Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore Recipe

Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore is a delicious Italian dish featuring tender chicken cooked with a savory tomato sauce, bell peppers, onions, and herbs. The Instant Pot makes this dish quick and easy, resulting in a flavorful meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners. Here’s a simple recipe to prepare it:

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken Cacciatore:
  • 2 pounds bone-in chicken thighs (or breasts)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1 bell pepper (red or green), sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes (with juice)
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

• Season the chicken thighs or breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.

2. Sauté the Aromatics:

• Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode and add the olive oil.
• Once hot, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften.
• Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.

3. Brown the Chicken:

• Push the sautéed vegetables to the sides of the pot and add the chicken pieces skin-side down. Brown the chicken for about 3-4 minutes on each side. You may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding.

4. Add Remaining Ingredients:

• Once the chicken is browned, add the diced tomatoes (with juice), chicken broth, tomato paste, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), and mushrooms (if using) to the pot. Stir to combine.

5. Pressure Cook:

• Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set the valve to Sealing.
• Select the Manual or Pressure Cook setting and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.

6. Release the Pressure:

• Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 5 minutes, then carefully switch the valve to Venting to release any remaining pressure.

7. Serve:

• Carefully open the lid and remove the chicken pieces. If desired, shred the chicken or leave it whole.
• Stir the sauce in the pot, and taste for seasoning, adding more salt and pepper if needed.
• Serve the chicken and sauce over cooked pasta, rice, or polenta, and garnish with fresh parsley.

Tips:

• Serve with: Crusty bread or a simple salad to complement the dish.
• Variations: You can add other vegetables like zucchini or carrots for more nutrition.
• Make Ahead: This dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.

Enjoy your Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore! It’s a flavorful, hearty dish that’s sure to please!