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Chicken Cacciatore with Bell Peppers and Mushrooms

Chicken Cacciatore with Bell Peppers and Mushrooms

Chicken Cacciatore with Bell Peppers and Mushrooms is a comforting Italian classic featuring tender bone-in chicken thighs simmered in a rich tomato sauce with vibrant bell peppers, earthy mushrooms, and aromatic herbs. This one-pot dish is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for easy weeknight dinners or meal prep, pairing beautifully with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

Vegetables

  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
  • 8 oz cremini or white mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Pantry Items

  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with juices
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Lightly season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken skin-side down until golden and crispy, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  2. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add diced onions and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add sliced bell peppers and mushrooms, cooking until mushrooms release their juices and begin to brown, about 5-6 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  3. Build the Sauce: Pour in the canned diced tomatoes with juices and add chicken broth. Season with dried oregano, thyme, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper to taste. Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer.
  4. Combine and Simmer: Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Cover the skillet and let simmer on low heat for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through, tender, and the sauce has thickened slightly.
  5. Final Touches: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Remove from heat and let the dish rest for a few minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.

Notes

  • Brown the chicken well to develop rich flavor and crispy skin.
  • Bone-in, skin-on thighs retain moisture and tenderness better than boneless.
  • Simmer the sauce low and slow to soften vegetables and intensify flavors.
  • Customize vegetables by adding zucchini, carrots, or olives as preferred.
  • Finish with fresh basil or parsley for a vibrant fresh aroma before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chicken Cacciatore, Italian Chicken, Bell Peppers, Mushrooms, Comfort Food, One-Pot, Gluten-Free