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Quick Flavorful Chicken Cacciatore Recipe 20-Minute Easy Dinner Idea

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A quick and easy chicken cacciatore recipe ready in under 20 minutes, featuring tender chicken thighs simmered in a savory tomato sauce with garlic, herbs, and a hint of crushed red pepper.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced (optional)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil or 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Mince garlic cloves, finely chop onion, and thinly slice bell pepper if using. Have canned tomatoes, tomato paste, and chicken broth ready.
  2. Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  4. Add chicken thighs and brown for 4-5 minutes per side without moving too much to develop a golden crust. Transfer to a plate.
  5. Lower heat to medium and add chopped onion, sliced bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir frequently for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  6. Stir in tomato paste, dried oregano, dried or fresh basil, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Cook for 1 minute to toast the tomato paste.
  7. Add diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir and bring to a simmer.
  8. Return browned chicken thighs to the pan, nestling them into the sauce. Spoon sauce over chicken. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 8-10 minutes until chicken is cooked through and sauce thickens slightly.
  9. Taste sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Add a pinch of sugar if sauce is too acidic.
  10. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot with crusty bread, pasta, or polenta.

Notes

Brown the chicken well to lock in juices and flavor. Avoid burning garlic by keeping heat moderate. If sauce is too thin after simmering, increase heat without lid to thicken; add broth or water if too thick. For low-carb, skip bell peppers and serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Vegetarian option: substitute chicken with mushrooms and use vegetable broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken cacciatore, quick chicken recipe, easy dinner, Italian chicken, weeknight meal, tomato sauce, chicken thighs

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