Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with rich, tangy tomatoes and aromatic herbs. The simplicity of cooking everything in one pot results in a delicious, comforting meal with minimal cleanup.
This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or over a bed of pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. The Instant Pot makes it easy to cook a complex dish quickly while keeping all the traditional flavors intact.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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4 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 onion, chopped
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1 bell pepper, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes
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1/2 cup dry white wine
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1/4 cup chicken broth
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1 tablespoon dried oregano
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1 teaspoon dried basil
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1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Directions:
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Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and add the olive oil. Once hot, brown the chicken thighs on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set aside.
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Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the pot, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until softened.
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Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
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Add the crushed tomatoes, white wine, chicken broth, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.
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Return the chicken to the pot, skin-side up, and season with salt and pepper.
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Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to cook on high pressure for 15 minutes.
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Once done, release the pressure and remove the chicken. Stir in the chopped parsley before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 280 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore
is a modern take on the classic Italian dish, offering a flavorful and hearty meal that can be easily prepared using the convenience of a pressure cooker. Known for its savory and rich tomato-based sauce, tender chicken, and aromatic herbs, Chicken Cacciatore (which translates to “hunter’s chicken” in Italian) has been a staple in Italian kitchens for centuries. Whether you are cooking for a busy family dinner or preparing a comforting meal for yourself, this dish is versatile, nutritious, and perfect for any occasion.
The Origins of Chicken Cacciatore
Chicken Cacciatore’s roots can be traced back to rural Italy, where it was originally made by hunters (hence the name “cacciatore,” meaning “hunter”) using fresh ingredients from the countryside. The dish was typically made with chicken, tomatoes, onions, herbs, and sometimes mushrooms, all slowly cooked together to create a rich and hearty meal. Over time, different regions of Italy put their own spin on the recipe, adding ingredients such as olives, wine, and various herbs to complement the dish’s rustic origins.
Cacciatore was traditionally prepared in a slow-cooking manner, often braised over low heat for hours to allow the chicken to absorb all the flavors of the sauce. Today, with the advent of modern kitchen appliances like the Instant Pot, this once time-consuming dish can be prepared much faster while still maintaining its delicious flavors.
Why Choose Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore?
The Instant Pot has revolutionized the way we cook by drastically reducing cooking time without sacrificing flavor. When it comes to dishes like Chicken Cacciatore, the Instant Pot offers the perfect solution for those looking for a quick yet satisfying meal. Here are some of the benefits of preparing Chicken Cacciatore using an Instant Pot:
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Time-Saving: The Instant Pot can cook the chicken to perfection in a fraction of the time it would take on the stovetop or in the oven. In as little as 30 minutes, you can have a flavorful, tender chicken dish ready to serve.
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Enhanced Flavor: The pressure cooking method ensures that the flavors from the tomatoes, herbs, and chicken are locked in and meld together perfectly. Unlike traditional slow cooking methods, the Instant Pot retains the natural juices of the ingredients, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
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One-Pot Meal: One of the main advantages of using the Instant Pot is that it allows you to cook everything in one pot. This makes cleanup a breeze and ensures that all the ingredients blend together beautifully.
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Nutritional Benefits: Chicken is a lean protein, and the vegetables in this dish including tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers provide essential vitamins and antioxidants. The herbs used in Chicken Cacciatore, like oregano and basil, also have anti-inflammatory properties, making this meal not only tasty but also nourishing.
Variations of Chicken Cacciatore
While the traditional version of Chicken Cacciatore calls for bone-in, skinless chicken pieces, there are numerous ways to modify the recipe to suit your preferences. Below are a few variations that you can try:
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Chicken Cacciatore with Mushrooms: Adding mushrooms to Chicken Cacciatore enhances the earthy flavors of the dish. The mushrooms absorb the sauce, making each bite even more flavorful. You can use white button mushrooms, cremini, or even more exotic varieties like shiitake or portobello.
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Chicken Cacciatore with Olives: Olives are a common addition in many regional variations of Chicken Cacciatore. The briny, salty taste of olives adds an extra layer of depth to the sauce, complementing the richness of the chicken and tomatoes.
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Spicy Chicken Cacciatore: If you like a bit of heat in your dishes, you can add some crushed red pepper flakes or fresh chili peppers to the recipe. This adds a spicy kick that balances the sweetness of the tomatoes.
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Vegetarian Cacciatore: For a vegetarian version of this dish, you can substitute the chicken with hearty vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, or a medley of mushrooms. The vegetables will soak up the flavorful sauce and provide a similar texture to the chicken.
Tips for Perfecting Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore
To ensure your Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore turns out just right, here are some helpful tips:
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Brown the Chicken First: Searing the chicken before pressure cooking it adds a beautiful golden-brown color and deepens the flavor of the dish. While the Instant Pot is in sauté mode, sear the chicken on both sides to develop a rich, caramelized exterior.
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Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme can make a big difference in the overall taste of the dish. While dried herbs work in a pinch, fresh herbs add a vibrant and aromatic flavor to the sauce.
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Add Wine for Depth: A splash of dry white wine, added after sautéing the onions and garlic, helps deglaze the pot and adds a layer of complexity to the sauce. The alcohol cooks off during the pressure cooking process, leaving behind a subtle, rich flavor.
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Thicken the Sauce if Necessary: After pressure cooking, if the sauce is too thin for your liking, you can set the Instant Pot to sauté mode again and simmer the sauce for a few minutes to reduce and thicken it. This will also intensify the flavors.
Health Benefits of Chicken Cacciatore
Chicken Cacciatore is not only delicious but also offers a variety of health benefits. The chicken provides high-quality lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth. The tomatoes in the dish are rich in vitamin C and lycopene, an antioxidant known for its potential cancer-fighting properties. The bell peppers add an additional source of vitamin A and C, promoting good vision and immune health.
By preparing the dish in an Instant Pot, you also retain more of the nutrients from the vegetables, as the pressure cooking process helps lock in vitamins and minerals. Moreover, the use of olive oil adds heart-healthy fats, which can improve cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Why Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore is Perfect for Weeknight Dinners
When you’re looking for a quick and satisfying meal to make after a long day, Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore is an ideal choice. It’s easy to make, requires minimal prep time, and is packed with nutrients. The versatility of the recipe also makes it a great option for customizing to your tastes, whether you prefer it spicy, loaded with vegetables, or made with different proteins.
Additionally, the one-pot nature of the recipe makes it perfect for busy weeknights when you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. The Instant Pot streamlines the cooking process, reducing time without compromising on flavor, so you can sit down to a comforting meal in under an hour.
Conclusion:
Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore is a versatile, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special family meals. Its rich tomato sauce, tender chicken, and vibrant herbs create a satisfying meal that appeals to all ages. Whether you stick with the classic version or try one of the many variations, this dish is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. Plus, with the convenience of the Instant Pot, you can enjoy all the delicious flavors of traditional Chicken Cacciatore in a fraction of the time. So next time you’re in need of a hearty meal, try making this comforting dish it’s sure to impress.
If you’re looking for more ways to enjoy the flavors of Italy in a time-saving way, consider adding Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore to your weekly meal plan. It’s the kind of dish that tastes just as great reheated for leftovers, making it a perfect make-ahead option.