Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting dinner that comes together quickly and without fuss, I’m excited to share my Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore Recipe with you. This one’s a total game-changer — juicy chicken thighs simmered in a rich, tomato-based sauce that’s bursting with herbs and veggies. Whether you’re whipping up a weeknight meal or craving something to impress friends with minimal effort, this recipe hits all the right notes. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making it on repeat.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe nails that beautiful blend of Italian herbs, fresh veggies, and tender chicken — all built on a base of crushed tomatoes and chicken broth for rich flavor. I always keep my pantry stocked with dried oregano and basil because they’re the heart of this dish, and fresh garlic (or garlic paste) really amps it up.

• Olive oil: Use good quality extra virgin for the best flavor when sautéing the chicken and veggies.
• Chicken thighs: I love using skin-on, bone-in thighs here for ultimate juiciness and richness.
• Onion: A medium onion chopped in chunks brings sweetness and depth.
• Red and green bell peppers: Both add color and a subtle sweetness to balance the acidity.
• Mushrooms: They soak up the sauce beautifully, giving earthy hints.
• Crushed tomatoes: This is your sauce base — opt for a quality brand for the best taste.
• Chicken broth: Adds savory notes, making the sauce hearty.
• Dry sherry: Optional but I find it deepens the flavor; skip for Whole30 compliance without sacrificing much.
• Dried oregano and basil: Essential Italian herbs that elevate the dish with aromatic notes.
• Bay leaf: Adds subtle complexity—don’t forget to remove before serving!
• Salt and pepper: For seasoning and balance.
• Garlic paste (or fresh garlic cloves): My secret weapon for that bold garlicky punch without fuss.

Variations

I love that this Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore Recipe is super adaptable — you can easily swap ingredients or tweak it to fit your taste or lifestyle. Here are a few ways I like to personalize it:

• Make it spicy: When I want a little kick, I toss in some red chili flakes or a diced fresh chili along with the peppers.
• Swap chicken cuts: You could use boneless thighs for an even quicker cook time, but I prefer the flavor and texture of bone-in.
• Whole30 or Paleo friendly: Simply skip the sherry and use homemade chicken broth to keep it clean.
• Extra veggies: I sometimes add zucchini or eggplant to boost the veggie content — just toss them in with the mushrooms.

How to Make Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Chicken to Lock in Juiciness

First things first: heat a sauté pan on medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. When it’s shimmering, add the chicken thighs skin side down. You want to get that skin nice and crispy — about 3 minutes per side, flipping once after the first 3 minutes and then just a quick minute on the flip side. Depending on your pan size, you may need to do this in two batches so the chicken doesn’t overcrowd. Once seared, set the chicken aside. This step makes a big difference for me — it adds layers of flavor and keeps the chicken juicy after pressure cooking.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies for Flavor

Now, plug in your Instant Pot and hit the sauté button. Once it’s hot, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the chopped onion, red and green bell peppers and sauté for about 3 minutes until they start to soften and smell amazing. Then add the sliced mushrooms, salt, and pepper, and sauté just another minute. This gentle sauté builds the base of your sauce — if you skip this, the veggies can feel bland or raw after pressure cooking.

Step 3: Pressure Cook Magic

Now it’s time to bring it all together. Add the seared chicken back into the Instant Pot on top of the veggies. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, dry sherry (if you’re using it), oregano, basil, bay leaf, and garlic paste. Give everything a gentle stir to combine. Seal the lid, make sure the vent knob is set to “seal,” then select pressure cook on high for 13 minutes. This part is where the Instant Pot really shines — tender chicken in almost no time.

Step 4: Release and Serve

When the cooking time ends, you can either let the pressure release naturally (which will take about 10 minutes) or, if you’re in a hurry, carefully do a quick release by turning the vent knob to “vent.” I tend to let it release naturally to keep the chicken extra tender. Once pressure is fully released, open the lid, discard the bay leaf, and transfer the chicken and sauce to a serving dish or serve right from the pot. Ladle it over your favorite pasta or rice, add a side of something green, and dig in!

How to Serve Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of finishing the dish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil leaves—they add this bright pop of color and freshness that balances the rich sauce. A little grated Parmesan on top never hurts, either, especially if you’re serving it over pasta.

Side Dishes

My go-to side is simple spaghetti or penne tossed with olive oil or butter to soak up that saucy goodness. Sometimes I serve it with creamy polenta or even garlic mashed potatoes for a cozy twist. And don’t forget a side of steamed green beans or a crisp mixed salad for some contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to plate the chicken pieces neatly over a bed of saffron risotto, then drizzle some reduced sauce around the edges and garnish with microgreens. It makes a fancy dinner feel effortless and lets the flavors really shine.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers? Absolutely! I store them in an airtight container in the fridge and they keep well for about 3 to 4 days. The flavors deepen over time, so I honestly think it tastes even better the next day.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish a few times with great success. Just cool it completely before dividing into freezer-safe containers or bags. It freezes beautifully and reheats well without losing that saucy goodness.

Reheating

When reheating, I prefer warming it on the stove over low heat to gently bring back the sauce’s richness without drying out the chicken. If you’re in a hurry, microwave on medium power in short bursts, stirring in between, to keep the texture nice and tender.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore Recipe quickly became one of my absolute favorites for those busy nights when I want something hearty, flavorful, and fuss-free. The combination of tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and a rich tomato sauce is pure comfort food that feels special yet comes together in a flash. I truly hope you try this recipe soon — it’s like having a homemade Italian dinner without the wait or the mess. You and everyone at your table are going to love it!

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