Ina Garten Chicken Cacciatore Recipe

A warm skillet filled with tender chicken, simmered vegetables, and a rich tomato sauce is comfort food at its best-and that’s exactly what Ina Garten’s Chicken Cacciatore delivers. This rustic Italian classic, made famous by the Barefoot Contessa herself, balances homestyle flavors with gourmet simplicity. Perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy family gatherings, it’s a dish that feels special without being complicated.

In this recipe, juicy chicken is braised with onions, peppers, mushrooms, garlic, and herbs in a savory tomato and wine sauce that develops deep, layered flavors as it cooks. The result is a hearty, soul-satisfying meal that pairs beautifully with pasta, polenta, or crusty bread.

Whether you’re a long-time Ina Garten fan or simply craving a traditional chicken cacciatore that turns out perfectly every time, this recipe is guaranteed to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.

What’s the Flavor Profile of This Ina Garten Chicken Cacciatore?

Chicken Cacciatore, which translates to “hunter-style chicken,” is a traditional Italian dish known for its rustic flavors. The Ina Garten version elevates this classic with perfectly seared chicken and a deeply flavorful tomato and red wine sauce.

The dish has a delightful balance of tastes: savory chicken, earthy mushrooms, sweet bell peppers, and a subtle hint of heat from red pepper flakes. Fresh herbs like thyme and parsley infuse the sauce with aromatic notes that make it truly irresistible.

Every bite of this Chicken Cacciatore is comforting and satisfying. The braising process keeps the chicken tender and juicy, while the rich, herb-infused tomato sauce clings beautifully to the meat and vegetables. Serve it over pasta, polenta, or with a slice of crusty bread for the ultimate Italian experience.

Ingredients Required for Ina Garten Chicken Cacciatore Recipe

Gather all the following ingredients, before you start making this Ina Garten Chicken Cacciatore 

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper (red), sliced
• 1 bell pepper (yellow), sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 3 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 cup red wine
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes

Kitchen Utensils Required

1. Large braiser or deep skillet with lid
2. Wooden spoon or spatula
3. Measuring cups and spoons
4. Knife and cutting board

Preparation & Cooking Time

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

Copycat Ina Garten Chicken Cacciatore Recipe

Just follow this simple step by step guideline to make your homemade version of Ina Garten Chicken Cacciatore  in a delicious way.

1. Season the Chicken: Lift the skin of each chicken thigh and generously season underneath and on top with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.

2. Sear the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large braiser or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, place the chicken skin-side down and cook until golden brown, then flip briefly. Remove chicken and set aside.

3. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pan, add chopped onions, red and yellow bell peppers, celery, sliced mushrooms, and minced garlic. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened and fragrant.

4. Build the Sauce: Pour in 1 cup of red wine and let it simmer until reduced by half. Stir in 1 can of crushed tomatoes and cook for another 5 minutes to combine the flavors into a rich, herby sauce.

5. Braise the Chicken: Nestle the seared chicken back into the sauce. Add fresh thyme sprigs, cover, and reduce heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for 25–30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

6. Finish and Serve: Remove thyme sprigs, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, and add extra red pepper flakes if desired. Serve hot over pasta, polenta, or with crusty bread for a classic Italian meal.

Delicious Ways to Customize and Serve This Ina Garten Chicken Cacciatore

Here are some Variations and Customizations ideas you can try to enjoy this Ina Garten Chicken Cacciatore deliciously

1. Over Pasta
We love spooning this saucy chicken over a bed of spaghetti or pappardelle. The sauce clings to every noodle pure comfort on a plate!

2. With Creamy Polenta
For a cozy twist, serve it over soft, creamy polenta. It soaks up all that herby tomato goodness, and we can’t get enough.

3. Alongside Garlic Bread
Sometimes we just pile it on a plate and grab a slice of warm garlic bread to mop up every last drop of sauce. Heaven!

4. With Roasted Potatoes
Roasted baby potatoes on the side make the meal extra hearty. The crispy potatoes with tender chicken? Yes, please!

5. With Steamed Rice
If you’re short on time, white or brown rice works beautifully. It’s simple, quick, and the flavors still shine.

6. In a Casserole Style
We’ve layered leftover chicken cacciatore with mozzarella and baked it for a bubbly casserole. Totally addictive.

7. With a Side Salad
A crisp, green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the chicken. We always do this for a lighter dinner.

8. Over Zoodles or Veggie Noodles
For a low-carb version, zucchini or carrot noodles are perfect. The sauce tastes just as amazing.

9. With Crusty Artisan Bread
Serve it in shallow bowls and dunk chunks of crusty bread right into the sauce. Every bite feels rustic and indulgent.

10. Alongside Roasted Vegetables
Roasted carrots, zucchini, or asparagus make a colorful, healthy side that complements the bold flavors perfectly.

My Personal Experience and Some Tips on This Ina Garten Chicken Cacciatore Recipe

The first time I made Ina Garten’s Chicken Cacciatore, my kitchen smelled amazing! The chicken was juicy, and the sauce was so rich with tomatoes, wine, and herbs. I served it over pasta, and my family couldn’t stop eating.

Every bite felt warm and cozy, like a hug on a plate. I love that it’s simple to make but tastes like you spent hours cooking. Now, it’s one of our favorite weeknight dinners!

1. Lift the chicken skin and season underneath for extra flavor.
2. Don’t rush browning the chicken; golden skin makes a big difference.
3. Use fresh thyme and parsley for the best aroma.
4. Let the red wine reduce before adding tomatoes it deepens the sauce.
5. Cover the pan while simmering so the chicken stays juicy.
6. Taste the sauce and adjust salt or pepper at the end.
7. Serve hot with pasta, polenta, or bread to soak up every drop.

How to Store and Reheat Leftover Ina Garten Chicken Cacciatore Properly?

If you have any leftover (hopefully you don’t have) you can process them properly as follows,

Store leftover Chicken Cacciatore in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain the sauce’s consistency.

FAQs on this Ina Garten Chicken Cacciatore Recipe

When you give this Ina Garten Chicken Cacciatore Recipe a try, you might have a few questions. Don’t worry-we’ve rounded up answers to the most common ones to help you out.

1. What kind of chicken should I use?

We always use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. They stay juicy and cook evenly in the sauce. You can use breasts too, but thighs give more flavor.

2. Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, but make sure it’s fully thawed before cooking. Frozen chicken releases water and can make the sauce too thin.

3. How do I know when the chicken is done?

It’s ready when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the meat is tender. We also check that it pulls apart easily with a fork.

4. Can I skip the wine?

You can! Use chicken broth instead. The sauce will be slightly less deep in flavor, but still delicious.

5. Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! We often make it a day ahead. The flavors taste even better the next day after resting in the fridge.

6. What side dishes go best with it?

We love it over pasta, creamy polenta, or with crusty bread. Roasted vegetables or a simple salad are great too.

7. How can I make the sauce thicker?

Simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce it. We sometimes mash a few tomatoes into the sauce for extra thickness.

8. Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

Yes! Use about 1 tsp dried thyme and 1 tsp dried parsley if you don’t have fresh. Fresh gives a brighter taste, though.

9. How spicy is this dish?

It’s mild by default. We add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat, but you can skip or add more depending on your taste.

10. Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes! We freeze leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Reheat slowly on the stove so the chicken stays tender.

The Ina Garten Chicken Cacciatore recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to bring authentic Italian flavors into their kitchen. With tender, juicy chicken, a rich tomato and wine sauce, and vibrant vegetables, it’s a dish that will impress your family and friends alike.

We’d love to hear how this recipe turns out for you! Give it a try, then drop a comment below to share your thoughts and tips with us.

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