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5 from 9 votes

Easy Chicken Cacciatore

Tender chicken thighs simmered in marinara sauce with peppers, onion, and garlic. An easy skillet chicken cacciatore that can be served over pasta or vegetables.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time40 minutes
Total Time1 hour
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: Chicken
Servings: 6
Calories: 518kcal
Author: Erica Walker

Ingredients

  • 6 chicken thighs
  • kosher salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup flour for dredging
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1-2 large red bell peppers chopped or sliced
  • 1 onion sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 quart marinara sauce
  • 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese optional
  • fresh basil for garnish

Instructions

  • Sprinkle each chicken thigh with salt and pepper then dredge in flour.
    Chicken thigh covered in flour in a bowl next to chicken thighs on a cutting board seasoned with salt and pepper.
  • Heat oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until chicken is golden-brown (it doesn't need to be completely cooked through).
    Skillet with golden browned chicken thighs and tongs on the side.
  • Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.
    Golden brown chicken thighs on a sheet pan.
  • In the same skillet, saute peppers, onion, and garlic until onions become soft and transparent.
    Skillet sautéing sliced onion, garlic and red peppers. Tongs on the side.
  • Reduce heat and slowly add marinara/spaghetti sauce to the skillet.
    Pouring marinara sauce into sautéed onion and pepper mixture.
  • Add chicken back to the skillet and bring sauce to a simmer over medium-low heat.
  • Simmer for about 25 minutes or until chicken thighs are cooked through.
  • Before serving, top with mozzarella (optional) and fresh basil.
  • Can be served with pasta, steamed vegetables, or roasted potatoes.

Notes

  • The chicken finishes cooking in the sauce, so it only needs to brown during the first skillet step.
  • Flour can be omitted, as some readers have done, but the browning and sauce consistency may differ.
  • The nutrition estimate does not include pasta, vegetables, or potatoes served on the side.

Nutrition

Calories: 518kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 34g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 126mg | Sodium: 1039mg | Potassium: 857mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 1525IU | Vitamin C: 38mg | Calcium: 138mg | Iron: 3mg