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This Easy Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore Recipe is a true weeknight hero, delivering rich, comforting Italian flavors with minimal effort. Tender chicken thighs bathed in a vibrant sauce of fire-roasted tomatoes, sweet bell peppers, and fragrant herbs come together quickly in the Instant Pot, making this dish perfect for busy days when you crave a homemade meal without fuss. The blend of garlic, fresh thyme, basil, and olives creates a symphony of tastes and textures that feels both rustic and elegant, ideal for sharing with family or friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple, fresh ingredients—each one playing a crucial role in building depth, flavor, and color. From the fragrant herbs to the hearty chicken thighs, every component is essential to creating that classic cacciatore experience in a fraction of the time.
- Olive oil: Provides a flavorful base for sautéing onions, adding a subtle fruity richness.
- Onion (1/2 medium, chopped): Brings sweetness and a bit of texture to the sauce.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs (6): Cook quickly and stay juicy and tender throughout the process.
- Fire roasted crushed tomatoes (1 28 oz can): Adds a smoky depth and vibrant acidity to the sauce.
- Tomato paste (2 tablespoons): Intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce beautifully.
- Red bell pepper (1, chopped): Offers a pop of color and mild sweetness that balances acidity.
- Carrot (1 large, sliced): Adds subtle earthiness and texture contrast to the dish.
- Garlic (6 cloves, minced): Infuses the whole dish with aromatic warmth and flavor.
- Fresh thyme leaves (from 4 sprigs): Brings herbal notes that perfectly complement the tomato base.
- Dried oregano (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a classic Italian herb flavor that rounds out the seasoning.
- Pitted Kalamata olives (1/4 cup): Provides a briny, savory bite that elevates the sauce’s complexity.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and balancing all flavors perfectly.
- Fresh basil (1 tablespoon, thinly sliced): Adds brightness and a fresh, peppery pop at the end.
- Fresh parsley (1 tablespoon, chopped): Offers a clean, verdant finish and a lovely contrast to the rich sauce.
How to Make Easy Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Onions in Olive Oil
Begin by heating the olive oil in your Instant Pot, then add the chopped onion. Sauté for about 3 minutes until the onions soften and become translucent, releasing their natural sweetness that forms the flavor base for your sauce.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken Thighs
Add the boneless, skinless chicken thighs to the pot and cook for 2 minutes on each side. This quick sear locks in juices and adds a lovely golden color that enhances both taste and presentation.
Step 3: Combine the Sauce Ingredients
Pour in the fire-roasted crushed tomatoes along with tomato paste, chopped red bell pepper, sliced carrot, and minced garlic. Sprinkle the fresh thyme leaves and dried oregano over the mixture. Close the lid of the Instant Pot and make sure the valve is set to “sealing.” Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes—remember, it will take about 10 to 15 minutes to reach pressure.
Step 4: Release the Pressure Naturally
Once the cooking time ends, allow the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally for 15 minutes. This slow pressure release helps the chicken stay tender and the flavors meld beautifully. Afterward, carefully perform a quick release to open the lid safely.
Step 5: Final Seasoning and Fresh Herbs
Now is the time to season the dish with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the chopped Kalamata olives, fresh basil, and parsley, which add bursts of brightness and a touch of savory complexity to bring the dish alive.
How to Serve Easy Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few extra fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of chopped parsley just before serving can make a big difference. Not only do these garnishes add vibrant color, but they also enhance the fresh herbaceous notes that balance the rich sauce.
Side Dishes
This chicken cacciatore pairs beautifully with creamy polenta, buttery mashed potatoes, or simply some crusty Italian bread to soak up every luscious drop of sauce. For a lighter option, serve it alongside roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, consider serving the chicken cacciatore over a bed of cooked risotto or tossed pasta, nestled in shallow bowls with an extra drizzle of olive oil and a dusting of grated Parmesan cheese. It’s a delightful way to elevate this hearty dish and impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so leftovers taste fantastic when reheated.
Freezing
This Easy Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore Recipe freezes exceptionally well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Microwaving works too—heat in short bursts, stirring between each to keep everything evenly warmed.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
You can substitute chicken breasts, but keep in mind they cook a bit faster and might not be as juicy. To avoid drying out, reduce the pressure cooking time slightly or check for doneness early.
Is it necessary to use fire roasted tomatoes?
Fire roasted tomatoes add a subtle smoky depth that’s signature in this recipe, but if you don’t have them on hand, regular crushed tomatoes work well too—just expect a slightly different flavor profile.
Can this recipe be made in a slow cooker instead of an Instant Pot?
Absolutely! Brown the chicken and onions on the stove first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and the flavors have melded.
How spicy is this dish? Can I add heat?
The recipe is mild and family-friendly as is, but you can easily add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño when sautéing onions if you prefer some heat.
What wine pairs well with chicken cacciatore?
A medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese complements the tomato-based sauce beautifully, while a crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio can provide a refreshing contrast for those who prefer white.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a recipe that combines warmth, comfort, and incredible Italian flavors without a lot of fuss, this Easy Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore Recipe is absolutely worth trying. It’s one of those meals that feels like a special treat but is surprisingly quick to make, perfect for busy nights or weekend dinners with friends. Give it a whirl—you might find yourself coming back to it again and again!
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Print
Easy Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes (10 minutes pressure cook plus 3 minutes sauté plus 4 minutes pressure release prep)
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Easy Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore is a flavorful and hearty Italian-inspired dish made with tender chicken thighs simmered in a rich tomato sauce with bell peppers, carrots, olives, and aromatic herbs. Using the Instant Pot ensures quick cooking while developing deep flavors, perfect for a comforting weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Proteins and Oils
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 large carrot, sliced
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- Leaves from 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, sliced thin
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Other Ingredients
- 1 (28 fluid ounce) can fire roasted crushed tomatoes with juices
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/4 cup pitted Kalamata olives
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Onion: Add the olive oil and chopped onion to your Instant Pot. Use the sauté function and cook for about 3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Brown the Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken thighs into the Instant Pot. Cook for 2 minutes on each side to give the chicken a light sear, enhancing flavor.
- Add Vegetables and Tomatoes: Pour in the fire roasted crushed tomatoes with their juices, tomato paste, chopped red bell pepper, sliced carrot, minced garlic, fresh thyme leaves, and dried oregano. Stir gently to combine. Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to the ‘sealing’ position.
- Pressure Cook: Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Note it will take about 10-15 minutes to come to pressure before the timer begins count down.
- Release Pressure: When the cooking cycle finishes, let the pressure release naturally for 15 minutes to keep the chicken tender, then manually release any remaining pressure carefully by turning the valve to ‘venting’.
- Finish & Serve: Open the lid and season the chicken cacciatore with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the pitted Kalamata olives, fresh basil, and fresh parsley to add brightness and depth of flavor. Serve warm.
Notes
- Use thighs for tender, juicy chicken, but breasts can be substituted with slight adjustment in cooking time.
- Natural pressure release helps keep chicken moist and tender.
- Kalamata olives add a nice salty and briny punch; omit for a milder flavor.
- Serve with pasta, polenta, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
