Best Chicken Cacciatore Recipe Ina Garten

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The best chicken cacciatore recipe comes from Ina Garten and features a sauce that is rich and rustic, along with chicken that is so tender that it falls off the bone. It’s like having a warm hug whenever you eat it.

If you’re looking for a delicious Italian dish, look no further than this classic Chicken Cacciatore! It’s a family favorite because it’s simple to prepare and everyone enjoys it. The house will be filled with a warm, comforting aroma as the Cacciatore cooks on the stove or in the oven.

Best Chicken Cacciatore Recipe Ina Garten

What is Ina Garten chicken cacciatore?

Cacciatore means “hunter” in Italian. Hunter-style dishes are usually prepared by braising a protein (such as chicken) with tomatoes, onions, herbs, vegetables, and an acidic ingredient, such as vinegar, until tender.

What region of Italy is chicken cacciatore from?

Chicken cacciatore (hunter-style chicken) originated in central Italy. It is said to have originated during the Renaissance due to its flavorful braise of chicken, mushrooms, and tomatoes.

Ingredients That You’ll Need:

Chicken: It’s best to use bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces for the comforting, rustic effect. I used 6 chicken thighs, but thighs, legs, or breasts will also work (I would slice the breasts into smaller pieces for even cooking).
Extra virgin olive oil: for browning the chicken.
Vegetables & Aromatics: Celery, onions, bell peppers (I used ½ red and ½ green bell peppers, but any combination will work), and garlic.
Mushrooms: Simple is best here, so I use either baby Bellas or white mushrooms (about 8 ounces).
Herbs and Spices: It’s a combination of dry oregano, fresh thyme, and parsley. You could also add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
Chicken Broth: 1 cup of chicken broth should do the job here.
Crushed tomatoes: from a 28-ounce can.

What is the difference between chicken parmesan and Chicken Cacciatore?

In my understanding, the difference between a Parmesan and a Cacciatore is that the Parmesan is baked with a layer of cheese, whereas the Cacciatore does not. Am I correct? If I make Chicken Cacciatore, it will be with thighs and/or drumsticks. whereas if I do Chicken Parmesan, I will use boneless, skinless breasts.

What to Serve with Ina Garten’s Best Chicken Cacciatore?

Pasta: This Ina Garten Best Chicken Cacciatore works really well with pasta as a topping.
Salad: Serve this chicken cacciatore with a Kale and Creamy Cucumber Salad. Or, try your favorite green salad.
Vegetables: Roasted Broccoli and Carrots with Italian seasoning and Parmesan cheese would make the perfect side dish.
Bread: Caramelized Onion and Olive Focaccia is always a crowd-pleaser.

How To Make Ina Garten’s Best Chicken Cacciatore Recipe?

Start by patting your chicken dry and seasoning it on both sides and underneath with salt and pepper.
Over medium-high heat, heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil until shimmering but not smoking, then add the chicken skin-side down to the pan.
Allow your chicken to cook until golden brown, then turn over to brown on the other side. It should take about 8 minutes in total.
Once it’s done, remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate.
Add the onion, celery, pepper, mushrooms, and garlic to the same braiser; cook over medium heat, tossing regularly.
Next, you need to add kosher salt, pepper, fresh thyme, parsley, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Cook for about five minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
Now, go ahead and add the chicken broth and cook for a few minutes until the broth has reduced by half, then add the tomatoes.
Continue cooking for about 5 to 10 minutes over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
At this point, you need to add the chicken pieces back to the pan, and don’t forget to reduce the heat to medium-low.
Cover the pan and allow your chicken to cook for about 30 minutes, or until cooked through.
Finally, garnish with parsley, then serve your Ina Garten Best Chicken Cacciatore.

Recipe Tips & Variations

If you don’t like mushrooms, use an extra bell pepper.
Try baby Bellas or white button mushrooms.
To make this recipe with white meat, you can use boneless chicken breasts instead of thighs.

How To Make Ina Garten’s Best Chicken Cacciatore Recipe In The Slow Cooker?

Start by browning your chicken in extra virgin olive oil.
Once the chicken is browned, go ahead and transfer it to the slow cooker.
Next, you want to add the onions, celery, bell peppers, mushrooms, and garlic on top of the browned chicken.
Make sure to season with kosher salt, black pepper, and the rest of the herbs and spices.
Pour the chicken broth alongside the crushed tomatoes all over the chicken and vegetables.
Finally, cover and set the slow cooker to low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.

FAQ Section

How Long Ina Garten’s Best Chicken Cacciatore Can Last In The Fridge?

If properly stored, Ina Garten’s Best Chicken Cacciatore can last for up to 4 days. Make sure to allow your chicken cacciatore to cool to room temperature, then store them in an airtight container and place them in the fridge.

How Long Ina Garten’s Best Chicken Cacciatore Can Last In The freezer?

When you are ready to consume your Ina Garten Best Chicken Cacciatore, partially thaw overnight in the fridge, and heat slowly in a covered skillet until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. Make sure to stir occasionally.

How To Reheat Ina Garten’s Best Chicken Cacciatore?

Can I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts in Ina Garten’s Best Chicken Cacciatore?

Any chicken cut will indeed work in this Chicken Cacciatore, but the flavor and moisture level of the sauce will change dramatically depending on which chicken cut you use. If you want flavorful and juicy chicken, go for dark meat instead of white.

What goes well with Ina Garten’s Best Chicken Cacciatore Recipe?

You can serve Ina Garten’s best chicken cacciatore over pasta, rice, or polenta. For a low-carb version, use spaghetti squash or zucchini noodles.You could also serve it with a salad or roasted veggies on the side. As a topping, I like to top my Ina Garten’s Best Chicken Cacciatore with some good grated cheese like Pecorino Romano and with some hearty bread to soak up the sauce.

Can I make Ina Garten’s Best Chicken Cacciatore in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make this Ina Garten Best Chicken Cacciatore in a slow cooker. To do that, you’d prepare all the ingredients as given below. Then put it all into the slow cooker and allow it to simmer. However, using a slow cooker for this recipe wouldn’t make it easier or save you time at all. I would only use a slow cooker if you wanted it to simmer for a long time without having to keep your stove heating up.

How do I store Ina Garten’s Best Chicken Cacciatore leftovers?

This Ina Garten recipe for Chicken Cacciatore can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It can also be frozen. Place it in a freezer bag and it should last for up to 3 months.

Can I add capers and olives to Ina Garten’s Best Chicken Cacciatore?

Yes, I used to hate capers. Or at least the idea of them. But now I realize what an incredible amount of flavor they add to dishes like this. My suggestion is to add them to the sauce so they cook together. You don’t necessarily have to eat them but they really bring so much depth of flavor here.

Do I have to use bone-in chicken thighs in Ina Garten’s Best Chicken Cacciatore?

This Ina Garten Best Chicken Cacciatore recipe is usually prepared with chicken thighs. Bone-in chicken thighs add a little more flavor, but boneless chicken thighs will also work. You could as well use chicken breasts, but I believe you would sacrifice some of the flavors of this dish.