Pollo alla Cacciatora
Hunter's Style Chicken
A rustic and hearty Italian classic, Pollo alla Cacciatora, meaning 'hunter's style chicken', is a flavorful braised dish featuring tender chicken pieces simmered in a rich tomato sauce with aromatic herbs, briny olives, and a splash of red wine. Perfect for a comforting family meal.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 kg Bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces(A mix of thighs, drumsticks, and breasts works well. Bone-in, skin-on pieces add more flavor and moisture.)
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil(For browning the chicken and sautéing vegetables.)
- 1 large Yellow onion(Finely chopped.)
- 4 cloves Garlic(Minced.)
- 2 medium Bell peppers(Any color (red, yellow, or green), seeded and chopped into bite-sized pieces.)
- 1 can (400g) Canned crushed tomatoes(Good quality crushed tomatoes will provide a richer sauce.)
- 200 ml Dry red wine(Such as Chianti, Sangiovese, or Merlot. This adds depth of flavor.)
- 100 g Kalamata or mixed Italian olives(Pitted and roughly chopped. Adds a briny, savory element.)
- 2 sprigs Fresh rosemary(Or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary.)
- 2 sprigs Fresh thyme(Or 1 teaspoon dried thyme. Adds aromatic complexity.)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Pat the chicken pieces thoroughly dry with paper towels. Season generously on all sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This step is crucial for achieving a golden-brown crust.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 2
Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully place the chicken pieces, skin-side down if applicable, into the hot oil in a single layer (work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding). Sear the chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side, until deeply golden brown and a nice crust has formed. Remove the browned chicken to a plate and set aside.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 3
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and chopped bell peppers, and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the peppers begin to soften and the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 4
Pour in the red wine, scraping the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to loosen any browned bits (fond). Let the wine simmer and reduce by about half, which should take 2-3 minutes. This deglazing step adds significant flavor to the sauce.
⏱️ 3 minutes - 5
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, chopped olives, rosemary sprigs, and thyme sprigs. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 6
Return the browned chicken pieces to the pot, nestling them into the sauce. Ensure the chicken is mostly submerged. Cover the pot tightly, reduce the heat to low, and let it braise gently for 45-60 minutes, or until the chicken is very tender and cooked through. The sauce should have thickened slightly.
⏱️ 45-60 minutes - 7
Remove the herb sprigs. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. If the sauce is too thin, you can simmer it uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce it further.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 8
Serve the Pollo alla Cacciatora hot, spooning the rich sauce over the chicken. It is traditionally served with crusty bread for soaking up the sauce, or alongside polenta, pasta, or roasted potatoes.
⏱️ 2 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For the best flavor, use bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces. The bones add richness to the sauce, and the skin renders fat that contributes to flavor and texture.
- ✓Don't overcrowd the pan when browning the chicken. This ensures a good sear rather than steaming the chicken.
- ✓A good quality canned tomato will make a noticeable difference in the final sauce.
- ✓This dish benefits from resting for a few minutes after cooking, allowing the flavors to meld.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add sliced mushrooms (cremini or button) along with the bell peppers in Step 3.
- Substitute rabbit pieces for chicken for a more traditional 'hunter's' version.
- Include a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Add a bay leaf to the sauce during the braising stage for extra aroma.