Fresh Italian Magic: Barefoot Contessa’s Chicken Cacciatore Recipe

The aroma of classic chicken cacciatore wafts through kitchens, promising a hearty meal that connects generations.

Ina Garten’s Barefoot Contessa chicken cacciatore recipe brings an irresistible Italian-American comfort dish to your table with elegant simplicity.

Tender chicken pieces braised in a rich tomato sauce create a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate.

Each ingredient tells a story of rustic tradition and culinary passion.

The recipe balances robust herbs, sweet tomatoes, and succulent chicken in a harmonious blend that feels both nostalgic and fresh.

Weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings become extraordinary with this soulful, one-pan wonder.

You’ll fall in love with every savory, deeply satisfying bite that transports you straight to the heart of Italian home cooking.

Save It Right: Barefoot Contessa Chicken Cacciatore

• Refrigerate Smartly: Store leftover chicken cacciatore in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to maintain optimal flavor and texture.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Pack the chicken and sauce in freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring a quick and delicious meal is always ready.
• Reheat with Care: Warm refrigerated or thawed chicken cacciatore in a covered skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken stock to prevent drying and restore the sauce's silky consistency.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare the dish in advance and portion into individual containers for convenient weekday lunches or quick dinners. The flavors actually improve after a day of resting in the refrigerator.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredients for Barefoot Contessa Chicken Cacciatore

• Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on cuts provide rich flavor and stay incredibly juicy during slow cooking, perfect for capturing rustic Italian essence.

• Onions, Bell Peppers: Vibrant vegetables that create a robust base with sweet undertones, adding depth and texture to the sauce.
• Garlic: Adds intense, pungent flavor that forms the classic Italian taste foundation.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright green herb that provides fresh, clean finish and visual appeal.

• White Wine: Deglazes pan and introduces complex, tangy undertones that elevate the entire dish's sophistication.
• Olive Oil: High-quality oil ensures authentic Mediterranean cooking technique and rich flavor infusion.
• Crushed Tomatoes: Delivers hearty, rich base with natural sweetness and smooth consistency.
• Chicken Stock: Deepens sauce's complexity and enhances overall savory profile.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrates tomato flavor and helps thicken sauce beautifully.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for balanced seasoning and layered taste development.
• Dried Oregano: Classic Italian herb bringing earthy, slightly bitter Mediterranean notes.
• Dried Thyme: Adds subtle, woodsy undertone complementing chicken perfectly.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional ingredient for introducing gentle, warming heat.
• Capers: Briny, tangy element that provides unexpected flavor complexity.

Cookware Checklist for Barefoot Contessa Chicken Cacciatore

• Dutch oven or deep skillet: Essential for browning chicken and creating the sauce, with high sides to prevent splattering.
• Cutting board: Needed for slicing onions and bell peppers, providing a clean surface for chopping.
• Sharp knife: Perfect for precise vegetable and herb cutting.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and scraping browned bits from the pot's bottom.
• Measuring spoons: Help accurately add seasonings like salt, pepper, and herbs.
• Paper towels: Useful for patting chicken dry before seasoning.
• Plate: Temporarily holds browned chicken while preparing sauce.
• Measuring cups: Helps measure wine, stock, and tomato ingredients precisely.
• Chopping board: Optional space for chopping fresh parsley for garnish.

Cooking Guide for Barefoot Contessa Chicken Cacciatore

• Chicken Preparation

Select quality chicken thighs. Pat them dry using clean kitchen towels to ensure perfect browning and crispy texture.

• Golden Sear

Heat olive oil in a heavy bottom pan. Place chicken skin facing downward, creating a beautiful golden crust. Cook until skin transforms into a rich caramel color.

• Vegetable Foundation

Sauté sliced onions and colorful bell peppers until they become soft and translucent. Add fresh garlic, releasing its aromatic essence into the kitchen.

• Flavor Enhancement

Splash white wine into the pan, lifting delicious browned bits from the bottom. Allow liquid to reduce and concentrate flavors.

• Sauce Creation

Combine crushed tomatoes, rich chicken stock, and herbs. Introduce capers for unexpected tanginess. Gently nestle chicken pieces back into the sauce.

