Chicken Cacciatore Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken thighs, with the bone, skin removed
• kosher salt and fresh pepper to taste
• olive oil spray
• 1/2 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes (Tuttorosso my favorite!)
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper
• 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 tablespoons chopped basil or parsley for topping

Directions:

1. Season chicken with salt and pepper on both side.
2. Press saute on the Instant Pot, lightly spray with oil and brown chicken on both sides a few minutes. Set aside.
3. Spray with a little more oil and add onions and peppers. Sauté until soften and golden, 5 minutes.
4. Pour tomatoes over the chicken and vegetables, add oregano, bay leaf, salt and pepper, give it a quick stir and cover.
5. Cook high pressure 25 minutes; natural release.
6. Remove bay leaf, garnish with parsley and serve over pasta, squasta or whatever you wish!

Growing up, I was always happy when my Mom was making chicken cacciatore. We would eat it over pasta or noodles with lots of fresh grated cheese on top. It’s pure comfort food to me, and I always makes me think of Mom when I make it. This month I am trying to skip my carbs during the week (80/20) so I served this over spaghetti squash for me, and pasta for the family.

Although this works with any part of the chicken, I prefer to use lean skinless chicken thighs, on the bone. The chicken comes out so juicy and tender, and the bones add flavor to the sauce.