Roman-Style Chicken Cacciatore with Tomatoes

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Slow-simmered chicken thighs in a rich tomato and wine sauce, served with crusty bread for soaking up juices. This italian-inspired chicken ready in about 75 minutes pairs (bone-in, skin-on) Chicken thighs, Olive oil, medium, diced Onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 490 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

★ 4.1 (15 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 55 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 490 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI →

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown chicken thighs skin-side down for 5-6 minutes until golden; flip and brown 3-4 minutes more. Remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Add diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
  4. Step 4: Deglaze pot with 1/2 cup red wine, scraping up browned bits. Simmer 2 minutes until wine reduces by half.
  5. Step 5: Add 28 oz crushed tomatoes, 1 cup chicken broth, and 1 tbsp chopped thyme. Return chicken to pot, nestling into sauce.
  6. Step 6: Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and reduce heat to low. Cook for 45 minutes until chicken is tender and sauce has thickened.
  7. Step 7: Remove chicken, slice if desired, and return to pot. Simmer uncovered for 5 minutes to thicken sauce further. Adjust seasoning if needed.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Roman-Style Chicken Cacciatore with Tomatoes take to make?

Total time is about 75 minutes (20 min prep + 55 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Roman-Style Chicken Cacciatore with Tomatoes?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Roman-Style Chicken Cacciatore with Tomatoes?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Roman-Style Chicken Cacciatore with Tomatoes for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Roman-Style Chicken Cacciatore with Tomatoes?

Italian chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

What others are saying