Name: Tender Chicken Cacciatore with Mushrooms and Olives Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h 10 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons butter; 2 pounds chicken wings and drumsticks; ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste); ¼ teaspoon pepper (or to taste); 4 cloves garlic (minced); 1 medium onion (chopped); 1 pound white mushrooms (cleaned and chopped); 1 medium green bell pepper (chopped); 1 medium red bell pepper (chopped); 1 medium yellow bell pepper (chopped); ¼ teaspoon turmeric; 2 teaspoons oregano (dried); 2 bay leaves; 1 cup red wine; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes (1 can); ¾ cup Kalamata olives (pitted); 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)

If you’re craving a classic Italian dish that’s both comforting and bursting with bold flavors, you’re going to love this Tender Chicken Cacciatore with Mushrooms and Olives Recipe. It’s all about rich tomato sauce, tender chicken, and those earthy mushrooms mingling beautifully with briny Kalamata olives.

The dish shows a pan filled with cooked chicken pieces that have a golden brown color with some areas of char. On top and around the chicken, there are dark purple black olives scattered evenly across the pan, along with slices of orange and green bell peppers, and small pieces of mushrooms. The sauce around the chicken is a rich red, mixed with chunks of tomatoes and herbs, sprinkled with fresh green parsley. A wooden spoon is lifting some chicken and vegetables from the pan. The pan itself is dark on the inside and the outer part visible is blue, placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Tender Chicken Cacciatore with Mushrooms and Olives Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Tender Chicken Cacciatore with Mushrooms and Olives Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Tender Chicken Cacciatore with Mushrooms and Olives Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made this chicken cacciatore countless times, and every single time it feels like a warm hug on a plate. The combination of tender chicken wings and drumsticks simmered in a tomato-rich sauce with mushrooms and olives never disappoints.

Rich, Deep Flavors: Simmering and baking the chicken in a tomato, red wine, and vegetable sauce lets all the ingredients develop incredible taste.
Perfectly Tender Chicken: Using bone-in wings and drumsticks ensures juicy, flavorful meat that falls off the bone.
Balanced Earthiness and Brine: The mushrooms add a lovely earthiness, while the Kalamata olives introduce a pleasing touch of salty tang.
Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over noodles, rice, or creamy polenta – all delicious ways to soak up the sauce.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you start your shopping, let me tell you a little about why these ingredients shine in this recipe. Fresh, quality vegetables and bone-in chicken make a world of difference in taste and texture.

Flat lay of raw chicken wings and drumsticks with clean skin, whole brown garlic bulbs separated into four cloves, a medium bright yellow onion quartered, whole fresh white mushrooms with smooth caps, one green bell pepper cut into chunks, one red bell pepper cut into chunks, one yellow bell pepper cut into chunks, two fresh dried bay leaves, a small white ceramic bowl filled with rich red wine, a small white ceramic bowl holding glossy deep purple Kalamata olives, a small white ceramic bowl with vibrant red tomato paste, a small white ceramic bowl with bright golden olive oil, a small pat of creamy butter, two plump whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small white ceramic bowl containing fine dried oregano leaves, a small bunch of fresh flat-leaf parsley sprigs, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Olive Oil: Adds a fruity richness and helps with searing the chicken perfectly.
Butter: Gives a silky depth that blends beautifully with the olive oil for frying.
Chicken Wings and Drumsticks: Bone-in pieces develop extra flavor and stay juicy during baking.
Salt & Pepper: Simple seasoning to enhance every bite of chicken.
Garlic: Provides aromatic pungency that forms the backbone of the sauce.
Onion: Adds sweetness and texture when softened gently.
White Mushrooms: Earthy flavor that browns nicely before mixing with other veggies.
Green, Red, and Yellow Bell Peppers: Colorful, sweet, and slightly crisp for freshness in the sauce.
Turmeric: A subtle warm earthiness and beautiful golden color.
Dried Oregano: Classic herb that pairs perfectly with Italian dishes and tomato sauce.
Bay Leaves: Impart subtle aromatic notes while cooking slowly.
Red Wine: Adds acidity and complex depth, helping to deglaze the pan and build flavor.
Tomato Paste and Diced Tomatoes: The heart of the sauce providing rich tomato flavor and body.
Kalamata Olives: Pitted olives add a briny, sharp contrast that brightens the dish.
Fresh Parsley: Finishing touch for a fresh, herby lift and pretty garnish.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Tender Chicken Cacciatore with Mushrooms and Olives Recipe is how adaptable it is to your tastes and pantry. Whether you're looking to tweak the veggies, swap out the wine, or make it diet-friendly, there’s plenty of room to make this comforting Italian classic truly your own.

