Traditional one-pot chicken cacciatore is a favourite Italian recipe that's makes a quick, flavoursome dinner and is best served with pasta. Hearty enough for the hungriest of families, it's easy and quick to make and the perfect winter warmer.

What you need to know before you start

You’ll just need a deep frypan, a spoon and about 45 minutes of your time to make this recipe at home. Some basic knife skills are also required to chop and cut the fresh produce. Otherwise, this is a wonderfully easy recipe, great for beginner cooks. 

Why is this the best quick and easy chicken cacciatore recipe?

This rustic Italian chicken stew is the perfect weeknight dinner when you need something on the table fast or are craving something warming. The dish is made in the one pan to allow all the flavours to intensify, so it won’t leave you with a sink full of dirty dishes. 

It’s rich, hearty and savoury thanks to chicken thighs, fresh herbs and olives in a tangy tomato and wine-based sauce. It’s best served with polenta or rice, and will feed a family of four. 

What is a substitute for wine in chicken cacciatore?

If you prefer not to cook with wine, it can be substituted with chicken stock and a splash of red wine vinegar, white wine vinegar, balsamic vinegar or lemon juice for a touch of acidity. 

What ingredients you’ll need 

Extra virgin olive oil: Olive oil provides a rich, fruity base for browning the chicken. 

Chicken thigh cutlets: We use chicken thigh cutlets with the skin on and bone in. Cutlets are tender and rich, resulting in a more flavourful dish. 

Onion: Onion adds a savoury sweetness and aromatic base to the sauce.

Garlic cloves: Garlic imparts a robust, aromatic flavour that enhances the overall dish.

Rosemary leaves: Fresh rosemary adds an earthy fragrance that pairs perfectly with the chicken and tomato sauce.

Red capsicum: Capsicum contributes sweetness and a mild, peppery flavour, balancing the acidity of the tomatoes.

Pitted green olives: Green olives introduce a briny, savoury flavour that contrasts with the sweetness of the tomatoes, enhancing the dish's Mediterranean profile.

Red wine: Red wine adds a rich, deep flavour and acidity to the sauce.

Canned chopped tomatoes: Canned tomatoes form the base of the sauce, providing acidity, sweetness and body to the dish.

Flat-leaf parsley leaves: Fresh parsley offers a burst of freshness and brightness that balances the richness of the chicken.

Polenta (optional): Polenta serves as a creamy, comforting side, absorbing the rich sauce and complementing the flavours of the chicken and sauce.

How to make an authentic chicken cacciatore recipe

The beauty of this Italian chicken cacciatore recipe is it’s cooked all in the one pan, so you’re not having to juggle with multiple pots on the go. Begin by chopping, slicing and crushing your ingredients before browning the chicken thighs. Once the chicken is golden, remove and add the remainder of the ingredients. Return the chicken to the pan and simmer for 25 minutes, or until cooked through. Add a little extra water or some stock to the pan if the sauce becomes too thick. 

How to store leftover chicken cacciatore

Let any leftovers cool completely before placing into an airtight container and storing in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or in the microwave until warmed through.

What is traditionally served with chicken cacciatore?

There are plenty of options you can choose to serve with your Italian chicken cacciatore. Traditionally, chicken cacciatore is served with polenta in the north of Italy and bread in the south. Our recipe includes a creamy polenta, however you can also opt for a risotto, white rice, roasted potatoes or even your favourite shape of pasta. 

Drink pairings with chicken cacciatore

Choose robust red wines like a chianti or a sangiovese to complement the flavours of the tomato-based sauce. If you prefer white wines, pair this simple chicken cacciatore recipe with a crisp, dry pinot grigio or even sparkling water with a wedge of lemon. 

If you love our quick and easy chicken cacciatore recipe, try this 

For more flavour-packed chicken recipes that can be whipped up on a weeknight, look to these simple chicken winners:

• Tarragon chicken
• Shawarma-spiced roast chicken
• Baked mango chutney chicken