Description
Roman Chicken Cacciatore is a rustic Italian dish featuring bone-in chicken thighs simmered with anchovies, garlic, rosemary, vinegar, and white wine. Unlike other cacciatore recipes with tomatoes and vegetables, this Roman-style version is pared down, elegant, and full of deep, savory flavors—perfect for both weeknight dinners and dinner parties.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 3 pounds)
Salt and pepper, to taste
6–8 oil-packed anchovies
3 garlic cloves, smashed (remove before serving if preferred)
2 sprigs fresh rosemary (remove before serving if preferred)
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
½ cup dry white wine
¼ cup water
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat.
- Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Brown 4 thighs skin-side down for about 5 minutes, flip, and cook another 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate and repeat with remaining chicken.
- Reduce heat and add anchovies. Stir until they dissolve into the oil. Add garlic and rosemary, sauté for 1 minute.
- Deglaze pan with vinegar, wine, and water. Return chicken to the pan, skin-side up.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Spoon sauce over chicken. Cover and cook for 20 minutes, until chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Remove lid and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes to reduce and thicken sauce.
- Discard rosemary sprigs and garlic cloves if desired. