Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore Recipe

If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that doesn’t tie you down to the stove for hours, this Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore Recipe is an absolute game changer. I love this recipe because it takes the traditional, rustic flavors of Italian chicken cacciatore and whips it up quickly in the Instant Pot, giving you juicy, tender chicken in a rich tomato sauce without the wait. Stick with me here — I promise you’re going to want to make this again and again!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore Recipe come together in harmony — each one adding a little something special, from the sweetness of the peppers to the deep earthiness of mushrooms. When I shop, I look for fresh, firm chicken thighs with the skin on as they really soak up the flavors.

• Olive oil: Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil; it helps brown the chicken beautifully and adds a fragrant base.
• Chicken thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs give the best flavor and stay juicy when pressure cooked.
• Onion: Chopped in larger chunks to retain some texture after cooking.
• Red and green bell peppers: Rounded out with a sweet crunch that balances the acidity of tomatoes.
• Mushrooms: Sliced cremini or white mushrooms add savory earthiness to the sauce.
• Crushed tomatoes: The heart of the sauce — don’t skimp on quality here, it really shines.
• Chicken broth: Adds depth and keeps everything juicy while cooking.
• Dry sherry: I love the hint of sweetness it gives; omit it if you want to keep it Whole30 compliant.
• Dried oregano and basil: Classic Italian herbs that give the dish its recognizable aroma.
• Bay leaf: Subtle but important aromatic element that you’ll want to fish out before serving.
• Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning to taste.
• Garlic paste or fresh garlic: I use garlic paste for convenience, but crushed cloves work just as well.

Variations

I like to play around with my Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore Recipe depending on what’s in season or the mood we’re in. You should feel free to customize too — it’s your kitchen, after all!

• Make it Whole30-friendly: I’ve swapped the dry sherry for extra chicken broth or a splash of balsamic vinegar, and it still tastes fantastic.
• Spicy kick: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes really wakes up the sauce and is a hit when friends come over.
• Vegetarian version: Try substituting chicken with hearty vegetables like eggplant or zucchini for a meatless twist.
• Use white wine instead of sherry: When I don’t have sherry on hand, a dry white wine works beautifully.

How to Make Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Chicken to Lock in Flavor

Heat a sauté pan over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once it’s shimmering, place the chicken thighs skin side down—you want that skin to crisp up nicely. I usually do this in two batches so I don’t overcrowd the pan. Give each piece about 3 minutes per side until golden, then remove and set aside. This step is my secret for rich flavor, so don’t skip it!

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Vegetables in the Instant Pot

Turn on your Instant Pot to the sauté function and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the onion and both bell peppers. Sauté for about 3 minutes until the onions soften, then add the sliced mushrooms along with salt and pepper. Cook for another minute. This builds a wonderful flavor base before the pressure cooking.

Step 3: Layer in the Chicken and Liquids

Place the browned chicken thighs on top of the sautéed vegetables. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and the dry sherry if you’re using it. Sprinkle the oregano, basil, add the bay leaf, and spoon in the garlic paste. Give everything a gentle stir to combine without disturbing the chicken too much.

Step 4: Pressure Cook and Release

Seal the Instant Pot lid and make sure the vent knob is set to ‘sealing.’ Select pressure cook on high pressure and set the timer for 13 minutes. When the cooking cycle finishes, you can either let the pressure release naturally for about 10 minutes for the juiciest chicken, or carefully do a quick release by venting the steam—just be sure to use an oven mitt to stay safe!

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once the pressure is fully released, open the lid and scoop the chicken and sauce into your serving dish. I like to ladle this hearty, flavorful cacciatore over pasta or rice, which soaks up all that beautiful sauce. Pair it with some steamed veggies or a crisp salad and you’re in business.

How to Serve Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore Recipe

Garnishes

I usually top my chicken cacciatore with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil leaves. Sometimes, I’ll grate a little Parmesan on top because, well, cheese always makes everything better in my opinion. It adds a fresh and slightly tangy layer that lifts the whole dish right before serving.

Side Dishes

This sauce is so saucy and flavorful, it practically begs for some pasta — spaghetti or pappardelle work amazing. If you’re gluten-free, creamy polenta or even steamed rice soak it up nicely too. I’ve also paired it with garlic bread and a simple arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I’ve served this in individual wide shallow bowls with a sprig of basil and a drizzle of good olive oil. Another fun idea is plating over creamy risotto with a dusting of Parm and crispy sage leaves for an extra touch of elegance.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When I have leftovers, I put the chicken and sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate it. It keeps well for 3-4 days and the flavors actually deepen by the next day — perfect for lunch or a quick dinner.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this meal a few times by cooling it completely, then transferring to freezer-safe containers. When thawed and reheated, it maintains its texture and taste nicely, making it a great meal prep option.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm the chicken and sauce on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if the sauce thickened too much. This helps keep the chicken tender and keeps the sauce silky, just like freshly made.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore Recipe has become one of my go-to meals when I want something comforting but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. It’s cozy, flavorful, and always earns compliments from family and guests alike. If you give this a try, I’m pretty sure it’ll become a fast favorite in your household too—so go ahead, put that Instant Pot to work and enjoy some delicious Italian soul food tonight!

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