up was this Chicken Cacciatore. I think I was probably 12 or 13 years old, and when I served it to my dad, as usual, he said it was the best thing he ever ate. I totally agreed with him on this one. This chicken cacciatore is dee-lish! When I have cooked this dish with the windows open during the summer, I actually have had neighbors ask me what’s cooking in my kitchen. I kid you not!! You’ll see what I mean if you give this one a go. The aroma coming from that skillet on your stove is going to have you counting the minutes til dinner.
This recipe was from a very old cookbook in my mother’s cookbook collection. When I graduated from college, and moved away from home this was one recipe I was sure to grab! My mom wrote it down on a recipe card for me, which is now worn and stained with sauce, and there is no other recipe I have ever used for chicken cacciatore. I know the recipe by heart since I have made it so many times, but each time I get ready to make it that card comes out of my recipe box and sits on the counter while I’m preparing it, just like it’s the first time I made it for my dad.
I love this recipe because #1 it’s easy, #2 it’s loaded with fresh garlic, green peppers, onions and mushrooms, and #3 it’s deliciously zesty! I use dark meat for this recipe because it always turns out so juicy and tender. I like to serve mine over some spaghetti or penne. I often times just enjoy a piece of the chicken with an extra ladle full of the sauce with all those yummy vegetables in a bowl served with a nice crusty bread to sop up the sauce. Paired with a salad and a nice glass of wine, it’s just perfect! Mangia, mangia friends!!
Ingredients
- 3 lb. mix of chicken thighs and legs I use parts with skin on
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp. kosher salt divided
- 3/4 tsp. ground black pepper divided
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 large green pepper julienned and cut into 2 inch pieces
- 1 large yellow onion sliced and quartered
- 8 oz. fresh mushrooms sliced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 28 oz. can tomato sauce
- 1/3 cup water
- 1 1/2 tsp. oregano
- 1/2 tsp. thyme
Instructions
- Rinse chicken pieces and pat dry with paper towels.
- In shallow bowl combine flour, 1 tsp. salt and 1/2 tsp. pepper
- Dredge chicken pieces in flour mixture.
- Heat olive oil in large skillet. Brown chicken on both sides for about 20 minutes.
- Remove chicken from skillet and place on paper towel lined plate.
- Drain excess fat from skillet. Return chicken to skillet.
- Add green pepper, onion and mushrooms.
- Mix together garlic, tomato sauce, water, oregano and thyme. Pour over chicken and vegetables.
- Cover and simmer on medium-low for 45 minutes until chicken is tender and no longer pink inside, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Boo
Mare, I still have this recipe on the index card you gave to me!
Mary Ann
Lol! Make it for those boys! Big Daddy will LOVE it too!
tom
This dish is one of the reasons I married you!! There were others of course:)
Mary Ann
Ya, your morning soft boiled egg too! Because I know you would have NO idea how to figure that one out for yourself! wink! wink!
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary
I haven’t had chicken cacciatore in ages! Don’t ask me why, because I have NO clue- it’s seriously delicious! But I’m pretty certain the ones I have had can’t hold a candle to yours, Mary Ann! I can almost smell the aromas and taste the deliciousness from your photos! This looks just perfect! Plus I LOVE that it is zesty, that word just makes my tummy rumble! Pinned! Cheers, my dear! < 3
Mary Ann
Honestly Cheyanne, this recipe is sooo easy and really tasty! I love to make it for those reasons, and because it always reminds me of my Dad!
Gerlinde | Sunnycovechef
Mary Ann, I defently have to make this after your husbands comment. Even without that it looks delicious. Those old recipes we have are the best, they add comfort to our lives. Have a wonderful week my friend.
Mary Ann
You’re absolutely right Gerlinde, old recipes are the best! Tom does love this dish! He’s been eating it for over 25 years!!
Kelley @ Chef Savvy
This looks fantastic!! I am embarrassed to say I have never made chicken cacciatore. Looks like i’ve been missing out!
Mary Ann
Thanks Kelley! You should definitely try this one! So easy and so good!
Kathleen @ Yummy Crumble
This sounds amazing! Comfort food at its best :) I love how easy it is too.
Mary Ann
Thanks Kathleen!
Jessica @ Sweetest Menu
Yes, yes and yes! Love this gorgeous dish! I don’t have a go-to chicken cacciatore dish, I must try!
Mary Ann
Oh, you should definitely try this one then Jessica! My husband recommends it highly! Enjoy!
Nicole @ Young, Broke and Hungry
Can you believe I have never made chicken cacciatore? Seems like a crime now after looking at these beautiful pictures.
Mary Ann
Oh no! You need to try this recipe then Nicole! Enjoy!
sue|theviewfromgreatisland
I think we were Italians together in that past life — this looks absolutely irresistible!
Mary Ann
Thanks Sue! Enjoy your weekend!
Jessica DeMay
This looks seriously delicious! I have never had Chicken Cacciatore but I think that needs to change! How sweet of your dad to say it’s the best thing ever! I love that!
Mary Ann
He was the best! He would say that everytime I made him something…even more so if it was chocolate!
Chris B
Delicious! Made this Chicken Cacciatore for dinner tonight. My husband and I enjoyed it.
Mary Ann
One of my favorite dishes Chris! So glad you both enjoyed it!