Rustic Chicken Cacciatore with Tomatoes and Herbs

This Rustic Chicken Cacciatore Recipe is perfect for a comforting dinner: hearty, easy to make, deeply flavorful, and loaded with tender chicken, tomatoes, herbs, wine, and more!

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I know we all love those slow Sunday dinners that feel special. They are warm, familiar, and obviously delicious. But they usually take TIME. I love a good slow-cooked meal, but after simmering sauce, chopping veggies, watching the pot, maybe a little wine for the chef, etc. . . . phew. My schedule hurts. 😉

The solution to getting that Sunday feeling any night is obviously to make this Rustic Chicken Cacciatore at home! I promise it isn’t rushed and bonus: it never feels complicated, so enjoying a cozy meal from your own stove really IS easier than waiting for the weekend. 😉

This is the most incredible chicken cacciatore recipe…EVER! It’s rich, cozy, tender, hearty, and comforting. AND, it’s the perfect way to get fall-apart tender chicken every single time

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe delivers classic comfort without being fussy. Everything cooks in one pot which keeps flavors layered and cleanup simple. Tomatoes bring brightness, herbs add depth, and olives give that signature savory bite.

Rich Taste: Deep slow cooked flavor

Mess Free Cooking: One pot meal with minimal mess

Flavorful Chicken: Chicken stays juicy and tender

Veges Goodness: Packed with vegetables and herbs

Leftover Friendly: Tastes even better the next day

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Ingredients

For the Chicken and Vegetables:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 6 bone in skinless chicken thighs
• Salt and pepper to season
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 tablespoons garlic, minced
• 1 small yellow bell pepper, diced
• 1 small red bell pepper, diced
• 1 large carrot, peeled and sliced
• 10 ounces mushrooms, sliced

For the Sauce:

• 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 7 ounces Roma tomatoes, halved
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 8 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
• ½ cup pitted black olives
• 150 ml red wine

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Step by Step Instructions

1. Season and Brown the Chicken

Start by seasoning the chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until lightly golden. This step builds flavor and helps the meat stay juicy. Remove the chicken and set it aside.

2. Cook the Vegetables

Add the remaining olive oil to the same pot. Stir in the onion, bell peppers, carrot, and mushrooms. Cook until softened and lightly golden. Add the garlic and stir until fragrant. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom for extra flavor.

3. Build the Tomato Base

Stir the tomato paste into the vegetables and let it cook briefly. Pour in the red wine and allow it to reduce slightly. Add the crushed tomatoes and Roma tomatoes. Stir well until everything blends smoothly.

4. Add Herbs and Simmer

Drop in the thyme sprigs, oregano, red pepper flakes, olives, parsley, and basil. Return the chicken to the pot and nestle it into the sauce. Lower the heat and let everything simmer gently until the chicken cooks through and the sauce thickens.

5. Finish and Rest

Remove the thyme sprigs and adjust seasoning if needed. Let the dish rest briefly before serving. Garnish with extra parsley for color and freshness.

Tips and Variations

Cutting vegetables evenly helps them cook at the same pace. Simmering longer deepens the sauce flavor. Extra mushrooms or peppers add more texture.

A splash of broth can loosen the sauce if it thickens too much. Fresh herbs added at the end keep everything bright and balanced.

Serving Suggestions

Rustic Chicken Cacciatore pairs beautifully with pasta, creamy polenta, or crusty bread. The sauce soaks in perfectly and makes each bite satisfying. A simple green salad adds freshness on the side.

When serving guests, I like to bring the pot straight to the table. That rustic look always feels inviting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can boneless chicken be used?

Yes, boneless thighs work well. Reduce simmer time slightly to avoid overcooking.

Does the wine matter?

Any dry red wine works. The alcohol cooks off and leaves rich flavor behind.

How long do leftovers last?

Store in the fridge for up to four days. The flavor improves overnight.

Can this be frozen?

Yes, cool completely before freezing. Reheat gently on the stove.

Final Thoughts

Rustic Chicken Cacciatore feels like a hug in a bowl. Tomatoes, herbs, and wine come together in a sauce that tastes slow and comforting. The chicken stays tender and full of flavor.

What keeps me coming back involves how simple ingredients create something timeless. This dish fits quiet dinners, family meals, and moments that call for something warm and grounding.