Skip to content

Instant-Pot Chicken Cacciatore

When you’re craving an effortless weeknight dinner that doesn’t compromise on taste, give this Instant-Pot Chicken Cacciatore a try!

Transport your taste buds to the rolling hills of Italy with this delicious chicken cacciatore recipe. With help from the Instant Pot, you can transform a few simple ingredients into a dish that tastes like it’s made in a grandmother’s kitchen. Chicken cacciatore is a beloved Italian classic whose name literally means “hunter’s style.” It traditionally simmers for hours on the stovetop, but this modern Instant-Pot recipe showcases the same rich, savory flavors in a fraction of the time without sacrificing any of the heartwarming comfort this dish is well-known for.

The recipe starts by searing the bone-in chicken thighs until golden, creating those essential browned bits that form the flavor foundation of the entire dish. These caramelized morsels meld beautifully with red bell peppers, crushed tomatoes, and fragrant herbs under pressure, resulting in fork-tender chicken that practically falls off the bone while bathed in a mouthwatering sauce.

Whether you’re feeding a busy weeknight family dinner or entertaining guests, this one-pot wonder serves six people generously. It pairs wonderfully with a side of pasta, rice, or even zucchini noodles. The Instant Pot’s pressure cooking technology ensures that every bite delivers the concentrated, slow-cooked taste that makes chicken cacciatore such a staple dish. 

What’s an Instant Pot?

For those of you who don’t know, an Instant Pot is a multi-cooker appliance that can be used as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, grain cooker, steamer, sauté pan, and more. It uses pressure cooking to cook food quickly by trapping steam inside a sealed pot, which raises the temperature and reduces cooking times significantly compared to traditional methods. The device is popular for its convenience and versatility, allowing home cooks to prepare meals faster while maintaining flavor and nutrition. You can find them being sold at most department stores and online. 

How do I store leftovers?

If you have any leftover chicken cacciatore, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. To defrost, you can transfer it to the refrigerator and leave it to thaw overnight, or use the microwave’s defrost setting for quicker thawing. Once fully defrosted, reheat in the microwave in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring between each interval until heated through. Alternatively, reheat on the stovetop over medium heat in a covered nonstick pan, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of broth or water if needed.

Serving suggestions

While this chicken cacciatore is delicious on its own, it’s even better when served with a few side dishes. You can pair it with a side of these Garlic-Roasted Potatoes, some Garlic Sautéed Spinach, and this Spring Salad to make it a full meal. It would also go wonderfully with a side of this Seasoned Rice and this lovely Italian Salad. For a rustic presentation, prepare this Focaccia, pull apart the chicken into shreds, and assemble it sandwich-style.

Print

Instant-Pot Chicken Cacciatore

When you’re craving an effortless weeknight dinner that doesn’t compromise on taste, give this Instant-Pot Chicken Cacciatore a try!
Course Dinner
Cuisine Italian
Prep Time 20 minutes minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes minutes
Total Time 45 minutes minutes
Servings 6
Calories 442kcal
Author Tysen Ling

Ingredients

7 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighsSalt to tasteGround black pepper to taste1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil1 medium onion chopped2 red bell peppers chopped, or green bell pepper if preferred8 ounces mushrooms sliced4 cloves garlic minced1 can crushed tomatoes (28 ounces)1 1/2 tablespoons tomato paste1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil1 1/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth1 bay leaf optional

Instructions

Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, place the chicken in the pot and brown for about 3 minutes on each side. Transfer the chicken to a plate, leaving any browned bits in the pot.
Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and sliced mushrooms to the pot. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes until the vegetables soften, then stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Use a wooden spoon to scrape any browned bits off the bottom to deglaze the pot.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, and chicken broth. If using, add the bay leaf. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Return the browned chicken to the pot, ensuring it is mostly covered by the sauce.
Lock the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 13 minutes. Allow the pressure to release naturally for about 8 minutes before performing a quick release for any remaining pressure.
Remove the bay leaf, if used. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve the chicken and sauce hot over pasta, rice, or zucchini noodles. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 442kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 32g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Sodium: 181mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g

The post Instant-Pot Chicken Cacciatore appeared first on Food Faith Fitness.

