Are you looking for a delicious and easy - to - make dinner that won't take up your entire evening? Look no further than this chicken cacciatore recipe. In less than an hour, you can have a hearty chicken and veggie dinner on the table, perfect for a busy weeknight or a casual weekend meal.

Chicken cacciatore is a classic Italian dish that combines tender chicken pieces with a flavorful tomato - based sauce and an array of vegetables. The word "cacciatore" means "hunter's style" in Italian, and traditionally, this dish was made with game meat. However, chicken has become a popular and accessible substitute.

To start this recipe, you'll need a few key ingredients. First, gather some boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Cut the chicken into bite - sized pieces. You'll also need olive oil, onions, garlic, bell peppers, mushrooms, canned tomatoes (either whole or diced), chicken broth, red wine (optional), and a variety of herbs and spices such as oregano, basil, thyme, salt, and pepper.

Begin by heating some olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium - high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper and add them to the hot oil. Cook the chicken until it's browned on all sides. This step is crucial as it locks in the flavors and gives the chicken a nice crust. Once the chicken is browned, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.

Next, add the onions to the same skillet. Onions are the base of many great Italian dishes, adding a sweet and savory flavor. Sauté the onions until they're translucent, then add the minced garlic. Garlic is a staple in Italian cuisine and will give your chicken cacciatore a wonderful aroma. Cook the garlic for just a minute or so, as it can burn quickly.

After the garlic, add the bell peppers and mushrooms. Bell peppers come in a variety of colors, each with its own unique flavor. Green peppers are slightly bitter, while red and yellow peppers are sweeter. Mushrooms add an earthy flavor and a meaty texture to the dish. Sauté the vegetables until they're tender but still have a bit of a crunch.

Now, it's time to add the canned tomatoes. If you're using whole tomatoes, you can crush them with your hands or a fork before adding them to the skillet. The tomatoes will form the base of the sauce. Pour in some chicken broth to thin out the sauce and add some depth of flavor. If you want to add a bit more complexity, you can also pour in a splash of red wine. The wine will add a rich, fruity flavor and help to deglaze the pan, scraping up all the delicious browned bits from the bottom.

Stir in the herbs and spices. Oregano, basil, and thyme are classic Italian herbs that pair perfectly with chicken and tomatoes. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Then, return the cooked chicken to the skillet and nestle it into the sauce. Cover the skillet and let the chicken cook in the sauce for about 10 - 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.

You can serve this chicken cacciatore in a variety of ways. One popular option is to serve it over cooked pasta. The pasta will soak up the delicious sauce, making every bite even more flavorful. You can also serve it with rice or a side of crusty bread to soak up the extra sauce. Garnish the dish with some fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and an extra burst of flavor.

This chicken cacciatore recipe is not only delicious but also very versatile. You can customize it based on your preferences. If you don't like mushrooms, you can leave them out. If you want to add more vegetables, you can throw in some zucchini or spinach. You can also adjust the amount of herbs and spices to suit your taste.

In conclusion, this easy chicken cacciatore recipe is a great way to make a hearty and satisfying dinner in under an hour. With its combination of tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and a delicious tomato - based sauce, it's sure to become a family favorite. So, the next time you're short on time but still want a great meal, give this recipe a try.