Healthy Chicken Cacciatore

January 19, 2022 By Steph 33 Comments

This healthy chicken cacciatore is a delicious healthy version of the classic Italian dish, chicken Cacciatore, but does not taste lightened-up at all. Made with all real ingredients, this dish simmers over medium heat for the flavors to meld together. Peppers, onion, garlic, diced tomatoes, white wine, and chicken broth are the main components of the flavorful sauce. Pan-seared boneless, skinless chicken thighs simmer away until fork-tender. This dish is packed with vegetables, protein, healthy fats, and most importantly, flavor.

What does chicken cacciatore taste like?

If you have never had this dish, you might be wondering what it tastes like. Chicken cacciatore is like a hearty, Italian chicken stew. It features chicken thighs (or bone-in chicken breasts) lightly floured and pan-fried, and then simmered in a flavorful sauce made with bell peppers, onions, garlic, wine, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth. Seasoned very simply with salt, pepper dried oregano and fresh herbs, this dish is easy to make, and easier to eat. You can serve this dish in many ways; either alongside potatoes and a vegetable, or over pasta or rice. You can also add other vegetables, like mushrooms or even fresh spinach. The real key to this recipe is the flavorful sauce that everything simmers in.

Questions re: substitutions

Can I use chicken breast? Theoretically, yes – you can use chicken breast. However, chicken breast is inherently much leaner and therefore, dries out more quickly than other cuts of chicken, such as thighs or even bone-in chicken breast. For this recipe, I do recommend using chicken thighs to remain as close to the intended recipe as possible. If you do use chicken breast, I advise using the bone-in variety, to add extra flavor to the sauce as it cooks. If you use regular boneless skinless chicken breast, I advise using thin cuts – just make sure it doesn’t dry out while cooking. Can I omit the wine? I do know some people prefer to not cook with wine; however wine offers such a great flavor to dishes like this one (you won’t taste the wine itself, but it adds depth of flavor). If you prefer not to use it, you can use more chicken broth and a splash of lemon juice (for acidity).

What will I need to make this recipe?

To make this recipe, you will need:

boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- See substitutions noted above.
all-purpose flour
kosher salt
fresh cracked pepper
olive oil spray
red bell pepper
onion
garlic
dry white wine
canned diced tomatoes (with juices)
chicken broth
tomato paste
capers
dried oregano
fresh parsley
fresh basil

How to make healthy chicken cacciatore

Start out by seasoning the flour with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper in a dish. Dredge the chicken thighs in the flour. Preheat your pan over medium high heat, and add olive oil spray. Sear the chicken thighs until golden brown on both sides (about 3-5 minutes per side). Then, remove them from the pan and set aside.

In the meantime, chop the peppers and onions, and mince the garlic. Add more olive oil to spray to the pan, and reduce the heat to medium. Add the peppers, onions and garlic and saute for 5 minutes or until tender. Deglaze the pan with the wine, scraping the bottom of the pan with your wooden spoon to pick up the burnt bits (flavor!). Next, add the chicken broth, canned tomatoes with juices, tomato paste, capers, oregano, and remaining kosher salt (1 tsp). Stir to combine. Bring this mixture to a simmer, and return the chicken thighs to the pan. Simmer the chicken for 30 minutes, or until the sauce is thickened and the chicken is tender. Add the fresh parsley and basil.