1-First Step: Prepare the Chicken Begin by patting the 6 chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove moisture, which helps them brown nicely. Season them generously with kosher salt and black pepper on both sides and underneath the skin for even flavor. This step ensures your simple chicken cacciatore has a flavorful base, and you can adapt it for dietary needs by using herbs that align with preferences.

2-Second Step: Brown the Chicken Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large pan or braiser over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add the chicken thighs skin-side down and cook until golden brown, about 4 minutes per side. Once browned, remove the chicken to a plate; this builds a tasty foundation for your quick chicken cacciatore recipe. For a variation, try linking to other chicken dishes like our guide on smoked chicken breasts if you’re exploring different cooking methods.

3-Third Step: Cook the Vegetables In the same pan, add the chopped yellow onion, 2 celery ribs, ½ red bell pepper, ½ green bell pepper, 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms, and 3 minced garlic cloves. Toss them regularly over medium heat for 5-6 minutes until they soften and release their aromas. Season with kosher salt, black pepper, 1 teaspoon oregano, 3 sprigs fresh thyme, 2 tablespoons chopped parsley, and a pinch of red pepper flakes to infuse the veggies with flavor. This step makes your easy chicken cacciatore more nutritious and adaptable for various tastes.

4-Fourth Step: Add Liquids and Simmer Pour in 1 cup of red wine and cook for a few minutes until it reduces by about half, which helps deglaze the pan and add depth. Then, stir in the 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes and let the mixture simmer for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This creates a rich sauce for your simple chicken cacciatore dinner, and you can adjust seasonings here for dietary modifications.

5-Fifth Step: Return and Cook the Chicken Place the browned chicken back into the pan, nestling it into the sauce. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 30 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This gentle simmering ensures tender, juicy results in your homemade chicken cacciatore, perfect for meal prep or family dinners.

6-Final Step: Garnish and Serve Once done, remove from heat and garnish with extra fresh chopped parsley for a fresh finish. Serve your chicken cacciatore hot, perhaps with pasta or bread to soak up the sauce. This easy one pot chicken cacciatore is ready in under an hour, making it ideal for quick weeknight meals. For inspiration on similar dishes, check out our grilled chicken recipes to expand your options.