Craving Italian comfort without the hassle? Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore delivers juicy chicken thighs, vibrant peppers, and a rich tomato sauce in one pot. This Easy Italian Dinner is ready in under 45 minutes, perfect for cozy weeknights or gatherings. Enjoy this savory tomato chicken dish for a hearty, fuss-free meal!
Why You’ll Love Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore
- Quick Comfort: Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore cooks in 35–45 minutes for effortless dinners.
- Flavorful: Peppers, mushrooms, and herbs create a vibrant Italian chicken stew.
- One-Pot Ease: Minimal cleanup with this Easy Italian Dinner.
- Nutritious: Packed with veggies for a wholesome savory tomato chicken dish.
- Versatile: Adapts easily for gluten-free or spicier tastes.
Ingredients for Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore
Here’s what you’ll need for this Italian chicken stew (makes ~4 servings):
For the Dish:
- 1 ½ lb (680g) bone-in, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp (30ml) olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 8 oz (225g) cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup (120ml) dry white wine (or chicken broth)
- 1 (28-oz/800g) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp (5g) chopped fresh parsley
Equipment
- Instant Pot (6-quart or larger)
- Wooden spoon
- Tongs
Ingredient Tips
- Chicken Thighs: Bone-in thighs ensure juicy Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore; boneless thighs work with reduced cook time.
- Wine: Adds depth to this Easy Italian Dinner; broth is a non-alcoholic substitute.
- Peppers: Red and green bell peppers add color; use any color for this savory tomato chicken dish.
- Mushrooms: Cremini brings earthiness; button mushrooms suit this Italian chicken stew.
- Tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes create a robust sauce; diced tomatoes work with extra simmering.
Directions for Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore
Let’s create this flavorful Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore!
Sauté Aromatics
I set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode and heat 2 tbsp olive oil. I add 1 diced onion, cooking for 3–4 minutes until golden, then stir in 2 minced garlic cloves for 30 seconds until fragrant, building the base for this savory tomato chicken dish.
Add Vegetables
I stir in 1 sliced red bell pepper, 1 sliced green bell pepper, and 8 oz sliced mushrooms, sautéing for 2–3 minutes until slightly softened, enhancing this Italian chicken stew’s vibrant flavors.
Season and Deglaze
I sprinkle in 1 tsp oregano, 1 tsp basil, ½ tsp thyme, ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp black pepper, and ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (if using). I pour in ½ cup white wine, simmering for 2 minutes, and scrape the pot’s bottom with a wooden spoon for a rich Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore sauce.
Add Chicken and Tomatoes
I press Cancel, then nestle 1 ½ lb chicken thighs atop the vegetables, pouring a 28-oz can of crushed tomatoes over everything without stirring, ensuring perfect cooking for this Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore.
Pressure Cook
I seal the Instant Pot lid and set it to Pressure Cook on High for 12 minutes. After cooking, I allow a 10-minute natural release, then quick-release the remaining pressure for tender, flavorful Italian chicken stew.
Serve
I check that the chicken is fork-tender, then transfer it to a serving dish, spooning the sauce and vegetables over top. I sprinkle 2 tbsp fresh parsley for a vibrant finish on this savory tomato chicken dish.
Nutrition
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Prep Time: 10–15 minutes
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Cook Time: 25–30 minutes (including pressure build/release)
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Total Time: 35–45 minutes
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Servings: 4 servings
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Calories: ~350–400 kcal per serving
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Macros per Serving: 20–25g carbs, 30–35g protein, 15–18g fat, 5g fiber
Variations
Try these twists on this savory tomato chicken dish:
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Chicken Swap: Use boneless thighs or breasts for a leaner Easy Italian Dinner; reduce cook time to 8 minutes.
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Veggie Boost: Add zucchini or olives for extra flavor in this Italian chicken stew.
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Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free; serve with gluten-free pasta, per Layla Cooks’ recipes.
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Spicy Kick: Increase red pepper flakes to ½ tsp for bolder Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore.
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Wine-Free: Swap wine for chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version.
Serving Ideas:
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Pair with Layla Cooks’ creamy polenta for a cozy meal.
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Serve over Layla Cooks’ pasta recipes for a hearty touch.
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Enjoy with Layla Cooks’ iced latte for a sweet finish.
Storage
I store this Italian chicken stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, I place it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. I reheat in a saucepan over medium-low heat for 5–7 minutes, adding a splash of broth if needed, or microwave in 1-minute intervals for a warm Easy Italian Dinner.
Serving Tips
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Presentation: Serve Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore family-style on a platter with parsley.
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Garnish: Add Parmesan or a drizzle of olive oil for this savory tomato chicken dish.
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Pairing: Enjoy with crusty bread or Layla Cooks’ salad recipes to complement this Easy Italian Dinner.
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Portion Size: 1 thigh with sauce per person for a satisfying meal.
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Occasions: Ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or cozy gatherings.
FAQs About Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore
Here are answers to common questions about Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore:
Can I use boneless chicken?
Yes, boneless thighs or breasts work for this Easy Italian Dinner; cook for 8 minutes to avoid drying out.
What can replace wine?
Use chicken or vegetable broth for a rich, non-alcoholic savory tomato chicken sauce.
Can I add other vegetables?
Add zucchini or olives with peppers for a vibrant Italian chicken stew.
Is this gluten-free?
Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free; pair with gluten-free pasta for Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore.
How do I avoid a thin sauce?
Let the sauce reduce slightly after cooking for a thick, flavorful dish.
More Chicken Recipes
- Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce
- Chicken Cabbage Savory Pirog
- Chicken and Broccoli Baked Alfredo
- Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas
- Mexican Pulled Chicken
Conclusion
Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore is a hearty, Italian-inspired dish bursting with juicy chicken and rich tomato sauce. This Easy Italian Dinner is quick, wholesome, and perfect for any night. Cook up this savory tomato chicken dish for a cozy, flavorful meal everyone will love!

Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lb 680g bone-in, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp 30ml olive oil
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 red bell pepper sliced
- 1 green bell pepper sliced
- 8 oz 225g cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional
- ½ cup 120ml dry white wine (or chicken broth)
- 1 28-oz/800g can crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp 5g chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
Sauté Aromatics
- I set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode and heat 2 tbsp olive oil. I add 1 diced onion, cooking for 3–4 minutes until golden, then stir in 2 minced garlic cloves for 30 seconds until fragrant, building the base for this savory tomato chicken dish.
Add Vegetables
- I stir in 1 sliced red bell pepper, 1 sliced green bell pepper, and 8 oz sliced mushrooms, sautéing for 2–3 minutes until slightly softened, enhancing this Italian chicken stew’s vibrant flavors.
Season and Deglaze
- I sprinkle in 1 tsp oregano, 1 tsp basil, ½ tsp thyme, ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp black pepper, and ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (if using). I pour in ½ cup white wine, simmering for 2 minutes, and scrape the pot’s bottom with a wooden spoon for a rich Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore sauce.
Add Chicken and Tomatoes
- I press Cancel, then nestle 1 ½ lb chicken thighs atop the vegetables, pouring a 28-oz can of crushed tomatoes over everything without stirring, ensuring perfect cooking for this Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore.
Pressure Cook
- I seal the Instant Pot lid and set it to Pressure Cook on High for 12 minutes. After cooking, I allow a 10-minute natural release, then quick-release the remaining pressure for tender, flavorful Italian chicken stew.
Serve
- I check that the chicken is fork-tender, then transfer it to a serving dish, spooning the sauce and vegetables over top. I sprinkle 2 tbsp fresh parsley for a vibrant finish on this savory tomato chicken dish.
Notes
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