Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore is a flavorful and comforting Italian dish that is perfect for a cozy dinner. This dish features tender chicken simmered in a rich tomato sauce with bell peppers, onions, garlic, and herbs. The Instant Pot makes this dish quick and easy to prepare, with all the flavors melding together beautifully under pressure. Serve this Chicken Cacciatore over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread for a satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients for Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore
- 2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 1/2 cup dry red wine (optional)
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish
How to Make Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore
- Season the Chicken: Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Select the “Sauté” function on the Instant Pot and heat the olive oil. Add the onion, bell peppers, and garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Add the Chicken and Spices: Add the seasoned chicken thighs to the pot, along with the oregano, basil, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Sauté for another 2-3 minutes, or until the chicken starts to brown.
- Add the Liquid: Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato paste, red wine (if using), balsamic vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Pressure Cook: Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to the sealing position. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting and set the timer for 15 minutes on high pressure.
- Natural Release: Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to naturally release for 10 minutes. Then, carefully switch the valve to the venting position to release any remaining pressure.
- Serve: Carefully open the lid and stir the Chicken Cacciatore. Serve the Chicken Cacciatore hot over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
About the Main Ingredients
Chicken Thighs: Chicken thighs are used in this recipe because they are flavorful and stay moist and tender when cooked under pressure. The bone-in, skin-on thighs add extra flavor to the dish, but you can use boneless, skinless thighs if you prefer.
Bell Peppers: Bell peppers add sweetness and color to the dish. They also provide a nice crunch and are packed with vitamin C.
Onion and Garlic: Onion and garlic are aromatic vegetables that add depth of flavor to the sauce. They are essential ingredients in many Italian dishes.
Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes and tomato paste form the base of the sauce. They add acidity and sweetness to the dish.
Herbs: Dried oregano, basil, thyme, and red pepper flakes add flavor and aroma to the sauce. You can use fresh herbs if you prefer.
Chicken Broth: Chicken broth adds richness to the sauce and helps to deglaze the pot, picking up all the flavorful browned bits from the bottom.
Red Wine: Red wine is optional but adds complexity to the sauce. If you prefer not to use alcohol, you can substitute more chicken broth.
Balsamic Vinegar and Worcestershire Sauce: These ingredients add depth and umami flavor to the sauce, balancing the acidity of the tomatoes.
Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in. The Instant Pot makes it quick and easy to prepare, with all the flavors of a traditional Chicken Cacciatore simmered to perfection in a fraction of the time. Serve this dish over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread for a hearty and satisfying meal.
