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Chicken Cacciatore with Bell Peppers and Mushrooms

Chicken Cacciatore with Bell Peppers and Mushrooms

Easy Chicken Cacciatore with Bell Peppers and Mushrooms is a warm, comforting Italian-inspired dish featuring tender chicken thighs simmered in a rich tomato sauce with vibrant bell peppers and earthy mushrooms. This one-pot meal combines quick preparation with wholesome, vibrant flavors, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

Vegetables

  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
  • 8 ounces cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

Liquids & Sauces

  • 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine (e.g., Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Seasonings & Herbs

  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, thyme mix)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Brown the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Place them skin-side down and cook until golden and crispy, about 5 minutes. Flip and cook the other side for an additional 3 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
  2. Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add diced onions and minced garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Add sliced bell peppers and mushrooms, cooking until tender and lightly caramelized, approximately 7-8 minutes.
  3. Deglaze and Build Sauce: Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let the wine reduce for 2-3 minutes. Stir in crushed tomatoes and Italian seasoning. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  4. Simmer Chicken in Sauce: Return the browned chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Cover and simmer on low heat for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender, allowing flavors to meld.
  5. Finish and Garnish: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish just before serving for a fresh, herbal finish.

Notes

  • Brown the chicken well to lock in juices and develop flavor.
  • Use fresh, crisp bell peppers and mushrooms for best texture and taste.
  • Do not skip deglazing with white wine to incorporate all flavors.
  • Simmer gently on low heat for tender chicken and rich sauce.
  • Customize herbs by swapping Italian seasoning with fresh basil or rosemary if preferred.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken cacciatore, Italian chicken, one pot dinner, bell peppers, mushrooms, comfort food, gluten free, easy chicken recipe