Name: Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: European
Ingredients: 4 chicken thighs; kosher salt and fresh pepper; Olive oil spray; 8 oz crushed tomatoes; ½ cup onion; ¼ cup red bell pepper; ½ cup green bell pepper; ½ tsp dried oregano; 1 bay leaf; 2 tbsp basil

Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of chicken cacciatore, an Italian classic made effortlessly in the Instant Pot. This dish combines tender chicken thighs with a vibrant blend of vegetables and herbs, creating a hearty meal that's perfect for any night of the week.

Photos of Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore Recipe

Some of the ingredients in this recipe might not be staples in everyone's pantry. Make sure you have crushed tomatoes, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper on hand. If you don't usually stock dried oregano or fresh basil, you'll need to pick those up as well.

Ingredients for Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore

Chicken thighs: Provides tender and juicy meat for the dish.

Kosher salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the ingredients.

Fresh pepper: Adds a mild heat and depth to the dish.

Olive oil spray: Used for sautéing without adding excess fat.

Crushed tomatoes: Forms the base of the savory sauce.

Onion: Adds sweetness and complexity to the sauce.

Red bell pepper: Contributes a sweet and slightly tangy flavor.

Green bell pepper: Adds a slight bitterness and color contrast.

Dried oregano: Infuses the dish with a warm, aromatic flavor.

Bay leaf: Imparts a subtle, herbal note to the sauce.

Basil: Provides a fresh, fragrant finish to the dish.

One reader, Kirbie Pepper says:

This Instant Pot chicken cacciatore recipe is a game-changer! The chicken is tender and flavorful, and the blend of peppers and tomatoes creates a delicious, hearty sauce. Perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner.

Kirbie Pepper

Key Techniques for Preparing Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore

Yes.

How to sauté: Explanation on how to cook food quickly in a small amount of oil over relatively high heat, ensuring the food is browned and cooked through. How to use an Instant Pot: Explanation on how to operate the Instant Pot, including selecting the sauté function and setting it to high pressure cooking. How to natural release: Explanation on how to let the pressure release naturally from the Instant Pot after cooking, which involves waiting for the pressure indicator to drop on its own without manually venting the steam.

How To Make Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore

Prepare your chicken hunter-style with this instant pot recipe of chicken cacciatore! Achieve a rich, meaty sauce that goes amazingly with tender chicken.

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking: 35 minutes

Total: 45 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

4chicken thighs,with bone, skin removed
Kosher salt and fresh pepper,to taste
olive oil spray
8ozcrushed tomatoes,half a can
½cuponion,diced
¼cupred bell pepper,diced
½cupgreen bell pepper,diced
½tspdried oregano
1bay leaf
2tbspbasil,chopped, or parsley for topping

Instructions

Season the chicken with salt and pepper on both sides.
Press sauté on the Instant Pot, then lightly spray the inside with oil.
Cook the chicken on both sides for about 1 minute, until brown. Set aside.
Spray with a little more oil, then add onions and peppers. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until soften and golden.
Pour the tomatoes over the chicken and vegetables, then add the oregano, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Give it a quick stir and cover.
Cook in High pressure for 25 minutes, then natural release. Remove the bay leaf.
Garnish with parsley, serve over pasta, and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 502.46kcal
Fat: 36.85g
Saturated Fat: 9.42g
Trans Fat: 0.16g
Monounsaturated Fat: 16.72g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 7.27g
Carbohydrates: 8.73g
Fiber: 2.27g
Sugar: 4.20g
Protein: 33.44g
Cholesterol: 189.14mg
Sodium: 708.45mg
Calcium: 49.85mg
Potassium: 659.82mg
Iron: 2.46mg
Vitamin A: 72.91µg
Vitamin C: 33.87mg

Pro Tip for Perfecting Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore

When browning the chicken in the Instant Pot, make sure not to overcrowd the pot. This ensures that each piece gets a nice, even sear, which adds depth of flavor to the final dish. If necessary, brown the chicken in batches.

Time-Saving Tips for Making Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore

Prep ingredients ahead: Chop the onions and bell peppers the night before to save time.

Use pre-crushed tomatoes: Opt for canned crushed tomatoes to avoid extra prep work.

Instant pot settings: Familiarize yourself with the instant pot settings to streamline the cooking process.

Batch seasoning: Season all chicken thighs at once to cut down on prep time.

Quick sauté: Use high heat for the sauté function to speed up browning the chicken and vegetables.

