Chicken Breast Cacciatore

Chicken Breast Cacciatore is a simple one-skillet dinner that transforms everyday ingredients into a hearty, flavorful meal. Tender chicken breasts simmer in a rich tomato sauce with mushrooms, onions, carrots, bell peppers, aromatic herbs, and some white wine for added depth of flavor. It's an easy recipe that's perfect for a family dinner yet elegant enough to serve to guests.

My family has always enjoyed Chicken Cacciatore, especially the way the tomatoes, mushrooms, herbs, and vegetables create such a rich, flavorful sauce. After making my Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore, I wanted a quicker stovetop recipe using chicken breasts instead that still delivers the classic cacciatore flavors but in less time.

One of my favorite parts is that the sauce gets better and better as it simmers. And any leftovers are the best! You can keep it as a chunky sauce or thin it with a hand held blender into a smooth, thick sauce.. If you enjoy easy one-pan chicken dinners like my Marry Me Chicken without Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Stovetop Chicken Thighs with String Beans, Hot Honey Chicken Thighs or Cast Iron Jalapeño Chicken Thighs, this Chicken Breast Cacciatore is another great recipe to add to your dinner menu. If you don't cook with wine, this recipe is adaptable and chicken broth works just as well.

Recipe Highlights

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour
• Yield: 6 servings
• Cooking Method: One skillet on the stovetop
• Main Ingredients: Chicken breasts, tomatoes, mushrooms, onions, carrots, bell peppers, herbs, tomato sauce, and white wine
• Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

Ingredient Notes & Variations

• Chicken-I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts sliced about ½-inch thick. They're thicker than chicken cutlets, so they stay juicy while simmering in the sauce. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are an excellent substitute and may need a few extra minutes to reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Tomatoes-A large can of diced tomatoes adds texture, while tomato sauce or marinara creates a rich, flavorful base. If you prefer a smoother sauce, use petite diced tomatoes.
• White Wine-I like using an inexpensive dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, to add depth to the sauce. As it simmers, the alcohol cooks off, leaving behind a richer flavor. If you prefer not to cook with wine, substitute an equal amount of chicken broth.
• Mushrooms-Baby bella mushrooms add a rich, earthy flavor, but white button mushrooms work just as well.
• Yellow Pepper and Carrots- These vegggies add a touch of sweetness to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Red or orange bell peppers make great substitutes.
• Sugar-The sugar isn't meant to make the sauce sweet. It just helps balance the natural acidity of the tomatoes for a smoother, more rounded flavor. If your tomatoes are already mild and naturally sweet, you may find you need less.
• Herbs & Seasonings-Italian seasoning, rosemary, thyme, parsley, celery seed, and a pinch of crushed red pepper create the classic cacciatore flavor. Taste the sauce before serving and adjust the seasonings to suit your preference.
  

How to make Chicken Breast Cacciatore

Step 1: Heat skillet with oil. Brown chicken on both sides. remove to plate.

Step 2: Add peppers, mushrooms, carrots, garlic and onion. Saute' for 4-5 minutes until veggies soften.

Step 3: Add herbs and stir for 1 minute to combine.

Step 4: Add wine and tomatoes, stir for 10 minutes to simmer. Taste sauce and adjust as needed.

Step 5: Return chicken to skillet, cover and continue to simmer for 30 minutes. The chicken should register 165°F. Remove bay leaves before serving.

Recipe tips & troubleshooting

• Don't slice the chicken too thin. ½ inch thick is just about right and keeps chicken from drying out.
• Let the sauce simmer at least 10 minutes before adding the chicken back. The veggies will soften and the flavor will begin to blend together.
• Taste the sauce before you add the chicken and after the chicken is cooked.
• Every brand of diced tomatoes and tomato sauce has a slightly different balance of acidity and sweetness. After the chicken has finished cooking, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed. You may want a little more salt, Italian seasoning, or a pinch of sugar to balance the tomatoes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken Breast Cacciatore is delicious served over your favorite pasta, fluffy white rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or with a slice of crusty bread to soak up every bit of the flavorful tomato sauce.

For a lighter meal, pair it with a fresh salad or a simple vegetable side. My Butter Lettuce Salad, Garlic Parmesan Green Beans or Charred Broccoli all make great additions to this hearty chicken dinner.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerate: Store leftover Chicken Breast Cacciatore in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freeze: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheat: Warm gently in a covered skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave until heated through. If the sauce has thickened, stir in a splash of chicken broth to loosen it before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions