Easy Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore

Chicken Cacciatore, or Pollo alla Cacciatora in Italian, is a classic rustic dish packed with flavors of tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, herbs, and tender chicken. Traditionally simmered over the stovetop, this recipe takes the fuss out by using an Instant Pot for faster cooking while still maintaining that deep, rich flavor. This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, crusty bread, or even polenta for a comforting meal.

Ingredients:

• 4 bone-in chicken thighs (skin removed for a lighter dish)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (or dry white wine for a richer flavor)
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Servings: 4-6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Instructions:

1. Sear the Chicken:
   • Set the Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode and add the olive oil. Allow it to heat up for about 1 minute.
   • Season the chicken thighs generously with salt and black pepper on both sides.
   • Sear the chicken thighs in the Instant Pot for about 4 minutes on each side, until golden brown. You don’t need to cook them through at this stage, just get a nice sear. Remove and set them aside on a plate.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
   • In the same pot, add the diced onion, sliced bell peppers, and mushrooms. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onions turn translucent.
   • Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1 minute, until fragrant.
3. Deglaze the Pot:
   • Pour in the chicken broth (or white wine) to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom. This step adds extra flavor to the dish.
4. Build the Sauce:
   • Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato paste, oregano, basil, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Mix everything well.
   • Place the seared chicken thighs back into the Instant Pot, nestling them into the sauce. Add the bay leaf for extra depth of flavor.
5. Pressure Cook:
   • Cancel the “Sauté” mode, then secure the lid of the Instant Pot. Set it to “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” on high for 15 minutes.
   • Once the time is up, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
6. Final Touches:
   • Open the Instant Pot and discard the bay leaf. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
   • If you’d like a thicker sauce, switch back to “Sauté” mode and let the sauce simmer for a few minutes with the lid off to reduce slightly.
7. Serve:
   • Serve the chicken cacciatore hot, garnished with fresh parsley. It goes beautifully with pasta, rice, polenta, or a side of crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Tips for Success:

• Chicken Selection: You can substitute chicken thighs with drumsticks or bone-in chicken breasts, but thighs provide a richer flavor. You could even use boneless, skinless thighs or breasts for a quicker option, but reduce the cooking time by 2-3 minutes to avoid overcooking.
• Mushroom Variety: If you’re a fan of earthy flavors, try using cremini or portobello mushrooms in place of button mushrooms for a deeper taste.
• Tomato Paste: The tomato paste helps to thicken the sauce and gives it a concentrated tomato flavor. If you don’t have tomato paste, you can let the sauce reduce more at the end.
• Wine: Traditional Chicken Cacciatore recipes often use red or white wine to deglaze the pan, but chicken broth works well as a non-alcoholic substitute.
• Heat: Crushed red pepper flakes are optional, but they add a subtle heat that contrasts well with the sweetness of the bell peppers. Adjust according to your spice preference.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?

Yes! Boneless chicken thighs or breasts work well in this recipe and reduce the cooking time. If you’re using boneless chicken, cook on high pressure for 12 minutes instead of 15. Keep in mind that bone-in chicken tends to stay juicier and offers more flavor.

2. What can I substitute for chicken thighs?

If you prefer a leaner cut, you can use chicken breasts. You can also use drumsticks or a combination of different chicken parts. The key is to keep the cooking time the same if you’re using bone-in cuts.

3. Can I add other vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! Chicken Cacciatore is very versatile. Some great additions include zucchini, carrots, and celery. Just keep in mind that certain vegetables like zucchini can become very soft in the Instant Pot, so you might want to sauté them quickly and add them at the end.

4. What’s the best way to thicken the sauce?

If your sauce is too thin, you can reduce it by using the “Sauté” mode after pressure cooking. Let it simmer uncovered for a few minutes until it reaches your desired thickness. Alternatively, you can mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to make a slurry, and stir that into the sauce for thickening.

5. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Chicken Cacciatore actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.

6. What can I serve with Chicken Cacciatore?

Chicken Cacciatore pairs wonderfully with many sides. Serve it with pasta (like pappardelle or spaghetti), polenta, mashed potatoes, or crusty Italian bread to soak up the sauce. A light side salad or sautéed greens also complement the dish nicely.

7. Can I make this recipe without an Instant Pot?

Yes, if you don’t have an Instant Pot, you can make this dish on the stovetop or in the oven. For the stovetop, follow the same steps for sautéing, then cover and simmer on low for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the chicken is tender. If you’re using the oven, transfer everything to a baking dish and bake at 350°F for about 1 hour.

8. How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze Chicken Cacciatore for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it up on the stove or in the microwave.

9. Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes! Chicken Cacciatore is naturally dairy-free, so you don’t need to make any modifications to accommodate dairy-free diets.

10. What can I use instead of canned tomatoes?

If you prefer fresh tomatoes, you can use about 4 medium-sized fresh tomatoes. Be sure to blanch and peel them before dicing to avoid any tough skins in the sauce. Fresh tomatoes will add a lighter, slightly different flavor than canned, but both work well.

11. Is Chicken Cacciatore gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to check any additional ingredients like chicken broth or seasoning mixes to ensure they don’t contain any hidden gluten.

12. Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken in the Instant Pot. You won’t be able to sear the frozen chicken, but you can increase the cooking time to 20 minutes on high pressure. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it’s fully cooked.

13. Can I double the recipe?

You can definitely double this recipe, especially if you’re feeding a crowd. Just make sure not to fill your Instant Pot past the max line. The cooking time stays the same, but it may take a little longer for the Instant Pot to come to pressure with more ingredients.

Final Thoughts:

Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore is a quick, flavorful way to get a rustic Italian meal on the table without spending hours in the kitchen. This recipe captures the essence of the traditional dish, with the added convenience of pressure cooking. Whether you serve it over pasta, rice, or with a side of bread, it’s sure to become a family favorite!