Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore is a savory, comforting dish that brings tender chicken thighs to life in a robust tomato sauce with mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, and fragrant herbs, all ready in under an hour. This One-Pot Italian Feast is perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings, offering rich flavors with minimal effort. Serve over pasta or with crusty bread to soak up every bit of the hearty sauce for a meal that’s sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore
This Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore recipe is a standout One-Pot Italian Feast:
- Effortless Prep: Cooks entirely in the Instant Pot, no extra pans needed.
- Bold Flavors: Wine and umami-rich ingredients create a deep, satisfying sauce.
- Make-Ahead: Tastes even better the next day, ideal for meal prep.
- Family-Friendly: A hearty dish that appeals to all ages.
- I made this for a weeknight dinner, and it was the ultimate One-Pot Italian Feast hit!
Ingredients for Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore
Here’s what you’ll need for Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore (serves 4–6):
- For the Chicken:
- 6 chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless, about 2 lbs/900g), skin removed
- ¼ cup (30g) all-purpose flour, for dredging
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- For the Sauce:
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 bell peppers (mixed colors), sliced
- 8 oz (225g) mushrooms, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup (120ml) dry white wine (or chicken stock)
- 1 can (28 oz/800g) crushed tomatoes
- ½ cup (120ml) chicken broth
- ¼ cup (40g) pitted kalamata or black olives, halved
- 2 tbsp capers, drained
- 1 tbsp tomato paste (optional, for thickness)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or ½ tsp oregano, ½ tsp thyme, 1 bay leaf)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 tsp balsamic vinegar or ½ tsp sugar for umami
- Red pepper flakes for spice
Ingredient Tips:
- Chicken: Thighs stay tender; boneless cooks slightly faster.
- Wine: White wine adds depth; stock with vinegar works for no-alcohol.
- Tomatoes: Fire-roasted canned tomatoes enhance flavor.
- Olives/Capers: Rinse capers if salt-sensitive; kalamata adds bold taste.
- Equipment: Instant Pot (6-quart or larger), tongs, mixing bowl.
Directions for Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore
Let’s create this hearty Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore!
Prep Chicken
- I season 6 chicken thighs with ½ tsp salt and ¼ tsp black pepper, then lightly dredge in ¼ cup flour, shaking off excess.
Sauté Chicken
- I set the Instant Pot to “Sauté,” heat 2 tbsp olive oil, and brown the chicken in batches (4 minutes per side).
- I remove and set aside for this Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore.
Cook Vegetables
- In the same pot, I add 1 diced onion, 2 sliced bell peppers, 8 oz sliced mushrooms, and 3 minced garlic cloves.
- I cook for 4–5 minutes until onions soften.
Deglaze Pot
- I pour in ½ cup white wine (or chicken stock), scraping up browned bits from the pot’s bottom for rich flavor.
Build Sauce and Cook
- I stir in 28 oz crushed tomatoes, ½ cup chicken broth, 1 tbsp tomato paste (if using), ¼ cup olives, 2 tbsp capers, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper.
- I nestle the browned chicken into the sauce, seal the lid, and cook on High Pressure for 12 minutes.
- I let it naturally release for 10 minutes, then quick-release remaining steam.
Finish and Serve
- I remove the chicken, set the Instant Pot to “Sauté” to simmer and thicken the sauce if desired (5–7 minutes).
- I return the chicken to the sauce, adjust seasoning, and serve hot.
Nutrition
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes (including sealing and release)
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 4–6
- Calories: ~400 kcal per serving
- Macros per Serving: 20g carbs, 30g protein, 22g fat, 5g fiber
Variations for Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore
Try these twists on Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore:
- Spicy Twist: Add ½ tsp red pepper flakes or sliced hot peppers during sauté.
- Veggie Boost: Stir in 1 cup zucchini or spinach after pressure cooking.
- Wine Swap: Use dry red wine for a richer sauce.
- No-Alcohol: Replace wine with chicken stock and 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar.
- Creamy: Stir in 2 tbsp heavy cream post-cooking for a smoother sauce.
Storage
I store Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, I freeze it in portioned containers for up to 3 months, thawing overnight in the fridge before reheating. To reheat, I warm gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until heated through, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Serving Ideas
Make your Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore a star One-Pot Italian Feast:
- Classic: Serve as a One-Pot Italian Feast over pasta, polenta, or rice.
- Garnish: Sprinkle fresh parsley or grated Parmesan for extra flair.
- Pairing: Enjoy with a green salad, garlic bread, or Chianti wine.
- Presentation: Serve family-style from a large bowl for a rustic vibe.
- Occasion: Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or dinner parties.
FAQs
Have questions about Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore? Here are answers to common queries:
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, reduce pressure-cook time to 8 minutes to prevent drying out.
Do I have to dredge the chicken in flour?
No, it thickens the sauce and enhances the sear, but skip for gluten-free or lighter versions.
Can I omit the wine?
Yes, use ½ cup chicken broth plus 1 tbsp vinegar (white wine or balsamic).
Is this recipe spicy?
Not by default; add red pepper flakes or hot peppers for heat.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, ensure your Instant Pot can handle the volume; add 2–3 minutes to pressure-cook time.
Can I add pasta directly to the Instant Pot?
Cook pasta separately to maintain the sauce’s liquid balance.
How can I thicken the sauce more?
After pressure cooking, use “Sauté” mode to simmer until thickened.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally dairy-free.
What sides go well with it?
Pasta, polenta, rice, or crusty bread pair perfectly with the sauce.
How do I prevent food from sticking when pressure cooking?
Deglaze thoroughly after sautéing; add extra liquid if your Instant Pot gives a burn warning.
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Conclusion
Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore is a flavorful, fuss-free family favorite—rich tomato sauce, tender chicken, and flavorful add-ins come together in under an hour. Perfect for weeknight dinners, make-ahead meals, or freezer prep. Enjoy the comfort with minimal effort!
Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken thighs bone-in or boneless, skin removed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper sliced
- 1 green bell pepper sliced
- 8 oz mushrooms sliced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 14 oz can diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Set Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat olive oil. Add chicken and brown on both sides for 3-4 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Add onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms to the pot and sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Deglaze with white wine or broth, scraping the bottom of the pot.
- Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- Return chicken to the pot, nestling it into the sauce.
- Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
- Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
- Open the lid, stir gently, and garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use boneless chicken for faster cooking and easier serving.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Serve over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
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