Instapot Chicken Cacciatore: 7 Secrets to Deliciousness

Name: Instapot Chicken Cacciatore: 7 Secrets to Deliciousness
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 chicken thighs; 1 onion, chopped; 2 bell peppers, sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp dried basil; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tbsp olive oil

By:

Christina R. Jones

July 23, 2025

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Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the first time I made *Instapot chicken cacciatore*! I had just gotten my Instant Pot, and I was determined to whip up something that would impress my family. This dish is like a warm hug from Italy—rich, savory, and bursting with flavor! The moment those tender chicken thighs simmered in a medley of tomatoes, bell peppers, and aromatic spices, my kitchen transformed into a cozy Italian bistro.

I can still remember the smiles around the dinner table as we dug into that delicious meal. It was a special family gathering, and everyone couldn’t stop raving about the flavors. My cousin even went back for seconds! The beauty of this recipe is how quickly it comes together without skimping on taste. Seriously, you won’t believe how satisfying it is to have a homemade, hearty meal ready in under an hour! It’s now a staple in my house, and I love making it for both special occasions and weeknight dinners. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll want to keep it in your rotation for good!

Ingredients for Instapot Chicken Cacciatore

Here’s what you’ll need to create this mouthwatering *Instapot chicken cacciatore*. I promise, these ingredients come together beautifully to create a dish that’s bursting with Italian flavor!

4 chicken thighs, skinless and boneless for the best tenderness
1 onion, chopped finely to infuse that aromatic sweetness
2 bell peppers, sliced (you can use any color you like, but I love the sweetness of red and yellow)
3 cloves garlic, minced to pack in that delicious garlicky goodness
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, the juicy base of our sauce
1 cup chicken broth, for extra depth of flavor and moisture
1 tsp dried oregano, a classic herb that screams Italian
1 tsp dried basil, because who doesn’t love the taste of fresh basil in their cacciatore?
Salt and pepper to taste, to bring all those flavors together
2 tbsp olive oil, for sautéing and adding richness

Feel free to get creative with your ingredients if you like! You can adjust the seasonings or even toss in some mushrooms for an earthy twist. This dish is all about what makes your taste buds dance!

How to Prepare Instapot Chicken Cacciatore

Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of making this delightful *Instapot chicken cacciatore*. It’s super straightforward, and I promise you’ll feel like a kitchen pro as you whip it up! Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time.

Step-by-Step Instructions

First things first, grab your Instant Pot and plug it in. We’re going to start by heating up that olive oil. Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and let it warm up for a minute or so. You want that oil nice and hot to give the chicken a beautiful golden brown color!

Next, it’s time to add the chicken thighs. Carefully place them in the pot, and let them sizzle for about 5 minutes on each side. You want a nice browning to develop, which adds so much flavor to the dish. Trust me, the aroma will have your mouth watering!

Once the chicken is browned, use tongs to remove it from the pot and set it aside on a plate. Don’t rush this step—let those lovely bits at the bottom of the pot stay; they’re packed with flavor! Now, toss in your chopped onion, sliced bell peppers, and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant. Oh, the smell in your kitchen will be heavenly!

Now comes the fun part! Pour in the can of diced tomatoes and the chicken broth, scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom. This is where all the flavors come together! Sprinkle in the dried oregano, dried basil, and add salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything well to combine. Then, return the browned chicken thighs to the pot, nestling them right into that flavorful sauce.

Next, seal the lid of your Instant Pot and make sure the valve is set to sealing. Set it to cook on high pressure for 15 minutes. You can take a deep breath and relax during this time—your meal is almost there!

When the cooking time is up, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 10 minutes. This step is crucial because it helps the chicken stay tender. After 10 minutes, carefully quick release any remaining pressure. I always stand back a bit—just in case! Once the lid is off, you’ll be greeted by a wonderful burst of aroma.

Give everything a good stir, and voila! Your *Instapot chicken cacciatore* is ready to serve. I love pairing it with some pasta or crusty bread to soak up that delicious sauce. Enjoy every bite of this Italian classic, and don’t forget to share it with those you love!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This *Instapot chicken cacciatore* is truly a game-changer in the kitchen! Here are just a few reasons why this recipe will become a favorite in your home:

Quick Preparation: With the Instant Pot, you can have this delicious meal ready in about 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Rich Flavors: The combination of tender chicken, savory tomatoes, and aromatic spices creates a dish bursting with authentic Italian flavor that’s sure to impress.
Healthy Ingredients: Packed with veggies and lean protein, this dish is not only comforting but also nutritious, keeping you satisfied without the guilt.
Versatile: Whether you serve it over pasta, with crusty bread, or on its own, it’s a dish that adapts to your dining style.

Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make this delightful dish a regular part of your meal rotation!

Tips for Success

To ensure your *Instapot chicken cacciatore* turns out perfect every time, here are some of my top tips:

Don’t rush the browning: Take your time to brown the chicken thighs well. This step adds depth and flavor to the dish, so let that golden goodness develop!
Scrape the bottom: When adding the diced tomatoes and broth, make sure to scrape up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. They’re packed with taste and will elevate your sauce!
Adjust the seasonings: Feel free to tweak the spices to suit your palate! If you love a bit of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes, or for more herbaceous flavor, toss in fresh herbs.
Let the pressure release naturally: This step is crucial for keeping the chicken juicy and tender. Don’t skip it! You can always use the quick release after a few minutes if you’re in a hurry.

Following these simple tips will help you master this delicious Italian dish and impress everyone at your table!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick glance at the estimated nutritional values for one serving of *Instapot chicken cacciatore*. Please remember, these are just estimates and can vary based on ingredient brands and portions:

Calories: 350
Fat: 15g
Protein: 30g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Sugar: 4g
Fiber: 3g
Sodium: 600mg
Cholesterol: 80mg

This dish is not only delicious but also a balanced choice for a hearty meal!

FAQ About Instapot Chicken Cacciatore

Can I use other cuts of chicken?

Absolutely! While I love using chicken thighs for their tenderness and flavor, you can definitely swap in chicken breasts if that’s what you have on hand. Just keep in mind that breasts can dry out a bit more easily, so you might want to reduce the cooking time by a couple of minutes to keep them juicy. You could also use bone-in chicken pieces, but be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly since they’ll need a bit longer to cook through.

What can I serve with instapot chicken cacciatore?

This dish is super versatile! I usually serve it over a bed of spaghetti or fettuccine to soak up all that delicious sauce—trust me, it’s heavenly! A side of garlic bread is always a hit for helping to mop up any extra sauce. If you’re looking for something lighter, a fresh green salad with a zesty vinaigrette pairs beautifully. You could even go the rustic route and serve it with some crusty Italian bread. The options are endless, and it all depends on your mood!

How do I store leftovers?

Storing leftovers is a breeze! Just let the *Instapot chicken cacciatore* cool down to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave until it’s warmed through. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. You’ll find that the flavors only get better with a little time!

Call to Action

Now that you’ve got the scoop on making the most delicious *Instapot chicken cacciatore*, I can’t wait to hear how it turns out for you! Did your family love it as much as mine does? Did you make any fun tweaks to the recipe? I’d love for you to drop a comment below and share your experience or any tips you discovered along the way!

If you enjoyed this recipe, please give it a rating! Your feedback helps me create more tasty dishes for all of us to enjoy. And don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends—let’s spread the love of Italian cooking together! Happy cooking!

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