Description
This Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore is a flavorful and easy twist on the classic Italian dish. Tender, juicy chicken thighs are sautéed and then pressure cooked with bell peppers, mushrooms, crushed tomatoes, herbs, and spices to create a rich, savory gravy. Perfect served over pasta or rice, this recipe delivers hearty comfort food ideal for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Sautéing
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 7 chicken thighs (skin and bone in)
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion (chopped in chunks)
- 1 medium red bell pepper (chopped in chunks)
- 1 medium green bell pepper (chopped in chunks)
- 10 ounces mushrooms (sliced)
Liquids and Seasonings
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup dry sherry (optional, omit for Whole30)
- 2 teaspoons oregano (dried)
- 2 teaspoons basil (dried)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 3 teaspoons garlic paste (or 3 cloves garlic, crushed)
Instructions
- Sear the Chicken: Heat a sauté pan over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and once hot, place chicken thighs skin side down. Sauté for 3 minutes until the skin is crisp and golden, then flip and cook for an additional minute. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables in Instant Pot: Plug in the Instant Pot and press the sauté button. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil, then add chopped onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Cook for 3 minutes until slightly softened.
- Add Mushrooms and Seasoning: Stir in sliced mushrooms, salt, and pepper. Sauté for 1 more minute to release flavors.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the seared chicken thighs back into the Instant Pot along with crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, dry sherry (if using), dried oregano, dried basil, bay leaf, and garlic paste. Stir gently to combine.
- Pressure Cook: Seal the Instant Pot lid and ensure the venting knob is set to the sealing position. Select the pressure cook button set to high pressure on normal mode and set the timer for 13 minutes.
- Release Pressure: When cooking is complete and the Instant Pot beeps, allow the pressure to release naturally or carefully perform a quick release by turning the vent knob to venting (use an oven mitt for safety).
- Serve: Transfer the chicken and sauce to a serving dish or serve directly from the pot. Spoon over cooked pasta or rice, add a side of vegetables if desired, then enjoy your comforting Chicken Cacciatore.
Notes
- This recipe is a great weeknight dinner providing tender chicken in a rich tomato and herb sauce.
- Dry sherry adds depth but can be omitted for Whole30 compliance.
- Serve with pasta or rice for a fulfilling meal.
- Natural pressure release is preferred for juicier chicken, but quick release works for faster serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 243 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 710 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 107 mg