Substitute Ingredients For Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore Recipe

chicken thighs - Substitute with chicken breasts: Chicken breasts are leaner and will cook similarly in the Instant Pot, though they may be slightly less juicy.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt has a similar texture and flavor profile, making it a good alternative.
fresh pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a slightly different flavor but can still add the necessary heat and spice.
olive oil spray - Substitute with canola oil spray: Canola oil spray has a neutral flavor and similar cooking properties.
crushed tomatoes - Substitute with diced tomatoes: Diced tomatoes can be blended to achieve a similar texture to crushed tomatoes.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder flavor and can be used in the same quantity.
red bell pepper - Substitute with yellow bell pepper: Yellow bell peppers have a similar sweetness and texture.
green bell pepper - Substitute with poblano pepper: Poblano peppers add a mild heat and similar texture.
dried oregano - Substitute with dried thyme: Dried thyme has a slightly different flavor but can complement the dish well.
bay leaf - Substitute with thyme sprigs: Thyme sprigs can add a similar earthy flavor to the dish.
basil - Substitute with parsley: Parsley provides a fresh, slightly peppery flavor that can complement the other ingredients.

Serving Suggestions for Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore

Select the finest ingredients: Ensure the chicken thighs are fresh and of high quality. Use kosher salt and freshly ground pepper for seasoning. Opt for organic crushed tomatoes, and vibrant onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper.
Perfectly sear the chicken: Season the chicken with salt and pepper on both sides. Use the sauté function on the instant pot and lightly spray with olive oil. Sear the chicken for about 1 minute on each side until golden brown. This step locks in the flavors and juices.
Sauté the vegetables: After setting the chicken aside, spray the pot with a bit more olive oil. Sauté the onions and peppers for about 5 minutes until they are softened and golden. This enhances their natural sweetness and adds depth to the dish.
Layer the ingredients: Pour the crushed tomatoes over the chicken and vegetables. Add the dried oregano, bay leaf, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Give it a quick stir to combine all the flavors.
Pressure cook to perfection: Cover the instant pot and cook on high pressure for 25 minutes. Allow for a natural release to let the flavors meld together. This method ensures the chicken is tender and infused with the rich, savory sauce.
Remove the bay leaf: After cooking, carefully remove the bay leaf. This step is crucial as the bay leaf has done its job of imparting flavor and is no longer needed.
Garnish and serve elegantly: Garnish the dish with freshly chopped basil. Serve the chicken cacciatore over a bed of al dente pasta. For a Michelin-star presentation, use a large white plate to contrast the vibrant colors of the dish, and drizzle a bit of olive oil around the edges for a refined touch.

Storing and Freezing Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore

Let the chicken cacciatore cool completely before storing or freezing.
To store in the refrigerator, transfer the cooled chicken cacciatore to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken cacciatore:
- Divide the cooled chicken cacciatore into portion-sized freezer-safe containers or resealable bags.
- Remove as much air as possible from the bags before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the containers or bags with the date and contents for easy identification.
- Place the containers or bags in the freezer, laying them flat for even freezing.
- Frozen chicken cacciatore will maintain its best quality for up to 3 months.
To reheat the chicken cacciatore, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
- Transfer the thawed or refrigerated chicken cacciatore to a saucepan or the instant pot.
- Heat it over medium heat on the stovetop or use the sauté function in the instant pot until it's heated through, stirring occasionally.
- If the sauce appears too thick, you can add a splash of chicken broth or water to thin it out.
Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave:
- Place the desired amount of chicken cacciatore in a microwave-safe dish.
- Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape.
- Microwave on high power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until heated through.

Budget-Friendly Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore

This instant pot chicken cacciatore recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. Utilizing chicken thighs and common vegetables like onions and bell peppers, it keeps the budget in check. The use of pantry staples such as crushed tomatoes and dried oregano further enhances its affordability. Overall Verdict: 8/10. Approximate cost: $12-$15 USD for a household of 4 people.

Is Chicken Cacciatore a Healthy Dish?

The instant pot chicken cacciatore recipe is a relatively healthy dish, as it incorporates lean protein from the chicken thighs and a variety of vegetables, including onions and bell peppers. The use of crushed tomatoes provides a good source of lycopene, an antioxidant that may help reduce the risk of certain cancers and heart disease. Additionally, the recipe uses minimal oil, which helps keep the overall fat content low.

However, there are a few areas where the recipe could be improved to make it even healthier:

Use skinless chicken thighs to reduce the overall fat content of the dish
Increase the amount of vegetables used, such as adding mushrooms or zucchini, to boost the fiber and nutrient content
Opt for low-sodium crushed tomatoes to help reduce the overall sodium content
Use whole wheat pasta instead of regular pasta to increase the fiber content and provide a slower release of carbohydrates
Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to boost the metabolism and add a kick of heat

By incorporating these changes, the instant pot chicken cacciatore can become an even healthier and more well-rounded meal that provides a balance of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. The addition of more vegetables and the use of whole wheat pasta can help increase the overall fiber content, which is important for maintaining a healthy digestive system and promoting feelings of fullness. The reduced sodium content and the use of skinless chicken thighs can help make this dish more heart-healthy, while the addition of red pepper flakes can provide a slight metabolic boost and add an extra layer of flavor to the dish.