• Slow Simmering

Cover the pan, reducing heat to low. Let ingredients meld together slowly, creating a deep, complex flavor profile. Cook until chicken becomes tender and sauce thickens.

• Final Touch

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley. Serve alongside warm pasta or crusty bread to capture every delicious drop of sauce.

Flavor Boosts for Barefoot Contessa Chicken Cacciatore

• Pat chicken completely dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden-brown crispy skin that locks in delicious juices.
• Swap bell peppers with zucchini, mushrooms, or eggplant for a personalized vegetable blend that adds extra nutrition and texture to the dish.
• Choose a dry white wine like pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc that complements the tomato sauce without overpowering the chicken's rich flavor.
• Prepare the chicken cacciatore a day in advance, as the flavors intensify overnight, making it an ideal make-ahead meal for busy weeknights or entertaining guests.
• Replace chicken thighs with chicken breasts, bone-in chicken pieces, or even swap for rabbit or turkey for a unique twist on the classic Italian hunter-style recipe.

How to Present Barefoot Contessa Chicken Cacciatore

• Serve Over Comforting Starches: Ladle the rich, hearty chicken cacciatore over warm, creamy polenta or al dente pasta like penne or linguine to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Pair with Fresh Side Salad: Create a light, crisp green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a simple vinaigrette to balance the robust flavors of the chicken dish.
• Complement with Crusty Bread: Slice a rustic Italian bread or baguette to mop up the savory tomato sauce, ensuring no delicious drop goes to waste.
• Add Fresh Herb Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil on top just before serving to bring a bright, fresh element to the deep, comforting flavors of the cacciatore.

Rustic Barefoot Contessa Chicken Cacciatore Recipe

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4.8 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Home cooks adore this classic chicken cacciatore recipe from Ina Garten’s kitchen. Fresh ingredients and simple techniques create a rustic Italian-style dish you’ll savor with family and friends.

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Ingredients

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• 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or a mix of thighs and drumsticks)
• 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced into strips
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tbsps (45 ml) olive oil
• 28 oz (794 g) can crushed tomatoes
• ½ cup (120 ml) dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio)
• ½ cup (120 ml) chicken stock
• 2 tbsps (30 g) tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp fresh thyme (or 4–5 sprigs, optional)
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• 2 tbsps capers, drained
• 2 tbsps fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Kosher salt (to taste)
• Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Chicken Preparation: Pat chicken thighs completely dry and season generously with kosher salt and black pepper on both sides.
2. Searing Technique: Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat until nearly smoking, then place chicken skin-side down. Allow to develop a golden-brown crust for 5-7 minutes without moving, then flip and cook opposite side for 3-4 minutes until caramelized. Remove chicken and set aside.
3. Vegetable Sautéing: In the same pot, add remaining olive oil and sauté sliced onions and bell peppers until soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook briefly to release aromatic oils without burning.
4. Sauce Development: Deglaze pan with white wine, scraping browned bits from bottom. Reduce wine by one-third, then introduce crushed tomatoes, chicken stock, tomato paste, dried oregano, fresh thyme, red pepper flakes, and capers. Create a robust, complex sauce base.
5. Braising Process: Return browned chicken thighs to the sauce, positioning them skin-side up and partially submerged. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-35 minutes until chicken becomes tender and fully cooked.
6. Finishing Touches: Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve over pasta, polenta, or with crusty bread to absorb the rich sauce.

Notes

• Master Browning Technique: Achieving a golden-brown crust on chicken is crucial for developing deep, rich flavors and creating a restaurant-quality dish.
• Wine Reduction Magic: Deglazing with white wine and reducing it concentrates flavors and adds complexity to the sauce, unlocking hidden taste dimensions.
• Simmering Secrets: Nestling chicken partially in sauce ensures even cooking while maintaining crispy skin and preventing sauce from diluting the meat’s caramelized exterior.
• Herb and Spice Balance: Fresh parsley and dried herbs like oregano and thyme transform the dish from ordinary to extraordinary, adding layers of aromatic brightness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg