Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore Recipe

Bone-in, skinless chicken thighs: These provide rich flavor and tenderness to the dish.

Sliced onion: Adds a sweet and savory base to the sauce.

Minced garlic: Infuses the dish with a robust and aromatic flavor.

Sliced bell peppers: Contributes a fresh, slightly sweet taste and vibrant color.

Sliced mushrooms: Adds an earthy, umami depth to the sauce.

Diced tomatoes: Forms the base of the sauce, providing a rich and tangy flavor.

Chicken broth: Enhances the overall flavor and adds moisture to the dish.

Dried oregano: Brings a warm, slightly bitter taste that complements the other herbs.

Dried basil: Adds a sweet, aromatic flavor that pairs well with tomatoes.

Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dish.

Black pepper: Adds a hint of spice and depth to the overall flavor.

To enhance the flavor of your chicken cacciatore, consider deglazing the pot after sautéing the vegetables. Pour a small amount of chicken broth or white wine into the pot and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. This will add depth and richness to your sauce.

• bone-in, skinless chicken thighs - Substitute with boneless, skinless chicken breasts: They are leaner and cook faster, though they may be slightly less flavorful.

• bone-in, skinless chicken thighs - Substitute with bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs: The skin can be removed after cooking if desired, and the bone adds extra flavor.

• sliced onion - Substitute with shallots: They have a milder and slightly sweeter flavor, which can add a different dimension to the dish.

• minced garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Use ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder for each clove of garlic. It provides a similar flavor profile.

• sliced bell peppers - Substitute with poblano peppers: They add a mild heat and a slightly smoky flavor.

• sliced mushrooms - Substitute with zucchini: It provides a different texture and a mild flavor that complements the dish.

• diced tomatoes - Substitute with crushed tomatoes: They offer a similar flavor but a different texture, making the sauce thicker.

• chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: It provides a similar depth of flavor and is a good option for those avoiding meat products.

• dried oregano - Substitute with fresh oregano: Use three times the amount of fresh oregano to dried. It offers a more vibrant flavor.

• dried basil - Substitute with fresh basil: Use three times the amount of fresh basil to dried. It adds a fresh, aromatic flavor.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: It adds a salty flavor along with a bit of umami.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: It has a similar heat but a slightly different flavor profile, often described as more earthy.

• Allow the chicken cacciatore to cool to room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can lead to soggy textures and spoilage.

• Transfer the cooled chicken cacciatore to an airtight container. Make sure the container is large enough to hold the chicken thighs and the sauce without overflowing.

• For short-term storage, place the container in the refrigerator. The chicken cacciatore will stay fresh for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until thoroughly warmed.

• For long-term storage, consider freezing the chicken cacciatore. Use a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags. If using bags, remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.

• Label the container or bag with the date and contents. This helps you keep track of how long the chicken cacciatore has been stored.

• When ready to enjoy, thaw the chicken cacciatore in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

• If reheating from frozen, you can use the microwave. Place the chicken cacciatore in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on a low setting, stirring occasionally, until fully thawed and warmed.

• To maintain the best texture and flavor, avoid refreezing the chicken cacciatore once it has been thawed.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Place the leftover chicken cacciatore in a saucepan.
  2. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to maintain moisture.
  3. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is warmed through and the vegetables are tender.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Transfer the chicken cacciatore to a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent.
  3. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Continue heating in 1-minute intervals until hot.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the chicken cacciatore in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover with foil to prevent drying out.
  4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the sauce is bubbling.

• Instant Pot Method:

  1. Add the leftover chicken cacciatore back into the Instant Pot.
  2. Use the sauté function to gently reheat, stirring occasionally.
  3. If needed, add a bit of chicken broth to keep the dish moist.

• Slow Cooker Method:

  1. Place the chicken cacciatore in the slow cooker.
  2. Set to low heat and cover.
  3. Heat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly warmed.

• Sous Vide Method:

  1. Place the chicken cacciatore in a vacuum-sealed bag or a ziplock bag using the water displacement method.
  2. Set your sous vide machine to 140°F (60°C).
  3. Submerge the bag in the water bath and heat for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is warmed through.

• Instant Pot: A multi-functional electric pressure cooker that will be used to sauté the ingredients and cook the chicken cacciatore under high pressure.

• Tongs: Useful for turning and removing the chicken thighs from the Instant Pot after browning them.

• Cutting board: A surface for slicing the onion, bell peppers, and mushrooms.

• Chef's knife: Essential for slicing the vegetables and mincing the garlic.

• Measuring cups: Needed to measure out the chicken broth and diced tomatoes.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.

• Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the vegetables and mixing the ingredients in the Instant Pot.

• Serving spoon: Used to serve the chicken cacciatore over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.

Pre-chop vegetables: Slice the onion, bell peppers, and mushrooms ahead of time and store them in the fridge.

Use pre-minced garlic: Save time by using store-bought minced garlic instead of mincing fresh cloves.

Instant pot settings: Familiarize yourself with the instant pot settings to switch modes quickly.

Batch cook: Double the recipe and freeze half for a quick meal later.

Pre-measure spices: Measure out the oregano, basil, salt, and pepper in advance.