If you’re looking for a flavorful, comforting meal that comes together effortlessly, Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore is the answer. Tender chicken breasts are simmered in a savory tomato sauce with bell peppers, garlic, and herbs, delivering a dish that tastes like it’s been slow-cooked for hours – but in just 25 minutes! Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite.
The Instant Pot makes this classic Italian dish easier than ever, with minimal prep and cleanup. The rich sauce, full of Italian flavors, coats the chicken perfectly and pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or a simple salad. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner, this Chicken Cacciatore will impress everyone at your dinner table.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup dry white wine
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
- Set the Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode. Heat the olive oil and sauté the chicken breasts until golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the onion, bell peppers, and garlic. Sauté for 2 minutes until softened.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, white wine, oregano, basil, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Return the chicken to the pot, nestling it into the sauce mixture.
- Close the Instant Pot lid, set it to “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” on high for 10 minutes. Once the cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, then do a quick release.
- Open the lid and check the chicken for doneness. It should be tender and fully cooked.
- Serve the chicken topped with sauce and garnish with fresh parsley. Enjoy!
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Kcal: 320 | Servings: 4
Origin of Chicken Cacciatore
Chicken Cacciatore, or “Pollo alla Cacciatora” in Italian, translates to “hunter’s chicken.” Traditionally, this rustic dish is made by simmering chicken in a savory sauce of tomatoes, onions, herbs, and sometimes olives or mushrooms. It was originally a meal prepared by hunters using ingredients they could gather easily, often over an open fire. The Instant Pot version of this recipe brings the same bold flavors to the table with a fraction of the time spent cooking.
Why This Recipe Works in the Instant Pot
The Instant Pot is a game-changer when it comes to making tender, flavorful dishes in a fraction of the time. In traditional stovetop or oven versions of Chicken Cacciatore, the chicken can take over an hour to cook properly, but the Instant Pot allows you to cook this dish in just 25 minutes, all while keeping the chicken moist and full of flavor. The pressure cooking method helps infuse the sauce with rich flavors, and you don’t need to babysit the dish as it cooks.
What to Serve with Chicken Cacciatore
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides like pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the rich, savory sauce. A light green salad or steamed vegetables also make for a great complement to the meal, balancing out the richness of the chicken and sauce.
Variations and Tips
- Vegetables: You can easily customize the vegetables in the dish. Mushrooms, zucchini, or olives are common additions in traditional recipes and would work beautifully in this Instant Pot version.
- Spiciness: For a little kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped chili pepper to the sauce.
- Wine: Although this recipe uses dry white wine, you can also substitute with red wine for a different flavor profile. The wine adds depth to the sauce, but if you prefer a non-alcoholic version, you can use additional chicken broth or a splash of vinegar for acidity.
- Chicken Options: While this recipe uses boneless, skinless chicken breasts for convenience, you can also use bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly if using bone-in cuts, as they may take longer to cook through.
Storage and Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, so this dish is perfect for meal prep or for enjoying again the next day. Reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
Health Benefits of Chicken Cacciatore
Chicken Cacciatore is not only delicious but also offers a variety of health benefits. It’s a protein-rich dish that provides lean chicken, a good source of essential amino acids necessary for muscle building and repair. The tomatoes in the sauce are packed with antioxidants, especially lycopene, which is known to promote heart health. Olive oil, used in the recipe, contains healthy monounsaturated fats that support cholesterol levels and reduce inflammation. The inclusion of fresh herbs such as basil, thyme, and oregano not only enhances the flavor but also provides antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
How to Make This Recipe Even Easier
If you’re short on time, this recipe can be prepped in advance. You can chop the vegetables and store them in the fridge, or even prepare the sauce and freeze it for later use. When you’re ready to cook, just throw everything in the Instant Pot, and you’ll have a warm, comforting meal in no time.
If you don’t have an Instant Pot, you can easily adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Simply sauté the chicken and vegetables as directed, then transfer everything into a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender.
Pro Tip for Perfect Chicken
To ensure that the chicken breasts stay tender and juicy, it’s essential not to overcook them. Chicken breasts can easily become dry if left in the Instant Pot for too long, so it’s important to follow the recipe’s instructions and use the natural release method to keep the meat moist. If you prefer darker meat, such as thighs, they will also turn out wonderfully in this dish and can tolerate a little longer cooking time without drying out.
Perfect for Meal Prep and Leftovers
This Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore is a fantastic option for meal prep. It keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days and can easily be reheated. The flavors also deepen and improve with time, so it’s one of those dishes that’s even better the next day! You can store it in individual portions to make it easy for grab-and-go lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Serving Suggestions
If you want to elevate the dish even further, try serving it with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese. This adds a creamy, salty touch that complements the acidity of the tomato sauce beautifully. For a low-carb version, serve it with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a lighter alternative to pasta.
Why Instant Pot Recipes are a Game-Changer
The Instant Pot continues to revolutionize home cooking by making complex recipes much more accessible. It’s perfect for busy people who still want to enjoy hearty, flavorful meals without spending hours in the kitchen. The pressure cooking feature locks in flavors and moisture, while the sauté function allows you to brown and caramelize ingredients before pressure cooking, enhancing the overall taste.
Conclusion
Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore is a quick, flavorful, and comforting dish that delivers the rich taste of a slow-cooked meal in just 25 minutes. With tender chicken, a savory tomato sauce, and aromatic herbs, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. Easy to customize and packed with nutrients, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy this hearty, satisfying dish any time you crave a delicious, home-cooked meal!