Related Posts

Fried Halloumi

Bring a little protein-rich taste of Cyprus to your salads, grain bowls, and more! When I first discovered halloumi cheese, I was mind-blown. “How can

Read More »

Marry Me Chicken Dip

A little chicken in a cheesy, creamy dip can go a long way! Dish out this deliciousness at your next big shindig with crackers, bread,

Read More »

Grilled Ham

Sweet, salty, and savory, this easy Grilled Ham recipe is perfect for Sunday lunches and brunches. Maybe it’s just a Wisconsin thing, but there’s no

Read More »

Grilled Halloumi Cheese

Enjoy this rich and smoky Grilled Halloumi Cheese as a flavorful burger topping or a snazzy appetizer. Hailing from the Mediterranean island of Cyprus, halloumi

Read More »

Halloumi Salad

Give your lunchtime a protein-rich refresh with this easy, mouthwatering salad. Just when I start to get bored with salad over the summer, this pleasant

Read More »

Tuna Sandwich Recipe

This creamy Tuna Sandwich Recipe keeps it classic because why mess with perfection? I wasn’t always a tuna sandwich fan. The color, the texture, the

Read More »

Marry Me Chicken Orzo

Cheesy, creamy, and sprinkled with tangy sun-dried tomatoes, Marry Me Chicken Orzo works for weeknights and wedding proposals—apparently. I wasn’t much of a cook until

Read More »

Brunswick Stew

Smoky, hearty, and the right amount of sweet, Brunswick Stew is a delicious way to make winter slightly more bearable! As winter rears its cold,

Read More »

Fig Jam Recipe

Discover how easy it is to make a delicious Fig Jam that you will enjoy in more ways than you can imagine! I noticed figs

Read More »

Fried Garlic

Stir a scrumptious spoonful of Fried Garlic into your favorite savory dishes like stir-fry, salads, or pasta. The first time I fried garlic, it was

Read More »

Strawberry-Rhubarb Jam

Craving strawberry and rhubarb for breakfast? This sweet, tangy jam is perfect on toast. When I was little, my best friend—who also happened to be

Read More »

Air-Fryer Halloumi

Creamy, crispy, and easy to make, Air-Fryer Halloumi makes a perfect side for your next Mediterranean feast! I first tried halloumi at a Middle Eastern

Read More »

Blackberry Jam Recipe

This Blackberry Jam Recipe spreads beautifully on toast and makes an excellent base for cakes, cookies, and frosting! I’m a jam fiend. Seriously, I could

Read More »

Chicken Marinade

This flavor-packed Chicken Marinade does all the work so you don’t have to! Table of Contents Toggle Is This Chicken Marinade Healthy?Pounding your chicken and

Read More »

Lime Curd

This tart and versatile Lime Curd looks impressive but only takes 20 minutes! This recipe is so fun to make that you’re in danger of

Read More »

Spam Musubi Bowl

Ditch the hand-held classic and enjoy this deconstructed, yet elevated, Spam favorite! toc 1994. My mother takes me to a friend’s barbecue at the park.

Read More »

Meatloaf without Eggs

This egg-free, fuss-free meatloaf is delicious, easy to make, and brimming with nostalgia. Table of Contents Toggle Is Meatloaf Without Eggs Healthy?In Defense Of Adding

Read More »

Pork Chop Seasoning

Impress your guests with this secret Pork Chop Seasoning blend! Table of Contents Toggle Is Pork Chop Seasoning Healthy?How Do I Season Pork Chops?FAQs &

Read More »

Steak Butter

Keep this velvety, herb-infused compound butter on hand for your next steak night. Table of Contents Toggle Is Steak Butter Healthy?Fully Customizable Steak ButterFAQs &

Read More »

Tamarindo Drink

Whip up this tart drink if you’re craving a sweet, non-alcoholic beverage to help you cool off after a long day. Table of Contents Toggle

Read More »

Wassail

A fragrant blend of apple cider, citrus, and warming spices, Wassail is the ultimate festive drink to sip and share during the holiday season. Table

Read More »

Mexican Chopped Salad

This Mexican Chopped Salad is fresh, vibrant, and bursting with crunchy veggies, creamy avocado, and a zesty lime dressing. Table of Contents Toggle Is Mexican

Read More »