Easy Ina Garten’s Chicken Cacciatore Recipe

Easy Ina Garten’s Chicken Cacciatore Recipe is a rustic, hearty Italian classic made with tender chicken simmered in a rich tomato, bell pepper, and wine sauce. This comforting dish delivers deep, savory flavor with minimal effort—perfect for a cozy family dinner or an impressive meal for guests.

This is the Ina Garten’s Best Chicken Cacciatore Recipe is the ultimate comfort food — hearty, rustic, and bursting with classic Italian flavors.

Juicy chicken is simmered in a rich tomato sauce with bell peppers, onions, garlic, and herbs until perfectly tender.

This easy, one-pan meal feels gourmet but is simple enough for any night of the week. Serve it over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes for a cozy, restaurant-quality dinner right at home.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• Rich, Authentic Flavor – Slow-simmered sauce with herbs, tomatoes, and wine creates that classic Italian depth of flavor.
• One-Pan Wonder – Everything cooks together, making cleanup quick and easy.
• Tender, Juicy Chicken – The braising method ensures every bite is moist and flavorful.
• Perfect for Any Occasion – Elegant enough for guests, simple enough for a cozy weeknight dinner.
• Versatile and Satisfying – Pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up every delicious drop.

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Chicken Cacciatore

• Olive Oil – Adds rich flavor and helps brown the chicken beautifully.
• Chicken Thighs – Juicy, tender meat that absorbs all the savory sauce.
• Salt & Black Pepper – Essential for seasoning and enhancing overall flavor.
• Onion – Adds sweetness and depth to the tomato-based sauce.
• Garlic Cloves – Infuses the dish with rich, aromatic Italian flavor.
• Bell Peppers – Provide color, texture, and a hint of sweetness.
• Carrots – Add natural sweetness and balance the acidity of tomatoes.
• Mushrooms – Bring earthy flavor and hearty texture to the stew.
• Crushed Tomatoes – Create a rich, flavorful sauce base for the chicken.
• Tomato Paste – Deepens the flavor and thickens the cacciatore sauce.
• Dry White Wine – Adds acidity and layers of complex flavor.
• Chicken Broth – Keeps the dish moist and enhances savory richness.
• Italian Seasoning – Classic blend of herbs for an authentic Italian taste.
• Fresh Basil – Adds freshness and a vibrant, aromatic finish.
• Parsley (for garnish) – Brightens the dish and adds a pop of color

How To Make Ina Garten’s Best Chicken Cacciatore

Step 1: Season chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and brown the chicken on both sides. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: In the same pan, add onions, bell peppers, carrots, mushrooms, and garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant, scraping up any browned bits for extra flavor.

Step 3: Stir in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, white wine, chicken broth, and Italian seasoning. Mix well to combine and bring to a gentle simmer. Return the browned chicken to the pan. Cover and let it simmer on low heat for 30–40 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.

Ina Garten’s Best Chicken Cacciatore Recipe Tips

• Brown the Chicken Well: Take time to sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown — this builds deep, rich flavor in the sauce. Don’t rush this step, as caramelized bits on the pan are key to that classic Italian taste.
• Use Bone-In Chicken for More Flavor: Bone-in thighs or drumsticks give the dish a richer, more authentic flavor than boneless cuts. The bones also help keep the meat tender during simmering.
• Deglaze the Pan Properly: After browning the chicken and sautéing vegetables, pour in the white wine to scrape up all those flavorful browned bits. This step adds incredible depth to your sauce.
• Simmer Low and Slow: Allow the chicken to simmer gently in the tomato sauce for at least 30 minutes. The longer it cooks, the more tender the chicken becomes and the more the flavors meld together.
• Fresh Herbs Make a Difference: Add fresh basil or parsley at the end for a burst of brightness. It balances the richness of the sauce and gives the dish that signature Ina Garten touch.

Storing, Freezing & Reheating Instructions

• Storing: Store leftover Chicken Cacciatore in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Let it cool completely before sealing to maintain the best flavor and texture.
• Freezing: Freeze the cooled chicken and sauce together in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of broth or water if the sauce thickens too much. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal.

Ina Garten’s Best Chicken Cacciatore Recipe Faqs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs? Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken breasts can be used, but they may cook faster and can dry out if overcooked. Keep an eye on them while simmering.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker? Absolutely! Brown the chicken and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4–6 hours or until the chicken is tender.

What can I serve with Chicken Cacciatore? It’s delicious over pasta, rice, polenta, or even with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Can I use canned mushrooms? Yes, but fresh mushrooms provide better texture and flavor. Drain canned mushrooms well before adding to avoid excess liquid.

Can I make this dairy-free? Yes, this recipe is naturally dairy-free as written. No cheese or cream is needed.

How do I thicken the sauce? Simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce the sauce, or stir in a small cornstarch slurry for a thicker consistency.

More Ina Garten Copycat Recipes

• Easy Barefoot Contessa Turkey Burger Recipe
• Barefoot Contessa’s Tuna Casserole
• Barefoot Contessa Chicken Divan Recipe
• Ina Garten Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe
• Barefoot Contessa Chicken Marsala Recipe
• Ina Garten Deviled Eggs Recipe
• Easy Barefoot Contessa Chicken Parmesan
• Ina Garten Tartar Sauce Recipe
• Ina Garten’s Banana Bread Recipe
• Easy Ina Garten’s Quiche Recipe
• Barefoot Contessa’s Cream of Asparagus Soup
• Barefoot Contessa Cornish Hen Recipe
• French Potato Salad by Barefoot Contessa
• Ina Garten’s Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
• Ina Garten Stuffed Peppers Recipe

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