Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore
Looking for a quick and delicious dinner option? You’ll love this Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore!
With tender chicken, flavorful tomatoes, and a blend of aromatic herbs and spices, this dish is sure to satisfy your taste buds.
Plus, the best part is that it’s all made in one pot, saving you time and effort.
So grab your Instant Pot and get ready to enjoy a hearty and comforting meal in no time!
Origin
This delectable dish has its origins in the homely kitchens of Italy. Commonly known as ‘hunters-style chicken,’ Chicken Cacciatore was first created by hunters after a successful day of game hunting. The ingredients they used were typically whatever was available to them, such as chicken, onions, tomatoes, and herbs.
The hunters would slow cook the chicken in a tomato sauce, allowing the flavors to marry together. This hearty and inviting dish soon gained popularity among families, before spreading throughout Italy. Nowadays, Chicken Cacciatore is a well-known recipe around the world, with slight variations in ingredients and cooking methods. Its traditional roots are still discernible, making it a timeless classic.
Ingredients for Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore
-4 boneless skinless chicken thighs
-1 onion, diced
-2 cloves garlic, minced
-2 tablespoons olive oil
-1 green bell pepper, diced
-1 red bell pepper, diced
-1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
-1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
-1/2 cup white wine (optional)
-2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
-1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
-1/4 teaspoon salt
-1/4 teaspoon black pepper
-1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Start cooking the Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore by setting the Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces and brown them for around 5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
In the same pot, sauté the onions, garlic, and bell peppers until they’re tender and aromatic. Then, add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir everything together and return the chicken to the pot.
Seal the Instant Pot lid and set it to manual high pressure for 12 minutes. After the cooking time is done, do a quick release and serve the delicious Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore with your favorite pasta or crusty bread.
Tips for Cooking
Useful tips to enhance your cooking experience with Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore:
- Opt for bone-in chicken: Bone-in chicken adds more flavor to the dish and keeps the meat moist during cooking.
- Sauté onions and garlic: Sautéing the onions and garlic before adding other ingredients will release their flavors and enhance the overall taste of the dish.
- Include fresh herbs: Adding fresh herbs like basil or oregano at the end of cooking will give your Chicken Cacciatore a burst of fresh flavors.
- Allow to rest: Letting the dish rest for a few minutes after cooking will let the flavors meld together.
- Accompany with crusty bread or pasta: Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore is delicious on its own, but serving it with crusty bread or pasta will complete the meal and soak up the flavorful sauce.
| Tips for Cooking Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore |
|---|
| 1. Opt for bone-in chicken |
| 2. Sauté onions and garlic |
| 3. Include fresh herbs |
| 4. Allow to rest |
| 5. Accompany with crusty bread or pasta |
Final Thoughts
Before you wrap up your cooking session, don’t forget to let the flavors of your Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore meld together by allowing it to rest for a few minutes. This step is important as it allows the ingredients to fully infuse and boosts the overall taste of the dish.
The resting period allows the chicken to soak up the rich tomato sauce, the herbs, and spices, producing a more savory and tender meat. As the flavors come together, the sauce thickens and becomes more intense, creating a pleasing mix of tastes.
Therefore, avoid the urge to dig in right away and give your Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore a few minutes to rest. You’ll be rewarded with a dish that’s bursting with flavor and will leave your taste buds completely satisfied.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Breasts Instead of Bone-In Chicken Pieces?
Yes, it is possible to substitute boneless chicken breasts for bone-in chicken pieces. Keep in mind that boneless chicken breasts will cook faster in the Instant Pot, so you may need to adjust the cooking time to make sure the chicken is cooked through.
How Long Does It Take to Cook Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore on the High Pressure Setting?
To cook Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore on high pressure, it typically takes around 10-12 minutes. Be sure to follow the recipe instructions and adjust the cooking time based on your desired chicken tenderness.
Can I Substitute Fresh Herbs for Dried Herbs in This Recipe?
Yes, you can substitute fresh herbs for dried herbs in this recipe. Fresh herbs offer a more intense flavor, so it may be necessary to use a greater amount than the recipe specifies.
Is It Necessary to Brown the Chicken Before Pressure Cooking It?
Yes, it’s important to brown the chicken before pressure cooking it. This process helps keep the juices inside and adds a delicious flavor to the dish. Skipping this step will not give you the desired results, so it is best to take the time to brown the chicken.
Can I Freeze Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore for Later Use?
Yes, it is possible to freeze Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore for later use. This is an excellent way to have a homemade meal prepped and ready to go. Make sure to package it correctly to ensure maximum freshness.
