Name: Chicken Cacciatore: Comforting Hunter’s Stew with Tomato, Herbs, Mushrooms, and Kalamata Olives Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 bone-in chicken thighs (1 kg / 2 lb); 4 chicken drumsticks; 1/2 tsp cooking/kosher salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 onion, halved and thinly sliced; 2 rosemary sprigs (or 1 tsp dried rosemary); 2 bay leaves (fresh or dried); 3 garlic cloves, finely minced; 3 anchovy fillets or 1 tsp anchovy paste (optional); 250 g / 8 oz mushrooms, sliced; 2 red capsicum, sliced 8 mm thick; 1/3 cup tomato paste; 3/4 cup chicken stock; 2 cups chicken stock/broth, low sodium; 400 g / 14 oz crushed tomatoes; 16 pitted Kalamata olives; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp dried oregano; Mashed potatoes or polenta; Chopped parsley (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 83 reviews

If you’re craving a dish that wraps you in warmth and transports your taste buds straight to a rustic Italian kitchen, the Chicken Cacciatore: Comforting Hunter’s Stew with Tomato, Herbs, Mushrooms, and Kalamata Olives Recipe is exactly what you need. This hearty stew brims with tender chicken thighs and drumsticks simmered in a rich, aromatic tomato sauce that’s bursting with fresh herbs, earthy mushrooms, sweet red capsicum, and the briny pop of Kalamata olives. Perfect for cozy dinners, this recipe effortlessly combines simple, wholesome ingredients into a dish that tastes like a warm, loving hug on a plate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white plate filled with seven raw chicken legs stacked softly on top of each other, showing layers of pinkish skin and pale flesh with a smooth texture. To the left of the plate, there is a small clear bowl containing black pepper on a white marbled surface. The image is bright and clean with soft shadows. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

What’s wonderful about this recipe is how straightforward yet impactful the ingredients are. Each item brings essential flavor, texture, or color, creating a beautiful harmony in the stew that’s both familiar and exciting in every bite.

Chicken thighs and drumsticks: Bone-in pieces provide intense flavor and stay juicy while simmering.
Salt and black pepper: The basics that enhance and balance every element in the stew.
Olive oil: Perfect for browning the chicken and developing that classic cacciatore depth.
Onion: Adds sweetness and body to the sauce, slowly softening to melt into the stew.
Rosemary and bay leaves: Fragrant herbs that infuse their woodsy, piney warmth throughout.
Garlic: Minced finely for an aromatic boost that’s unmistakably comforting.
Anchovies or anchovy paste (optional): A secret umami bomb that quietly elevates the sauce complexity.
Mushrooms: Earthy and meaty, they bring satisfying texture and absorb all the flavors beautifully.
Red capsicum: Adds a pop of vibrant color and a delicate sweetness.
Tomato paste and crushed tomatoes: Form the rich, luscious base of the sauce.
Chicken stock: Makes the stew hearty without overpowering the fresh ingredients.
Kalamata olives: Pitted olives contribute bursts of tangy saltiness that brighten each mouthful.
Dried oregano: Brings a classic Italian herbal note to round out the flavor profile.
Mashed potatoes or polenta: Creamy sides to soak up every bit of saucy goodness.
Chopped parsley (optional): For a fresh, green finish that livens up the plate.

How to Make Chicken Cacciatore: Comforting Hunter’s Stew with Tomato, Herbs, Mushrooms, and Kalamata Olives Recipe

Step 1: Season and Brown the Chicken

Start by seasoning your chicken thighs and drumsticks with salt and pepper. Browning the chicken skin-side down in hot olive oil is where the magic begins. This step develops a beautiful golden crust full of flavor and locks in the juices so the meat stays tender and succulent during cooking. Take your time here—about 6 minutes for the thighs and 1½ minutes per side for drumsticks—to get that perfect sear before setting them aside.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base with Onions and Herbs

After carefully removing excess fat from the pan but leaving enough for richness, reduce the heat. Toss in sliced onion, rosemary sprigs or dried rosemary, bay leaves, and oregano. Cook gently for about 3 minutes until the onion softens and melds with the herbs, releasing an intoxicating aroma that promises succulent stew ahead.”