Vegetarian Variation: If you want to skip the chicken, try using hearty vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, and extra mushrooms. Simply follow the same steps but simmer the sauce a bit longer to let the flavors meld. This creates a rich vegetarian cacciatore that’s just as satisfying!
Low-Alcohol Version: I’ve made this dish without wine using low-sodium chicken broth mixed with a splash of balsamic vinegar. The acidity balances beautifully and keeps that signature tang in the sauce without the alcohol content.
Spicy Kick: For those who appreciate a bit of heat, adding red pepper flakes when you sauté the garlic and onions brings a lovely warmth that pairs perfectly with the robust tomato sauce.
Change Up the Olives: Kalamata olives are traditional and delicious, but sometimes I swap in green Castelvetrano olives for a milder, buttery bite. It’s a subtle change but adds a nice twist.
Seasonal Veggies: Feel free to swap the bell peppers for whatever is in season—roasted sweet potatoes or butternut squash chunks can add a wonderful autumnal vibe to the dish.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Tender Chicken Cacciatore with Mushrooms and Olives Recipe

The dish shows three browned chicken pieces placed on the center of a bed of curled, creamy off-white pasta noodles. Surrounding and mixed with the chicken are dark purple olives, sliced green bell peppers, chunky mushrooms, and thin orange carrot strips, all coated in a shiny brown sauce. The whole plate is garnished with small bits of fresh green parsley. The food is served on a white plate with a faint textured pattern around the edge, set on a white marbled surface with leafy parsley in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures it’s hot and ready to gently bake the chicken to tender perfection. While the oven warms up, gather your ingredients and season the chicken wings and drumsticks with salt and pepper to your liking—this is where you lay the flavor foundation.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken Until Golden

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat until the butter fully melts and starts shimmering. Place the seasoned chicken pieces in the pan and cook for about 4 minutes on each side until they’re beautifully golden brown. Don’t worry if they aren’t cooked through yet—that happens in the oven. Once seared, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Build Flavor with Aromatics and Mushrooms

Using the same skillet (no need to clean it!), add the minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté them for about 2 minutes until the onions become translucent and the garlic fills your kitchen with that irresistible aroma. Next, toss in the chopped mushrooms and cook for 5 minutes. This step softens the mushrooms and lets them brown, adding a deep, savory richness to the sauce.

Step 4: Add the Bell Peppers and Seasonings

Stir in the chopped green, red, and yellow bell peppers and cook for another couple of minutes until they start to soften but still retain some bite. Then sprinkle in the turmeric, dried oregano, and add the bay leaves. These seasonings will infuse the sauce with layers of classic Italian flavors.

Step 5: Deglaze and Simmer the Sauce

Pour in 1 cup of red wine and immediately add 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and the entire can of diced tomatoes (14.5 ounces). Stir everything well and bring the mixture to a boil. Be sure to scrape the bottom of the skillet as you stir to lift all those delicious browned bits—that’s flavor gold! This bubbling sauce is the heart of your chicken cacciatore.

