Flavorful Barefoot Contessa Chicken Cacciatore Recipe

Barefoot Contessa Chicken Cacciatore represents a classic Italian-inspired comfort food that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Rustic and robust, this recipe captures the essence of home-style cooking with its profound depth of flavors.

Succulent chicken pieces merge seamlessly with aromatic herbs and ripe tomatoes, creating a mouthwatering experience.

The dish speaks to traditional culinary techniques that elevate simple components into something truly remarkable.

Warm and inviting, each bite promises a journey through Mediterranean-influenced cuisine.

A Hearty Chicken Cacciatore That Warms the Soul

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Pat chicken thighs dry with a paper towel. Season generously with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

• Cook first side for 5-7 minutes
• Flip and cook other side for 3-4 minutes

Transfer browned chicken to a plate.

Step 3: Create Vegetable Base

• Sliced onions
• Bell peppers

Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Deglaze with Wine Magic

Pour white wine into the pot. Scrape up delicious browned bits from the bottom. Let wine simmer and reduce for 2-3 minutes.

Step 5: Build Robust Sauce

• Crushed tomatoes
• Chicken stock
• Tomato paste
• Dried oregano
• Thyme
• Red pepper flakes
• Capers

Step 6: Slow Simmer Perfection

Return chicken thighs to the pot, skin-side up. Include any collected juices.

Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-35 minutes until chicken is tender.

Step 7: Final Flavor Touches

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

• Pasta
• Creamy polenta
• Crusty bread

Cacciatore Secrets Passed from Nonna’s Kitchen

• Sear for Superior Flavor: Browning the chicken creates a delicious golden crust that locks in juices and develops a rich, complex taste that transforms the entire dish.
• Choose the Right Wine: Select a crisp, dry white wine like Pinot Grigio to deglaze the pan, which adds a subtle acidity and helps pick up those delicious browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
• Master the Slow Simmer: Cooking the chicken at a gentle, low temperature allows the meat to become incredibly tender while letting the sauce develop deep, harmonious flavors that will make your taste buds dance.
• Embrace the Capers: These tiny flavor bombs bring a bright, briny punch that cuts through the richness of the chicken and adds an unexpected layer of complexity to the classic cacciatore sauce.
• Final Flavor Adjustment: Always taste and tweak the sauce just before serving – a pinch of salt, a dash of pepper, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs can elevate the entire dish from good to absolutely extraordinary.

Store This Stew Right and Keep It Rich

• Freezer Storage: Pack the chicken cacciatore in heavy-duty freezer bags, removing all air to prevent freezer burn. Lay bags flat for efficient space-saving storage and quick thawing. Label each bag with the date and contents to track freshness precisely.
• Refrigerator Preservation: Store in glass containers with tight-sealing lids to maintain flavor integrity. Position containers in the coolest part of the refrigerator, typically the back shelf, away from temperature fluctuations. Consume within three days for optimal taste and texture.
• Reheating Strategy: Restore moisture by adding a splash of chicken broth or water when warming. Use a wide skillet for even heat distribution, stirring gently to prevent sauce separation. Warm over medium-low heat, covering the pan to trap steam and prevent drying out.

How to Tweak Chicken Cacciatore Without Regret

• Mediterranean Herb Boost: Replace dried herbs with fresh rosemary, basil, and thyme for a brighter, more aromatic profile that enhances the chicken's richness.
• Spicy Calabrian Kick: Add chopped Calabrian chili peppers and increase red pepper flakes for a fiery southern Italian-inspired version that brings heat and depth to the classic recipe.
• Rustic Mushroom Edition: Include wild mushrooms like porcini or shiitake during the vegetable sauté stage to introduce an earthy, umami layer that complements the tomato sauce and chicken.
• Red Wine Robust Style: Swap white wine for a full-bodied red wine like Chianti, creating a deeper, more intense sauce that adds complexity to the traditional chicken cacciatore preparation.

One Last Simmer with Cacciatore’s Cozy Embrace

Chicken Cacciatore embodies rustic Italian culinary excellence with its rich, complex flavors and hearty ingredients.

Mediterranean traditions shine through each carefully crafted bite of this classic hunter-style dish.

Ina Garten’s masterful recipe transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal that transports diners straight to Italian countryside kitchens.

Robust chicken thighs mingle with aromatic vegetables and tangy tomato sauce, creating a symphony of taste sensations.

Wine-infused depths and herbaceous notes elevate this comfort classic beyond ordinary weeknight dinners.

Passionate cooks and hungry epicureans alike will fall deeply in love with this soulful, authentic Italian masterpiece – so grab those ingredients, channel your inner chef, and let this recipe inspire culinary magic that connects hearts through delicious traditions.

