Anabelle Mclean Ina Garten’s Chicken Cacciatore is a rustic and flavorful Italian dish that combines tender chicken, tomatoes, bell peppers, and aromatic herbs into a comforting, hearty stew. This classic recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner or an impressive meal for guests.
What is Ina Garten Chicken Cacciatore?
Chicken Cacciatore, which means “hunter’s style” in Italian, is a traditional dish made with braised chicken, tomatoes, onions, peppers, and herbs. Ina Garten’s version adds depth with white wine and a touch of heat, creating a rich and satisfying dish.
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Reasons to Try Ina Garten Chicken Cacciatore
- Rich and Hearty: A rustic Italian dish with bold, comforting flavors.
- Easy One-Pot Meal: Simple preparation with minimal cleanup.
- Perfect for Entertaining: Elegant enough for guests, yet cozy for family meals.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with lean protein, vegetables, and aromatic herbs.
Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Chicken Cacciatore
- Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs – 6 pieces (or a mix of thighs and drumsticks)
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper – to taste
- Olive oil – 3 tbsp
- Yellow onion – 1 large, thinly sliced
- Bell peppers – 2 (1 red and 1 yellow), sliced into strips
- Garlic – 3 cloves, minced
- Crushed tomatoes – 1 (28-ounce) can
- White wine – ½ cup (dry, such as Pinot Grigio)
- Chicken stock – ½ cup
- Tomato paste – 2 tbsp
- Dried oregano – 1 tsp
- Fresh thyme – 1 tsp (or 4-5 sprigs, optional)
- Red pepper flakes – ¼ tsp (optional for heat)
- Capers – 2 tbsp, drained
- Fresh parsley – 2 tbsp, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Chicken Cacciatore
- Season and Brown the Chicken:
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken, skin-side down, and cook for 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden brown. Flip and cook the other side for 3-4 minutes. Transfer the browned chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same pot, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers and sauté for 5-7 minutes, until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Deglaze with Wine:
- Pour in the white wine, scraping up any browned bits on the bottom of the pot. Let the wine simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings:
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, chicken stock, tomato paste, dried oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using). Add the capers and stir to combine.
- Simmer the Chicken:
- Return the chicken thighs to the pot, skin-side up, along with any juices that accumulated on the plate.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Finish and Serve:
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
- Serve Hot:
- Serve the Chicken Cacciatore over pasta, creamy polenta, or with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
What Goes Well With Ina Garten Chicken Cacciatore?
- Pasta: Serve over spaghetti, linguine, or penne.
- Polenta: Creamy polenta complements the rich tomato sauce beautifully.
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for dipping into the flavorful sauce.
- Steamed Vegetables: A simple side of green beans or broccoli adds freshness.
- Salad: A crisp arugula salad with a light vinaigrette balances the dish.
Key Tips for Making Ina Garten Chicken Cacciatore
- Brown the Chicken Well: Browning the chicken adds depth and flavor to the dish.
- Deglaze the Pan: Scrape up all the browned bits with wine to enrich the sauce.
- Don’t Overcook the Vegetables: Sauté until tender but not mushy.
- Simmer Gently: Cook the chicken on low heat to keep it tender and juicy.
- Adjust Heat Level: Add more red pepper flakes for a spicier dish.
Creative Variations of Ina Garten Chicken Cacciatore
- Add Mushrooms: Sauté mushrooms with the onions and peppers for an earthy flavor.
- Use Red Wine: Substitute white wine with red wine for a deeper, richer sauce.
- Include Olives: Add black or green olives for a salty, briny flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Add extra red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
- Boneless Chicken: Use boneless, skinless thighs for quicker cooking.
Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten Chicken Cacciatore
- Refrigerate leftovers: Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze for Later: Freeze the dish in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheat Gently: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Nutrition Value
- Calories: ~350 per serving
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fats: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Vitamin A: ~20% of the daily value
FAQs
Can I Use Boneless Chicken for Chicken Cacciatore?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts for chicken cacciatore. While bone-in chicken adds extra flavor during cooking, boneless chicken reduces the cooking time and still delivers a delicious dish.
What Is the Best Wine to Use for Chicken Cacciatore?
The best wine for chicken cacciatore is a dry white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. If you prefer a deeper flavor, you can use a dry red wine like Chianti or Merlot.
Can Chicken Cacciatore Be Made Ahead of Time?
Yes, chicken cacciatore can be made ahead of time. Prepare the dish, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.
What Can I Serve with Chicken Cacciatore?
Chicken cacciatore pairs well with pasta, creamy polenta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread. A fresh green salad or steamed vegetables, like green beans, also complement the dish beautifully.
Wrapping Up
Ina Garten’s Chicken Cacciatore is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. With its rich tomato sauce, tender chicken, and hearty vegetables, this recipe brings rustic Italian flavors right to your table.
Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy a meal that’s both satisfying and impressive!
More Ina Garten Recipes
- Barefoot Contessa Asparagus Quiche
- Ina Garten Spinach Gratin
- Ina Garten Bangers & Mustard Mash
- Ina Garten Maple Roasted Carrots
Ina Garten Chicken Cacciatore Recipe
Chicken Cacciatore, which means “hunter’s style” in Italian, is a traditional dish made with braised chicken, tomatoes, onions, peppers, and herbs. Ina Garten’s version adds depth with white wine and a touch of heat, creating a rich and satisfying dish.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 45
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing and Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs – 6 pieces (or a mix of thighs and drumsticks)
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper – to taste
- Olive oil – 3 tbsp
- Yellow onion – 1 large, thinly sliced
- Bell peppers – 2 (1 red and 1 yellow), sliced into strips
- Garlic – 3 cloves, minced
- Crushed tomatoes – 1 (28-ounce) can
- White wine – ½ cup (dry, such as Pinot Grigio)
- Chicken stock – ½ cup
- Tomato paste – 2 tbsp
- Dried oregano – 1 tsp
- Fresh thyme – 1 tsp (or 4-5 sprigs, optional)
- Red pepper flakes – ¼ tsp (optional for heat)
- Capers – 2 tbsp, drained
- Fresh parsley – 2 tbsp, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Season and Brown the Chicken:
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken, skin-side down, and cook for 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden brown. Flip and cook the other side for 3-4 minutes. Transfer the browned chicken to a plate and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same pot, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers and sauté for 5-7 minutes, until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Deglaze with Wine:
- Pour in the white wine, scraping up any browned bits on the bottom of the pot. Let the wine simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
Add Tomatoes and Seasonings:
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, chicken stock, tomato paste, dried oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using). Add the capers and stir to combine.
Simmer the Chicken:
- Return the chicken thighs to the pot, skin-side up, along with any juices that accumulated on the plate.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
Finish and Serve:
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Serve Hot:
- Serve the Chicken Cacciatore over pasta, creamy polenta, or with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
