Chicken Cacciatore a Rustic Italian Hunters Stew

Italian Rustic Chicken Cacciatore Nonnas Easy Hunters Stew

By Ethan NavarroOctober 1, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever crave a hug in a bowl? The secret? Italian Rustic Chicken Cacciatore ! This hearty stew bursts with savoury tomatoes, earthy mushrooms, and tender chicken. Trust me, it's proper lush!

Brief Overview

Cacciatore means "hunter" in Italian. It’s a dish full of peasant style flavour. Think tender chicken, rich tomato sauce, onions, peppers, and herbs.

It's not difficult and takes about 1 hour 40 minutes to make. This recipe yields six servings, perfect for a family dinner.

Main Benefits

This recipe is packed with protein. It will fill you up without being too heavy. Chicken Cacciatore Recipe is the perfect dish for a cold night.

What makes it special? It's so comforting and flavourful.

Let's Talk Ingredients

Okay, let's get cracking on these , shall we? "Mamma Mia," this is going to be good! To start this adventure of Rustic Italian Cuisine you're going to need six bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs.

Don’t skimp on the olive oil, you need 30ml. You'll need salt, pepper, and flour. Honestly, the chicken is the star.

Now, for the sauce! You'll want one large chopped onion, two cloves of minced garlic, and both a red and yellow bell pepper.

Don’t forget the sliced cremini mushrooms. We're also using oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Mamma Mia!

You'll need crushed tomatoes, red wine (hello, Chianti Wine Pairing !), and chicken broth. A dollop of tomato paste, fresh rosemary, and bay leaves.

Make sure you have salt and pepper for seasoning, and parsley for garnish. This Tomato Based Chicken Stew is all about layering flavors.

I feel like Nonna is watching me.

Let's Get Cooking: The Method (Simplified)

First, prep the chicken, season and dredge in flour. Browning the chicken is key for that rich, developed flavor. This bit is important.

Then sauté your veggies. Add the onion and garlic first, followed by the peppers and mushrooms. I find this so therapeutic.

Stir in the herbs, then deglaze the pot with your red wine. Next, add the tomatoes, broth, tomato paste, rosemary, and bay leaves.

Return the chicken to the pot and simmer until the chicken is fall off-the-bone tender. Finally, remove herbs, adjust seasoning, and garnish.

Easy Chicken Cacciatore ? Done! Serve with polenta. A nice Chianti Wine Pairing would be fantastic!. This One-Pot Chicken Dinner is a winner.

Alright, lets talk ingredients and equipment, shall we? "Mamma Mia," this Italian Rustic Chicken Cacciatore is going to be amazing!

Let's Get This Show on the Road: Ingredients for the Best Chicken Cacciatore Recipe

Okay, for the Chicken Cacciatore Recipe , we need quality ingredients. I’m telling you, it makes ALL the difference. Remember, good ingredients = good food!

Main Ingredients Breakdown

Chicken Thighs: You'll need 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, which equals about 1.5 kg / 3.3 lbs . Go for good quality ones.
If they are yellowish its good, if they look watery, its a no for me.
Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of good olive oil. You know, the kind that smells amazing.
Salt & Pepper: 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of salt, and ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) of black pepper. Seasoning is key!
Flour: 2 tablespoons (30 g) all-purpose flour for dredging the chicken.
Onion: 1 large yellow onion, chopped (about 200g). Don't skimp on the onion!
Garlic: 2 cloves garlic, minced. More garlic is always better, right?
Bell Peppers: 1 red and 1 yellow bell pepper, seeded and chopped. Each one should be about 150g.
Mushrooms: 225 g (8 oz) cremini mushrooms, sliced.
Dried Herbs: 1 teaspoon (5 ml) dried oregano and ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) dried basil.
Red Pepper Flakes: ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat).
Crushed Tomatoes: 700g (24 oz) crushed tomatoes. San Marzano are lush.
Red Wine: 120ml (½ cup) dry red wine, like Chianti. Trust me, it makes a difference! For the Chianti Wine Pairing , pick a good one, you will not be disappointed.
Chicken Broth: 120ml (½ cup) chicken broth.
Tomato Paste: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) tomato paste.
Fresh Herbs: 2 sprigs fresh rosemary and 2 bay leaves.
Parsley: Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish.

Seasoning: The Secret Sauce to Italian Chicken Stew

This is where the magic happens. The perfect combo of oregano, basil, and a touch of red pepper flakes creates that authentic Italian flavor.

If you don’t have fresh rosemary, you can use dried, but honestly, fresh is best. Salt and pepper? To taste! A little extra love, Okay? This is Rustic Italian Cuisine at its finest.

Essential Equipment: Don't Sweat It!

You don’t need fancy gadgets for this Hunter's Chicken Recipe . A good Dutch oven or a heavy bottomed pot with a lid is essential.

My Grandma’s old pot works a treat! A cutting board and a decent chef's knife are also crucial. Measuring cups and spoons are important, but who are we kidding? I usually eyeball it! And don't forget a wooden spoon for stirring!

Conquering the Chicken: A Guide to Italian Rustic Chicken Cacciatore Perfection

Oh my gosh, are you ready for some serious comfort food? We're diving headfirst into Italian Rustic Chicken Cacciatore . Trust me; it's easier than it sounds, and the results? Mamma Mia! This is proper grub, proper Italian Chicken Stew .