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What Makes Chicken Cacciatore So Timeless

• Savor Intense Flavor Layers: This chicken cacciatore delivers a rich, complex taste experience with perfectly browned chicken, caramelized vegetables, and a robust tomato-wine sauce that builds depth with every bite.
• Enjoy Foolproof Cooking Method: The one-pot technique makes this recipe surprisingly simple, allowing even novice cooks to create a restaurant-quality meal with minimal kitchen skills and cleanup.
• Celebrate Versatile Comfort Food: This classic Italian dish transforms humble ingredients into a stunning meal that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, weekend gatherings, or impressive date nights with its incredible blend of textures and hearty, satisfying profile.

Grab These Ingredients for a Rustic Chicken Night

• Chicken Thighs: Bone-in and skin-on for richer flavor and juiciness, preferably organic or free-range for best taste.

• Onions, Bell Peppers: Classic Italian base vegetables that provide sweet and robust flavor profile.
• Garlic: Fresh and aromatic ingredient that adds depth to the sauce.

• White Wine: Dry variety like Pinot Grigio helps deglaze the pan and adds complexity to the sauce.
• Olive Oil: High-quality extra virgin oil for authentic Mediterranean cooking technique.
• Crushed Tomatoes: Ripe and rich base for creating traditional cacciatore sauce.
• Chicken Stock: Supports sauce consistency and enhances overall meat flavor.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrated tomato product that deepens sauce color and intensity.
• Dried Oregano, Thyme: Classic Italian herbs that provide traditional Mediterranean seasoning.
• Capers: Briny and tangy ingredient adding signature Italian coastal flavor.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spice for those who enjoy slight heat.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.

• Fresh Parsley: Bright, fresh herb for final aromatic touch and visual appeal.

Barefoot Contessa Chicken Cacciatore Recipe

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4.9 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s legendary chicken cacciatore brings rustic Italian flavors straight to your kitchen. Succulent chicken braised with robust tomatoes, herbs, and red wine creates a hearty meal that sings with Mediterranean comfort and warmth.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or a mix of thighs and drumsticks)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced into strips
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Liquid and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 45 milliliters (3 tablespoons) olive oil
• 794 grams (28 ounces) can crushed tomatoes
• 120 milliliters (½ cup) dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio)
• 120 milliliters (½ cup) chicken stock
• 30 grams (2 tablespoons) tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 4–5 sprigs, optional)
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• 2 tablespoons capers, drained
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Seasoning:

• Kosher salt (to taste)
• Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken by thoroughly patting the thighs dry with clean paper towels, then generously season both sides with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
2. Heat of extra virgin olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering and almost smoking.
3. Carefully place the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side down into the hot oil, allowing them to develop a rich golden-brown crust for 5-7 minutes without disturbing.
4. Flip the chicken and cook the opposite side for an additional 3-4 minutes, creating a deep caramelized exterior. Transfer the browned pieces to a clean plate and reserve.
5. In the same cooking vessel, add the remaining of olive oil and introduce sliced onions and bell peppers, sautéing for 5-6 minutes until they become soft and translucent.
6. Incorporate minced garlic and cook for 45-60 seconds, releasing its aromatic essence without burning.
7. Deglaze the pan by pouring in white wine, using a wooden spoon to scrape up all the flavorful browned bits clinging to the bottom of the pot.
8. Allow the wine to simmer and reduce by approximately one-third, concentrating its flavors.
9. Add crushed tomatoes, chicken stock, tomato paste, dried oregano, fresh thyme, and red pepper flakes, creating a robust sauce base.
10. Stir in the capers to introduce a briny complexity to the sauce.
11. Gently return the browned chicken thighs to the sauce, ensuring they are nestled but not completely submerged, skin facing upward.
12. Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let the chicken simmer for 30-35 minutes, allowing the meat to become tender and fully cooked.
13. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt and black pepper as needed.
14. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a bright, fresh finish.
15. Serve immediately over your preferred accompaniment such as al dente pasta, creamy polenta, or alongside crusty artisan bread to soak up the rich, aromatic sauce.

Notes

• Develop a gorgeous golden-brown crust by thoroughly searing chicken pieces before adding liquid, which locks in incredible flavors and creates stunning caramelization.
• Select crisp, dry white wines like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc that provide subtle acidity and help deglaze delicious pan drippings for maximum sauce complexity.
• Allow gentle, consistent simmering between 30-35 minutes guarantees fork-tender chicken and transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality Mediterranean-style meal.
• Sprinkle briny capers strategically into sauce for unexpected tangy bursts that elevate the entire dish’s flavor profile with minimal extra effort.
• Conduct careful taste testing moments before serving, adjusting seasonings like salt, fresh cracked pepper, or chopped herbs to personalize and perfect the final presentation.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 265
• Sugar: 3.4g
• Sodium: 750mg
• Fat: 13g
• Saturated Fat: 3.2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0.1g
• Fiber: 1.8g
• Protein: 23g
• Cholesterol: 92mg