Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore
Ingredients
Directions / Instructions
Why You'll Love This Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore
This Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore brings the rich, rustic flavors of classic Italian comfort food to the table in a fraction of the traditional cooking time. Tender chicken thighs simmer with tomatoes, bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, garlic, and Italian herbs for a deeply flavorful sauce.
The Instant Pot makes this recipe especially convenient for busy weeknights because everything cooks in one pot. Serve the chicken and savory tomato sauce over pasta, creamy polenta, mashed potatoes, rice, or with crusty bread for soaking up every last drop.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
For the Cacciatore Sauce
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
1. Season the Chicken
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
2. Sear the Chicken
Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode and add the olive oil. Working in batches if necessary, sear the chicken for 2 to 3 minutes per side until lightly browned. Transfer the chicken to a plate.
3. Sauté the Vegetables
Add the onion, bell peppers, and mushrooms to the pot. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
4. Build the Sauce
Stir in the tomato paste, oregano, basil, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the pot thoroughly to release any stuck-on pieces.
5. Add the Tomatoes and Chicken
Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and Kalamata olives if using. Return the chicken thighs to the pot and nestle them into the sauce.
6. Pressure Cook
Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on High Pressure for 10 minutes. Allow a 10-minute natural pressure release, then carefully release any remaining pressure.
7. Finish the Sauce
Remove the chicken and set it aside. If the sauce is thinner than desired, switch the Instant Pot back to Sauté mode and simmer uncovered for 5 to 8 minutes until slightly thickened.
8. Garnish and Serve
Return the chicken to the sauce or spoon the sauce over the chicken. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot over pasta, rice, polenta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.
Expert Tips
Use chicken thighs for the juiciest results, although chicken breasts can also be used. Always scrape the bottom of the Instant Pot thoroughly after deglazing to prevent a burn warning. Don't stir canned tomatoes into the bottom of the pot before pressure cooking; layering them over the broth helps prevent scorching. Let the sauce simmer on Sauté mode afterward if you prefer a thicker consistency.
Storage
Store leftover chicken cacciatore in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. Freeze the chicken and sauce for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore over spaghetti, penne, egg noodles, creamy polenta, mashed potatoes, cauliflower rice, or steamed rice. Crusty Italian bread is perfect for soaking up the rich tomato sauce. Add a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Recipe Variations
Use boneless chicken breasts instead of thighs, add zucchini or carrots for extra vegetables, stir in spinach at the end, or add a splash of red wine to the sauce for deeper flavor. For a creamy variation, stir in a small amount of heavy cream after pressure cooking. You can also add extra olives or capers for a briny Mediterranean twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
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