Editor's Opinion on This Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore Recipe

This Instant Pot chicken cacciatore recipe is a delightful blend of simplicity and robust flavors. The use of chicken thighs ensures a juicy and tender result, while the combination of onions, bell peppers, and crushed tomatoes creates a rich, aromatic base. The addition of oregano and bay leaf infuses the dish with classic Italian notes. However, I would suggest adding garlic for an extra layer of depth. Serving it over pasta is a perfect choice, making it a hearty and satisfying meal. Overall, it's a quick, flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Enhance Your Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes: Imagine the crispy, golden potatoes infused with the rich flavors of garlic and Parmesan cheese. These delightful bites will add a crunchy contrast to the tender chicken cacciatore.

Lemon Herb Asparagus: Brighten up your plate with vibrant asparagus spears, lightly roasted and kissed with a zesty lemon and fragrant herbs. This side dish brings a refreshing balance to the hearty main course.

Creamy Polenta: Indulge in the creamy, comforting texture of polenta, enriched with a hint of butter and Parmesan. This velvety side pairs perfectly with the robust flavors of the chicken cacciatore.

Caprese Salad: A classic Caprese salad with ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil drizzled with balsamic glaze offers a light and refreshing complement to your meal.

Garlic Bread: Warm, crusty garlic bread with a soft, buttery center and a hint of parsley will soak up the delicious sauce from the chicken cacciatore, making every bite a delight.

Similar Recipes to Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore

Chicken Marsala: Dive into the rich flavors of Chicken Marsala, where tender chicken breasts are simmered in a luscious marsala wine sauce with mushrooms and shallots. Perfectly paired with a side of mashed potatoes or buttered noodles, this dish is a symphony of savory goodness.

Beef Stroganoff: Experience the creamy delight of Beef Stroganoff, a classic dish featuring succulent strips of beef cooked in a rich sour cream and mushroom sauce. Serve it over a bed of egg noodles or rice for a comforting meal that warms the soul.

Shrimp Scampi: Indulge in the zesty and buttery flavors of Shrimp Scampi. Juicy shrimp are sautéed with garlic, lemon juice, and a splash of white wine, then tossed with linguine or spaghetti. This dish is a seafood lover's dream come true.

Eggplant Parmesan: Savor the Italian classic Eggplant Parmesan, where slices of eggplant are breaded, fried, and layered with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese. Baked to perfection, this vegetarian delight is best enjoyed with a side of garlic bread and a fresh Caesar salad.

Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken: Relish the simplicity and elegance of Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken. Whole chicken is marinated with lemon zest, fresh herbs, and garlic, then roasted until golden and juicy. Serve with roasted vegetables and potatoes for a wholesome and satisfying meal.

Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Delight your guests with these stuffed mushrooms. The earthy flavor of mushrooms pairs beautifully with a savory filling of breadcrumbs, garlic, and herbs. A touch of Parmesan cheese adds a delightful umami kick. These bite-sized treats are perfect for any gathering, offering a burst of flavor in every mouthful.

Bruschetta: Transport your taste buds to Italy with bruschetta. Crispy baguette slices are topped with a vibrant mix of diced tomatoes, basil, and garlic. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt elevate this simple yet elegant appetizer. Perfect for a summer evening, this dish is a celebration of fresh, bold flavors.

Desserts:

Tiramisu: Indulge in the rich layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers and creamy mascarpone cheese. This Italian classic is elevated with a dusting of cocoa powder and a hint of coffee liqueur. Perfect for those who appreciate a balance of bitterness and sweetness, this dessert is a delightful way to end your meal.

Panna Cotta: Experience the silky texture of Panna Cotta, a creamy custard that melts in your mouth. Infused with vanilla bean and topped with a fruit compote, this dessert offers a refreshing contrast of tartness and sweetness. Ideal for those who enjoy a light yet indulgent treat, this dish is a perfect complement to your main course.

Why trust this Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore Recipe:

This instant pot chicken cacciatore recipe is a must-try for several reasons. First, it uses simple, wholesome ingredients like chicken thighs, crushed tomatoes, and fresh bell peppers. The instant pot ensures the chicken is cooked to perfection, tender and flavorful, in just 25 minutes. Plus, the combination of oregano, bay leaf, and basil adds a depth of flavor that is both comforting and delicious. This recipe is straightforward, easy to follow, and guarantees a satisfying meal every time.

Want to share your thoughts on this Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore Recipe? Join the discussion in the Recipe Sharing forum section!

FAQ:

How can I make this dish spicier?

If you like a bit of heat, you can add some red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño when you sauté the onions and peppers. You can also use a spicy tomato sauce instead of regular crushed tomatoes.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work just as well. Just be mindful that they might cook a bit faster, so you might want to reduce the cooking time by a few minutes to avoid overcooking.

Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?

Yes, feel free to add other veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or even some olives. Just chop them up and sauté them with the onions and peppers.

What can I serve this with besides pasta?

This chicken cacciatore pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, or even a nice crusty bread. You can also serve it over quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Definitely! This dish actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat it when you're ready to eat.