Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Preparation
- Season chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or oven-safe pot over medium-high heat. Sear chicken thighs skin-side down until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove chicken and set aside, reserving rendered fat.
- Add chopped onion and bell peppers to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the dry red wine (if using) and deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Cook until the wine has mostly evaporated.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, oregano, basil, and bay leaf. Bring the sauce to a simmer.
- Return chicken thighs to the pot, nestling them into the sauce. Ensure the chicken is partially submerged.
- Cover the pot and transfer to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Alternatively, simmer on the stovetop over low heat for 25-30 minutes.
- Remove the bay leaf. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with your favorite side dishes like pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
Notes
For extra depth of flavor, use a combination of different colored bell peppers. Chicken cacciatore pairs wonderfully with a side of pasta or a crusty baguette to soak up all the delicious sauce.
