You know those nights when you want real food, comforting, hearty, and full of flavour? One dish that always delivers is a chicken cacciatore recipe. But not just any version, the one we’re sharing today brings authentic Italian flavour straight to your kitchen, especially when made with Gingin’s grass-fed free-range chicken.
From stovetop to oven, this slow-cooked chicken stew is exactly what dinner dreams are made of. Rich tomato sauce, earthy herbs, tender chicken, every bite feels like a warm hug.
Ready to learn how to make it at home? Let’s get cooking.
What Is Chicken Cacciatore?
“Cacciatore” means “hunter-style” in Italian. Traditionally, it’s a rustic dish made with chicken, tomatoes, herbs, and vegetables like capsicum and mushrooms. It’s meant to be slow-cooked, creating bold flavours that develop over time.
The result? A soul-warming stew that’s:
- Rich and hearty
- Packed with fresh herbs and aromatics
- Ideal for chilly evenings or Sunday feasts
- Even better, the next day (hello, leftovers!)
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we get into the steps, here’s what you’ll need:
- 1.5 kg Gingin grass-fed chicken thighs or drumsticks
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red and 1 yellow capsicum, sliced
- 200g mushrooms, sliced
- 800g tinned tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp chilli flakes (optional)
- ½ cup dry white wine
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil to garnish
You can also add olives or capers for a Mediterranean twist.
Step-by-Step Chicken Cacciatore Recipe
Here’s how to bring this classic to life:
Step 1: Brown the Chicken
Pat chicken dry and season with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large pan and sear the chicken until golden on both sides. Set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
In the same pan, add onion, garlic, capsicum, and mushrooms. Cook until soft and fragrant. This is where the base flavour builds.
Step 3: Add Liquids and Simmer
Pour in the wine and let it reduce for a minute. Add tomatoes, tomato paste, herbs, and chilli flakes. Stir well.
Step 4: Combine and Cook
Return the chicken to the pan, nestling it into the sauce. Simmer on low heat for 45 minutes (or bake in a 180°C oven for the same time).
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Top with fresh herbs and serve with your favourite sides. More on that below.
What to Serve With Chicken Cacciatore
This dish is a one-pot wonder, but you can pair it with plenty of sides for a full meal:
- Creamy mashed potatoes, to soak up the sauce
- Crusty sourdough that’s rustic and ideal for mopping
- Polenta, which is a traditional Italian style
- Steamed rice for a budget-friendly, family-fave option
- Pasta or pappardelle, that’s a hearty and indulgent
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Cacciatore gets better with time, so don’t worry if you’ve made too much. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze portions for up to 3 months.
To reheat:
- On the stove over low heat
- In the microwave (covered to avoid splatter)
- In the oven at 160°C until warmed through
Add a splash of water or stock if the sauce thickens too much.
Tips for Making It Even Better
Want to really nail the dish? Keep these tips in mind:
- Use bone-in, skin-on chicken for deeper flavour
- Deglaze the pan after browning to capture every bit of goodness
- Simmer low and slow for tender chicken and a rich sauce
- Add olives or capers if you love salty bursts
- Double the batch for easy midweek meals
Why Gingin Chicken Is the Smart Choice
You’re already putting in the effort to cook from scratch, so why settle for average meat?
Here’s what makes Gingin’s free-range chicken different:
- Raised on Western Australian farms
- Fed on a clean, natural diet
- Raised in low-stress environments
- 100% traceable and ethically sourced
It’s the kind of quality you can taste and feel good about feeding your family. Explore more about Gingin’s farming practices.
Can I Make Chicken Cacciatore Ahead of Time?
Yes, and you absolutely should.
Cacciatore’s flavour deepens overnight, making it the ideal make-ahead meal. It also holds up beautifully for:
- Meal prep
- Dinner parties
- Freezer-friendly portions
- Packed work lunches
Just store in airtight containers, label them, and enjoy when ready.
Comfort in Every Bite with Gingin Beef
This chicken cacciatore recipe is more than just a meal. It’s comfort food with a story. Slow-cooked, full of flavour, and packed with rustic charm, it’s the kind of dish that brings people together.
At Gingin Beef, we take pride in offering chicken that’s ethically raised and naturally better. With our grass-fed free-range chicken, you’re not just making dinner—you’re making memories.
Ready to start cooking? Order the hero of your recipe!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, but thighs are more forgiving and stay juicier during long cooking times.
What wine works best in chicken cacciatore?
A dry white like Pinot Grigio or a light red like Chianti enhances the sauce beautifully.
Is chicken cacciatore spicy?
Not by default. Add chilli flakes if you like heat, or skip them for a milder version.
Can I make it vegetarian?
You can replace chicken with chickpeas or eggplant, but the rich flavour comes from the meat and bones.
How long does it take from start to finish?
About 1 hour total, including prep, browning, and cooking time.