Step 6: Bake the Chicken to Tender Perfection

Return the golden chicken pieces to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Cover the skillet with its lid and transfer it to your preheated oven. Let it bake for 45 minutes to an hour—this slow baking tenderizes the chicken and lets all those flavors weave together beautifully.

Step 7: Final Touches and Serving

Once out of the oven, scatter ¾ cup of pitted Kalamata olives over the dish for that briny pop, and sprinkle 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped parsley on top to brighten everything up. Serve this hearty chicken cacciatore hot, spooned over your choice of noodles, rice, or creamy polenta—each provides a cozy, satisfying base to soak up the rich tomato sauce.

Top Tip

Mastering a classic like this Tender Chicken Cacciatore with Mushrooms and Olives Recipe is all about the little things. Here’s what I’ve learned to make it shine every time.

Sear for Flavor: I won’t skip browning the chicken on both sides. It locks in juices and adds that beautiful deep color and flavor to the dish.
Cook Mushrooms First: Taking the time to brown the mushrooms before adding bell peppers really builds complexity – plus, it prevents them from steaming and going soggy.
Don’t Forget to Deglaze: When adding the wine and tomatoes, scraping the browned bits off the bottom infuses the sauce with incredible richness. It’s a simple step that pays off big!
Choose Bone-In Pieces: I tried boneless once and it just didn’t hit the same. Using bone-in wings and drumsticks makes the meat tender and bursting with authentic flavor.

How to Serve Tender Chicken Cacciatore with Mushrooms and Olives Recipe

A three-part image showing the cooking process inside a large black pan placed on a white marbled surface. The first part shows a single layer of golden brown cooked mushrooms covering the entire pan with a slightly soft texture. The second part shows two new layers added on top of the mushrooms: on the left side is a layer of bright orange bell pepper strips, and on the right side is a layer of vivid green bell pepper strips, all fresh and crisp looking. The third part shows the same black pan with the mushrooms mixed evenly with the orange and green bell pepper strips, making a colorful mix of brown, orange, and green with a slightly cooked look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

The fresh chopped parsley sprinkled on top adds a lovely pop of color and freshness to balance the rich tomato sauce. For extra zing, a light drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil right before serving elevates every bite. If you’re a bit adventurous, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can add a nice gentle heat.

Side Dishes

This chicken cacciatore is wonderfully versatile with sides. I love serving it over tender egg noodles to soak up every bit of the luscious sauce. Creamy polenta is another favorite for a comforting, velvety base. Or if you want something lighter, fluffy white rice works beautifully and lets the flavors stand out.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store your leftover chicken cacciatore in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 4 days, and here’s a little secret — the flavors actually deepen and become even more delicious overnight.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish for future meals! Place cooled chicken cacciatore in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag, making sure to remove as much air as possible. It freezes best for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For the best taste and texture, reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat until warmed through. You can add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Avoid reheating at too high heat to keep the chicken tender and juicy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?

You can, but I recommend bone-in wings and drumsticks for their rich flavor and tenderness. Boneless chicken cooks faster but won’t have quite the same depth of taste.

What can I substitute for red wine?

Dry red wines like Chianti or Pinot Noir work great. For a non-alcoholic option, use low-sodium chicken broth with a splash of balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar to keep the acidity and depth.

Should I cook the mushrooms before adding peppers?

Yes! Cooking mushrooms first allows them to brown and develop flavor rather than steaming, which enhances the overall taste of the dish.

How long can I store leftovers in the fridge?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors only get better the next day!

Final Thoughts

This Tender Chicken Cacciatore with Mushrooms and Olives Recipe is one of my all-time favorites for a cozy dinner that feels special yet so comforting. The combination of tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, vibrant bell peppers, and briny olives simmered in a rich tomato and wine sauce is simply irresistible. With a few simple steps and a bit of love, you’ll have a delicious Italian classic ready to enjoy. Don’t be shy—make it ahead to let those flavors marry beautifully, and savor every hearty bite with your favorite sides. Buon appetito!