One-Pot Chicken Cacciatore With Potatoes

Italian One-Pot Chicken Cacciatore With Potatoes: Healthy, Hearty & Delicious

If there’s one recipe that has carried me through winter after winter, it’s this Italian One-Pot Chicken Cacciatore With Potatoes—a dish that’s not only hearty and comforting but also surprisingly healthy, high protein, and perfect for anyone following a Mediterranean diet. I still remember the first time I wrote about chicken cacciatore years ago as a new food writer—I was fascinated by how such a simple homemade meal could feel both rustic and classy at the same time.

Over the years, readers kept coming back with the same praise: “It tastes like a warm hug in a bowl… but also like something I’d order in Rome.” So today, I’m sharing my most loved version—an easy Italian dinner that uses everyday ingredients, only one pot, and delivers that deep, authentic flavor Italian comfort food is known for.

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I. What Makes Chicken Cacciatore So Special?

“Cacciatore” actually means “hunter-style” in Italian, referring to the rustic way hunters used to cook with whatever ingredients were on hand: tomatoes, herbs, onions, peppers, and chicken. Traditionally, it’s a humble dish, but adding potatoes transforms it into a complete meal that feels more filling and comforting—perfect for cozy nights or meal prepping for the week.

This version leans into the classic feel of Roman chicken, but it’s adapted to be totally wine-free, simple, and approachable for home kitchens. It’s the kind of dish you make once and instantly add to your weekly dinner rotation.

II. Why This One-Pot Version Is Healthy, High Protein & Mediterranean-Friendly

One thing I love about this recipe is how beautifully it aligns with Mediterranean-style cooking—whole foods, vegetables, olive oil, herbs, lean protein, and rich, nourishing flavors. Plus, because it’s made with chicken thighs, it stays juicy yet still offers great protein for anyone wanting more balanced, satisfying high protein meals.

And the one-pot method? Life-changing. Fewer dishes, fewer steps, more flavor. Honestly, I use this technique at least twice a week for work and at home. It’s easy, flavorful, and exactly the kind of cooking we all need more of.

III. Ingredients (with Exact Measurements)

Here are all the ingredients you'll need for this one-pot chicken cacciatore with potatoes:

• 6 bone-in or boneless chicken thighs (about 2 lbs total)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (wine-free acidity option)
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 cup pitted black olives
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

IV. How to Make One-Pot Chicken Cacciatore With Potatoes

This dish is rich, aromatic, and incredibly easy to prepare. Here’s exactly how to make it:

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Season the chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper, then sear for 4–5 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
3. Add onions, garlic, and peppers. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
4. Add potatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, oregano, thyme, basil, red pepper flakes, and balsamic vinegar.
5. Return chicken to the pot, nestling it into the sauce.
6. Cover and simmer for 45–50 minutes, or until potatoes and chicken are tender.
7. Add olives during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

The aroma that fills your kitchen during this simmer is truly something special. Every time I test this recipe for a new version of this blog post, I end up standing by the stove with a spoon, sneaking tastes. It’s authentic, down-to-earth, and the perfect representation of wholesome Italian cooking.

V. My Recommended Tools (Game-Changers for One-Pot Meals)

After spending years developing recipes for the blog and constantly testing kitchen gear, I’ve discovered how much the right tools make cooking more enjoyable. These are three products I truly love and use regularly.

1. Lodge 6-Quart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven

This Dutch oven is my absolute favorite for making cacciatore, stews, and literally all of my one-pot meals. It heats evenly, it’s durable, and the enameled coating makes it incredibly easy to clean. It also looks beautiful on the table.

Why you’ll love it: Perfect for slow-simmered Italian comfort food.

Get the Lodge Dutch Oven on Amazon and upgrade all your one-pot recipes.

2. OXO Good Grips 3-Piece Silicone Spatula Set

These spatulas are heat-resistant, flexible, and strong enough to scrape every corner of the pot—essential when you’re building flavor for cacciatore. I’ve had mine for years and still reach for them daily.

Why you’ll love it: Perfect for sautéing veggies and folding ingredients gently.

Grab the OXO Spatula Set on Amazon and make prep work easier.

3. KitchenAid Classic Chef’s Knife (8-Inch)

If you’re still using a dull knife, trust me—this one will change everything. It makes slicing peppers, onions, and potatoes incredibly smooth. A good knife saves time and frustration.

Why you’ll love it: It’s budget-friendly, sharp, and comfortable to hold.

Get the KitchenAid Chef’s Knife on Amazon and prep like a pro.

VI. Why Potatoes Make This Dish Extra Hearty & Healthy

Potatoes don’t just soak up flavor—they help create the thick, velvety texture in the sauce that makes this dish so irresistible. They provide slow-burning carbohydrates and fiber while keeping your meal satisfying and balanced. When combined with high-protein chicken, this meal becomes the perfect wholesome dinner.

VII. Flavor Variations (No-Wine Simple Twists)

• Roman Chicken–Inspired: Add prosciutto and extra garlic.
• Calabrian Spicy: Add Calabrian chili paste or extra red pepper flakes.
• Mediterranean Veggie Boost: Add zucchini, artichokes, or spinach.
• Tuscan Herb Blend: Add rosemary, extra oregano, and more broth.
• Sicilian Briny: Add more olives, tomatoes, and capers.
• Low-Carb: Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets.
• Creamy High-Protein: Stir in ¼ cup Greek yogurt at the end.

VIII. What to Serve With Chicken Cacciatore

This one-pot dinner is so complete you barely need sides, but here are a few favorites:

• Simple arugula salad with lemon + olive oil
• Whole wheat crusty bread
• Polenta or cauliflower polenta
• Grilled or roasted vegetables

IX. Meal Prep, Storage & Reheating

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how well it stores. In fact, I think it tastes even better the next day because the flavors deepen overnight.

• Refrigerator: Store for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Warm on the stovetop for best texture.

This makes it perfect for high protein meal prep, especially during winter when warm, cozy dishes feel like the ultimate comfort food.

X. Final Thoughts

This Italian One-Pot Chicken Cacciatore With Potatoes truly has everything: it’s healthy, high protein, authentic, simple, and filled with the rustic Mediterranean flavors we all love. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is the kind of dish that makes your home smell amazing and your kitchen feel warm.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear your thoughts! And don’t forget—one pot, real ingredients, big flavor. That’s the heart of Italian comfort cooking.