Chicken Cacciatore is a classic Italian comfort dish adapted for the Instant Pot. The sauce combines crushed tomatoes, bell peppers, mushrooms, aromatics and a splash of white wine, while the chicken cooks tender and juicy. This easy dinner comes together in about 30 minutes with minimal hands-on time.
In Italian cuisine, alla cacciatora means “hunter-style,” traditionally prepared with onions, herbs, tomatoes and bell peppers — sometimes a little wine is added. This Instant Pot version stays true to those flavors: the chicken braises in a savory tomato and vegetable mixture with herbs, and you can finish it with olives for a bright, briny note. It’s hearty, satisfying, and ideal for a weeknight meal.
What to Serve with Chicken Cacciatore
Serve chicken cacciatore with creamy mashed potatoes, mashed cauliflower, gluten-free noodles, zoodles, spaghetti squash, or polenta. Any of these options soak up the rich tomato sauce beautifully. In the photos it’s served over mashed potatoes, but pick the side that fits your diet and pantry.
Healthy and Diet-Friendly Options
This Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore uses fresh, whole ingredients and avoids processed shortcuts. For low-carb, keto or paleo variations, skip pasta and serve the dish over zoodles, spaghetti squash or mashed cauliflower. To keep it paleo, omit the wine or replace it with stock.
Freezing and Meal Prep
Yes — chicken cacciatore freezes very well. Pack portions into airtight containers, making sure the chicken is covered by sauce, label and freeze. To reheat, thaw in the fridge, then warm gently on the stovetop until heated through. This recipe is excellent for batch cooking: prepare a couple of batches on the weekend, enjoy one now and freeze the rest for quick dinners later.
More Quick & Easy Instant Pot Dinners
- Instant Pot Goulash
- Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana
- Instant Pot Honey Sesame Chicken
- Instant Pot Ham and Potato Soup
- Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala
If you try this Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore, please leave a star rating and share your feedback in the comments — your notes help others and help improve the recipe.
Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore
Ingredients
- 4 skinless, bone-in chicken thighs
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup diced shallots
- 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped Baby Bella mushrooms
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon herbes de Provence
- 1/2 cup white wine or stock
- 14 oz crushed tomatoes with their juices (1 can)
- 2 Tablespoons tomato paste
- 6 oz Kalamata or black olives (optional)
- Pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Set the pressure cooker to Sauté. When hot, add the olive oil and brown the chicken thighs in a single layer, about 5 minutes per side. Transfer the browned chicken to a plate.
- Add the shallots, bell pepper and mushrooms to the pot and sauté until softened, 4–5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and herbes de Provence and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the wine (or stock) and deglaze the pot, scraping up browned bits from the bottom. Cook until the liquid has reduced by about half.
- Return the chicken to the pot. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and their juices and stir in the tomato paste.
- Secure the lid and cook on high pressure for 12 minutes. Allow a natural pressure release for about 10 minutes, then release any remaining pressure and remove the lid.
- Stir in olives and red pepper flakes if using, taste and adjust seasoning.
- Serve over pasta, mashed potatoes, spaghetti squash, or polenta and garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
Notes
Ingredient tip: Freeze leftover tomato paste in tablespoon-sized dollops on wax paper, then store in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months — convenient and reduces waste.
Variation: For a paleo version, omit the wine and skip serving with pasta or polenta.
Nutrition
Calories: 287 kcal | Carbohydrates: 13 g | Protein: 22 g | Fat: 14 g | Sodium: 950 mg
Nutrition Disclaimer: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary by ingredients, brands and portion sizes.
