Print

Rustic Chicken Leg Cacciatore (Thighs and Drums)

Chicken thighs cooked in a red cast iron pot with a marinara sauce and basil leaf garnish. Serving spoon inside the pot. Close up.
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

EatSimpleFood.com

This rustic Italian chicken leg cacciatore recipe is cooked for 45 minutes on the stovetop. Bone in chicken thighs and drumsticks are simmered in crushed tomatoes, mushrooms, onions, peppers, garlic, and herbs.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 Tbsp vegetable oil
  • 3 1/2 lb chicken legs (drums and thighs), skin on, bone in
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 red pepper, diced
  • 1 Tbsp garlic, minced
  • 8 ounces mushrooms, quartered
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 2/3 cup red wine
  • 28 oz can crushed tomatoes with basil
  • basil leaves, as garnish
  • salt
  • black pepper
  • 1lb pasta, cooked according to instructions or zucchini noodles or gluten free pasta

Instructions

  • Salt and pepper the chicken.
  • Bring a large stockpot to medium high heat and add enough oil to lightly coat the bottom of the pan.  Sear the chicken 3-5 minutes per side or until golden brown.  You may need to do this in batches.  Set seared chicken aside on a plate or bowl. (Searing chicken is optional).
  • Reduce heat to medium and add onions, peppers, and mushrooms.  Cook covered ~ 6 minutes or until onions are translucent and liquid has cooked off .  
  • Add garlic and a little olive oil if needed and cook an additional 1-2 minutes or until fragrant.
  • Stir in Italian seasoning.
  • Add chicken back to pot.
  • Add wine and cook uncovered ~ 5 minutes or until reduced by half.
  • Add crushed tomatoes and stir.
  • Bring to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer and cook covered ~ 45 minutes or until chicken is tender.
  • Add salt to taste and garnish with basil.

Notes

  • Want to reduce the calories in this recipe?  Don't eat the skin or buy skinless chicken thighs instead.
  • Don't want the chicken skin? Two options 1) buy boneless skinless chicken thighs or 2) cook the recipe as is and the skin will fall off the chicken easily when it's done cooking.  Remove the chicken skin then.

Find it online: https://eatsimplefood.com/chicken-cacciatore/