Think Sunday dinner at Nonna's, even if you don't have a Nonna! Let's see how to handle our cooking method for the Hunter's Chicken Recipe .

Prep Like a Pro Essential Mise en Place

Honestly, prepping is half the battle! Chop that onion, mince your garlic (don’t be shy!), and slice those mushrooms. It takes about 25 minutes .

Get your chicken thighs ready, too. I like to use bone-in, skin-on for max flavour. It's all about the One-Pot Chicken Dinner

Time saving tip: Chop your veggies while the oven is preheating.
Safety first! Use a sharp knife and watch your fingers.

step-by-step Cacciatore Brilliance

Okay, here’s how to cook this beauty, nice and easy!

Pat the chicken dry. Season with salt, pepper, and a bit of flour.
Brown the chicken in olive oil in your Dutch oven. 3- 4 minutes per side, medium high heat.
Sauté onion and garlic (about 5 minutes ), then add peppers and mushrooms ( 5 minutes more).
Stir in herbs, then deglaze with Chianti Wine Pairing . Let it simmer.
Add tomatoes, broth, paste, rosemary, and bay leaves.
Nestle the chicken back in.
Simmer, covered, on low heat for 1 hour .
Remove herbs, adjust seasoning, and serve!

Pro Tips for Maximum Delizioso!

Want to take your Easy Chicken Cacciatore to the next level?

Browning is key! Don't skip this step; it adds depth of flavour.
Avoid overcrowding the pot! Brown the chicken in batches.
Taste as you go! Seasoning is everything. Trust your instincts.

Common mistakes? Not browning the chicken enough, or using cheap tomatoes. Splurge a little; you deserve it!

Honestly, this Tomato Based Chicken Stew is fantastic made ahead. It reheats beautifully. Serve over creamy Polenta Recipe or with crusty bread. You won't regret it.

Recipe Notes: Making Your Italian Rustic Chicken Cacciatore Shine

Okay, so you're about to make this amazing Italian Rustic Chicken Cacciatore . Honestly, it's easier than you think. But let’s chat about a few things to keep in mind.

A little bit of prep goes a long way, you know?

Serving Suggestions: "Mamma Mia," That's a Beautiful Plate!

Presentation matters, right? Forget fancy. Think rustic charm. Serve your Hunter's Chicken Recipe in a deep bowl. A sprig of fresh parsley on top makes it look super inviting.

Polenta Recipe is fantastic served underneath the chicken; creamy and comforting.

For a side, some crusty Italian bread is a must. Perfect for soaking up that delicious tomato sauce. As for drinks, a glass of Chianti Wine Pairing complements the dish perfectly.

Or even a crisp Italian beer.

Storage Tips: Keeping the Flavour Alive

Leftover Easy Chicken Cacciatore ? Lucky you!

Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container. It will happily keep for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Stir occasionally, so it heats evenly.

Freezing is an option, too. Just let it cool completely first. Then, pop it in a freezer safe container. It'll keep for up to 2 months.

Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Variations: Tweaking It to Your Taste

Want to mix things up? You can!

For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour to coat the chicken. And make sure your chicken broth is gluten-free too.

If you're feeling adventurous, swap out the mushrooms for some olives or capers. It adds a salty, briny twist. Or, for a seasonal touch, try adding some butternut squash in the autumn.

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite

This Tomato Based Chicken Stew is packed with goodness. It’s a good source of protein, thanks to the chicken. Also, the vegetables provide vitamins and fiber.

Just be mindful of the sodium content. Especially if you're using canned tomatoes. And remember, these are just estimates.

So there you have it! I hope these little notes help you nail your Chicken Cacciatore Recipe . Don't be afraid to experiment and have fun with it.

Most importantly, enjoy every single bite of your One-Pot Chicken Dinner . You got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Italian Rustic Chicken Cacciatore ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, like many stews, Italian Rustic Chicken Cacciatore often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have had more time to meld together. Just let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving. It is the definition of batch cooking!

What's the best way to store leftover Chicken Cacciatore?

To properly store leftover chicken cacciatore, allow it to cool down to room temperature first. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 2-3 months; when you're ready to enjoy it, let it thaw overnight in the fridge and then reheat it thoroughly.

Make sure the container is well sealed to prevent freezer burn and maintain the rich flavours.

Can I use different cuts of chicken for this Italian Rustic Chicken Cacciatore recipe?

While bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are the classic choice for Italian Rustic Chicken Cacciatore due to their rich flavour and ability to stay moist during the long braising process, you can experiment with other cuts.

Bone-in chicken breasts will also work, but be careful not to overcook them, as they can dry out more easily. You can also use a whole cut-up chicken.

I don't have red wine. What can I substitute in this Chicken Cacciatore recipe?

No worries if you're out of red wine! The wine adds depth and acidity, but you can replace it with an equal amount of chicken broth, adding a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar for a touch of that needed tang.

Another option is to use grape juice (red or white) just be mindful of the sweetness and adjust the seasoning accordingly. If you are making this for children, use grape juice instead of wine.

Is this Italian Rustic Chicken Cacciatore recipe healthy?

This Chicken Cacciatore recipe offers a balanced nutritional profile. It's a good source of protein from the chicken and contains vitamins and minerals from the vegetables. However, it's moderately high in fat due to the chicken skin and olive oil, and sodium.

To make it healthier, consider using skinless chicken thighs, reducing the amount of olive oil, and using low-sodium chicken broth.