oven baked chicken cacciatore recipe

oven baked chicken cacciatore recipe

The Best oven baked chicken cacciatore recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my favorite oven baked chicken cacciatore recipe. This classic Italian dish is a staple in our household, and for good reason. It’s incredibly easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

The best part? It’s incredibly healthy, too! Chicken breast is an excellent source of lean protein, and when paired with the right vegetables and herbs, it makes for a well-rounded meal that will leave you feeling satisfied and guilt-free.

The origin of chicken cacciatore dates back to Italy, where it was originally made by hunters who would cook their game in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and herbs. Over time, the dish evolved to include chicken as the main protein source, and it quickly became a beloved favorite among locals and visitors alike. Today, you can find chicken cacciatore on menus across the world, but I firmly believe that my oven baked version is the best.

One of the reasons I love this recipe so much is that it’s incredibly versatile. You can serve it as a main course or use it as a topping for pasta or rice. The key is to cook the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and herbs until it’s nice and tender, then add in your favorite vegetables – such as bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms – until they’re cooked through.

It’s truly a dish that will never get old. My family loves this recipe almost as much as I do. My kids always ask for seconds (and sometimes even thirds!)

, and my husband raves about how easy it is to make. We like to serve it with a side of steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables to round out the meal. It’s truly a recipe that will please even the pickiest of eaters.

Oven Baked Chicken Cacciatore

Oven Baked Chicken Cacciatore

4.8 from 717 votes

A hearty Italian-style chicken cacciatore made easy by oven baking. Bone-in chicken thighs are braised in a rich tomato sauce with bell peppers, mushrooms, and herbs until tender and flavorful.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time45 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hour 5 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 420 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Chicken

4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs)
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp olive oil

For the Sauce

1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tbsp capers, drained
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then season both sides with salt and black pepper.
3Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
4Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the hot oil and cook without moving for 5 to 6 minutes until the skin is deep golden brown and crispy.
5Flip the chicken and cook for another 3 minutes, then transfer to a plate and set aside.
6Reduce the heat to medium and add the diced onion to the skillet.
7Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent.
8Add the garlic, bell pepper, and mushrooms and cook for another 4 to 5 minutes until the vegetables soften and the mushrooms release their liquid.
9Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth, then stir in the oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes if using.
10Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
11Stir in the capers.
12Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them skin-side up into the sauce.
13Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese evenly over the chicken.
14Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, and the sauce has thickened slightly.
15Remove the skillet from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.
16Serve the chicken cacciatore hot, spooning the sauce and vegetables over each portion.
17Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

🔧Equipment

Large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven
Baking dish (if not using oven-safe skillet)
Cutting board
Chef’s knife
Measuring spoons
Wooden spoon

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 420 kcal🧈Total Fat: 24g💛Saturated Fat: 7g❤️Cholesterol: 110mg🧂Sodium: 780mg🌾Total Carbs: 16g🥦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 32g

📝Notes

For a lighter version, remove the skin from the chicken thighs before seasoning. You can also substitute boneless, skinless thighs and reduce the baking time to 20 to 25 minutes. Serve with crusty bread, pasta, or rice to soak up the sauce.

Watch Video Of How Oven Baked Chicken Cacciatore Works

One of the best things about this oven baked chicken cacciatore recipe is its versatility when it comes to serving. You can serve it hot straight from the oven or refrigerate leftovers for up to three days – just reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

For an added twist, try serving it over pasta or rice for an easy weeknight dinner. My family loves this recipe so much that we often have leftovers for days after making it.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Oven Baked Chicken Cacciatore

Q: What is the difference between oven baked chicken cacciatore and traditional stovetop methods?

While both methods yield delicious results, oven baking allows for even cooking and reduced fat content due to the lower heat used.

Q: Can I use boneless chicken breasts in place of bone-in chicken thighs?

Yes, but keep in mind that boneless breasts may cook more quickly than bone-in thighs.

Q: Is it possible to make this recipe without onions?

You can substitute with shallots or omit them altogether if you’re not a fan.

Q: How do I ensure my chicken stays moist during cooking?

Covering your baking dish with foil during cooking helps retain moisture.

Q: Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Slice the cooked chicken into strips before refrigerating or freezing for later use.

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