How to Make the Perfect Dutch Oven Chicken Cacciatore
Italian · Medium · 90 min · 4 servings
Chicken cacciatore is a rustic Italian hunter-style dish featuring bone-in chicken braised low and slow in a rich tomato and herb sauce. Cooking it in a Dutch oven allows the flavors to meld beautifully while keeping the chicken incredibly moist.
Why this recipe works
This Dutch Oven Chicken Cacciatore recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 90 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 390 calories with 42g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 4 pieces bone-in chicken thighs and drumsticks
- 1 can crushed tomatoes
- 1 whole yellow onion sliced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup dry red wine
- 2 tsp dried Italian herbs
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Brown the Chicken
Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper. Heat oil in the Dutch oven over medium-high heat and sear the chicken skin-side down for 5 minutes until golden. Flip and cook for 3 more minutes, then remove.
Step 2: Saute the Aromatics
In the same pot, add the sliced onion and cook for 4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and Italian herbs and cook for one more minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Deglaze and Build the Sauce
Pour in the red wine and scrape up the browned bits from the bottom. Add the crushed tomatoes and stir to combine. Nestle the browned chicken pieces back into the sauce.
Step 4: Braise Until Tender
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, cover the Dutch oven, and cook on low heat for 60 minutes. The chicken should be cooked through and very tender. Serve over pasta or polenta.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- dry red wine → chicken broth with a splash of balsamic vinegar
- bone-in chicken thighs → boneless skinless chicken thighs
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Skipping the browning step which eliminates the deep savory flavor base of the dish
- Cooking at too high a temperature which causes the sauce to scorch on the bottom of the pot
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 390 calories, 42g protein, 14g carbs, 19g fat, 3g fiber.
Ready to cook?
Get the interactive recipe with adjustable servings, built-in timers, and ingredient checklist.
View full recipe →