Step 3: Add Garlic and Anchovies for Depth

Create a little well in the pan to sauté the garlic and anchovies or anchovy paste. The garlic will turn a lovely light golden, while the anchovies melt into the mixture, adding a subtle yet powerful umami punch that deepens the overall flavor without a fishy taste. Stir everything together to marry these ingredients beautifully.

Step 4: Sauté the Mushrooms, Capsicum, and Tomato Paste

Turn up the heat and add the mushrooms and sliced red capsicum. These vegetables soften and release moisture, which then evaporates, concentrating their flavors over approximately 5 minutes. Follow this by stirring in tomato paste and cook for another couple of minutes, allowing it to caramelize slightly and enrich the sauce’s base.

Step 5: Simmer with Stock and Tomatoes

Pour in ¾ cup of chicken stock and simmer to reduce it by about 75%, intensifying the flavors. Once reduced, add the remaining stock, crushed tomatoes, salt, and pepper, bringing everything to a gentle simmer. This mixture forms the heart of the stew, thick and aromatic, ready to envelop the chicken.

Step 6: Return Chicken and Finish Cooking with Olives

Nestle the browned chicken back into the pan, skin-side up, including any resting juices for extra flavor. Cover and let everything simmer together for 20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Then remove the lid, add in the Kalamata olives, and simmer uncovered for a further 10 minutes to thicken the sauce and let those olives release their character into every bite.

How to Serve Chicken Cacciatore: Comforting Hunter’s Stew with Tomato, Herbs, Mushrooms, and Kalamata Olives Recipe

A dark bowl on a white marbled surface holds a dish with four main visible layers: at the bottom, there is a creamy mashed texture in off-white with some lumpy parts; on top of this are vibrant red pepper strips and dark kidney beans scattered around; a large piece of meat covered in thick reddish-brown sauce sits centered on the dish, giving a rich and glossy look; small green rosemary sprigs garnish the meat and sides, adding a fresh contrast. A spoon with a dark handle rests just inside the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley on top adds that perfect touch of color and a subtle fresh brightness that balances the rich stew beautifully. It’s a simple flourish that instantly elevates the dish’s presentation and taste.

Side Dishes

This stew begs to be served over creamy mashed potatoes or buttery polenta, both ideal for soaking up every last drop of the luscious sauce. These comforting sides complement the robust, herby flavors and help make each mouthful irresistibly satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For an inviting family meal, serve the stew family-style with crusty bread on the side for dipping. Alternatively, plate it in deep bowls for a rustic, trattoria vibe or over a bed of soft polenta finished with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of parmesan for a touch of elegance.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Chicken Cacciatore: Comforting Hunter’s Stew with Tomato, Herbs, Mushrooms, and Kalamata Olives Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors even deepen after resting, making leftovers just as delightful as freshly cooked.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, this stew freezes wonderfully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving space for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to warm the stew evenly without drying out the chicken. Add a splash of stock or water if the sauce seems too thick. Alternatively, microwave in intervals, stirring in between until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! While bone-in chicken adds more flavor and juiciness, boneless thighs or breasts can be used for a quicker cooking time. Just adjust the cooking time as boneless pieces cook faster.

Are Kalamata olives necessary in this stew?

Kalamata olives add a wonderful briny contrast, but if you’re not a fan or don’t have them on hand, you can omit them or substitute with green olives to change up the flavor.

Can this Chicken Cacciatore be made in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the chicken first for best flavor, then transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add olives in the last 30 minutes.

Is anchovy paste mandatory?

Anchovy paste isn’t mandatory but highly recommended as it adds a depth of savory richness without tasting fishy. If you prefer to skip it, add a little extra salt or umami-rich seasoning instead.

What’s the best way to thicken the sauce if it’s too watery?

Simmer uncovered towards the end of cooking to allow excess liquid to evaporate and thicken the sauce naturally. You can also stir in a small spoonful of tomato paste or a cornstarch slurry if needed.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about making and sharing the Chicken Cacciatore: Comforting Hunter’s Stew with Tomato, Herbs, Mushrooms, and Kalamata Olives Recipe. Its layers of flavor, from the tender chicken to the savory, fragrant sauce, make it a perfect meal for any day you need a little extra comfort. I promise once you try this dish, it will become a beloved classic in your own kitchen just as it has in mine. So, grab those simple ingredients and treat yourself to a bowl of heartwarming deliciousness tonight!