Chicken Cacciatore (Made Without Wine) Recipe

🕊️ Introduction

Few dishes capture the soul of Italian home cooking quite like Chicken Cacciatore. Traditionally simmered in a rich tomato sauce with herbs, peppers, and sometimes wine, this comforting classic is beloved for its rustic charm and bold flavor.
But what if you prefer a recipe without wine?

This version of Chicken Cacciatore without wine keeps all the authentic depth and warmth of the original — tender chicken simmered with onions, peppers, garlic, and herbs — while using simple pantry ingredients to achieve the same rich, layered flavor. It’s hearty, family-friendly, and perfect for cozy weeknight dinners.

💖 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Wine-free yet flavorful: Uses a blend of herbs, tomato, and broth to create a balanced sauce.
• One-pan simplicity: Everything cooks in a single skillet for easy cleanup.
• Family-friendly: No alcohol, just wholesome comfort food.
• Meal-prep ready: Tastes even better the next day!
• Versatile: Serve it over rice, pasta, or alongside crusty bread.

🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient plays a role in building a rich, homestyle flavor:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Ingredient Notes:

• Chicken Thighs: Stay juicy even after simmering.
• Crushed Tomatoes: Use high-quality Italian-style for natural sweetness.
• Bell Peppers: The red and yellow combo adds color and flavor contrast.
• Broth: Replaces wine for moisture and depth.

🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Sear chicken on both sides until golden brown, about 3–4 minutes per side.
Remove and set aside.

Pro Tip: Don’t skip browning — it locks in flavor and creates a rich base for your sauce.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet, add onion and garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.

3. Add the Vegetables

Add sliced bell peppers and sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened and slightly caramelized.

4. Create the Sauce

Pour in crushed tomatoes and chicken broth.
Stir in oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a gentle simmer.

5. Simmer the Chicken

Return chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce.
Cover and simmer for 20–25 minutes, until chicken is fully cooked and tender.

6. Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh basil before serving.

⏱️ Preparation Time

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 30–35 minutes
• Total time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 4

🍽️ How to Serve Chicken Cacciatore

This dish is wonderfully flexible — pair it with your favorite sides for a complete meal:

• Over fluffy rice to soak up the sauce
• Tossed with fresh pasta for a true Italian touch
• Served with crusty bread for dipping
• On a bed of sautéed spinach or zoodles for a low-carb option
• Alongside a simple green salad for balance

🧂 Expert Tips for the Best Results

• Use fresh herbs if available for a brighter flavor.
• Balance acidity: A pinch of sugar (¼ teaspoon) can mellow the tomatoes if too tangy.
• Adjust spice level: Reduce red pepper flakes for a milder version.
• Add extras: Mushrooms or olives make delicious additions.
• Make ahead: Tastes even better after resting overnight — perfect for meal prep.

🍱 Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
• Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat with a splash of broth or water.

⚖️ Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

🌿 Variations

• Slow Cooker Version: Combine all ingredients and cook on Low for 6 hours or High for 3 hours.
• Instant Pot: Sauté onions, peppers, and garlic. Add remaining ingredients and cook on Pressure Cook (Manual) for 10 minutes, then quick release.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with mushrooms, zucchini, and chickpeas.
• Gluten-Free Option: Naturally gluten-free — just pair with GF pasta or rice.

❓ FAQ – Chicken Cacciatore Without Wine

What does “Cacciatore” mean?
It means “hunter-style” in Italian, referring to a rustic dish cooked with herbs, vegetables, and tomatoes.

Can I use chicken breasts?
Yes, though they cook faster. Check for doneness at 18–20 minutes.

What’s a good wine substitute?
Low-sodium broth with a splash of balsamic vinegar or lemon juice mimics wine’s acidity beautifully.

Can I freeze Chicken Cacciatore?
Absolutely. It freezes well and reheats beautifully for quick weeknight meals.

How can I thicken the sauce?
Let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.

Or explore more Italian-inspired comfort dishes in our Main Course Collection.

📍 Recipe Summary

Category: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Difficulty: Easy
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4