Chicken Cacciatore is one of my favorite dishes because it’s so tasty and easy to make. This recipe is great for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen. I love how the chicken, tomatoes, and peppers come together to make a hearty and flavorful meal. Plus, it’s a one-pan dish, which means fewer dishes to clean up afterward!
The best part about Chicken Cacciatore is how versatile it is. You can serve it over pasta, rice, or even with some crusty bread to soak up the yummy sauce. It’s also packed with veggies, making it a healthy option that doesn’t skimp on taste. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or your family, this dish is sure to be a hit.
So, let’s get started on this simple yet amazing Chicken Cacciatore recipe that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Table of Contents
Chef’s Notes – Quick Chicken Cacciatore
- Proper Searing: Ensure the chicken thighs are patted dry before seasoning and searing. This will help achieve a crisp, golden brown skin that locks in juices.
- Layering Flavors: Don’t skip rendering the bacon and sautéing the vegetables; these steps build a depth of flavor that’s essential for a rich cacciatore.
- Deglazing: When deglazing with red wine, use a wooden spoon to scrape up all the browned bits at the bottom of the pot. These bits are packed with flavor.
- Alternative Ingredients: For a lighter option, use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon. For an alcohol-free version, substitute the red wine with chicken broth or grape juice.
- Cooking Time: If you prefer a thicker sauce, extend the final reduction time. Adjust the consistency to your liking by controlling the reduction time on ‘Saute’ mode.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve the chicken cacciatore over creamy polenta, mashed potatoes, or pasta to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Make-Ahead Tips: This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving.
- Garnishing: Fresh parsley not only adds color but also a burst of freshness. Don’t skip it!
Quick Chicken Cacciatore
4
servings15
minutes1
hour10
minutes560
kcal1
hour25
minutesDive into the delightful flavors of our Quick Chicken Cacciatore, a succulent dish ready in just 85 minutes! This Instant Pot recipe saves time without sacrificing the classic taste of this beloved Italian dinner.
Ingredients
- Main Ingredients
8 chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on
3 slices bacon, finely chopped
1 onion, diced
2 carrots, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
¾ cup red wine
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Alternative Ingredients
Turkey bacon for bacon, for a lighter option
Chicken broth or grape juice in place of red wine for alcohol-free
Directions
- Seasoning & Searing – Liberally season chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Warm olive oil in the Instant Pot on ‘Saute’ setting. Sear chicken skin-side down until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side, then set aside. This initial sear locks in…
- Cooking Bacon & Aromatics – In remaining oil, render chopped bacon until crisp, about 5 minutes. Remove bacon, add diced onion, sliced carrots, and minced garlic to the pot; saute until onions become translucent. The foundation of flavor…
- Building Sauce Base – Stir in tomato paste and thyme, cooking for 2 minutes. Deglaze with red wine, let it simmer and reduce by half, about 5 minutes. The flavors concentrate…
- Pressure Cooking – Return bacon and chicken to pot. Add water, stir to combine. Secure the lid, switch to manual high pressure for 20 minutes. Quick release after timer beeps. Ensures tender chicken…
- Final Reduction & Serving – Remove chicken, switch to ‘Saute’ mode. Reduce sauce until thickened, about 10-15 minutes. Spoon sauce over chicken, garnish with fresh parsley. Serve with creamy polenta if desired.
Equipment
- instant pot
- chef’s knife
- cutting board
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 560kcal
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 210mg
- Sodium: 780mg
- Potassium: 640mg
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 38g
- Vitamin A: 5340IU
- Vitamin C: 10mg
- Calcium: 40mg
- Iron: 3mg
FAQ – Quick Chicken Cacciatore
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts for thighs. However, chicken breasts might cook faster, so adjust the pressure cooking time to 15 minutes to avoid overcooking.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add a spicy kick, include a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the vegetables or add a chopped fresh chili.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Absolutely! This dish is naturally dairy-free. Just ensure that any sides you serve with it, like polenta or mashed potatoes, are also dairy-free.
What can I use if I don’t have fresh thyme?
If you don’t have fresh thyme, you can use dried thyme. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried thyme in place of the fresh thyme.
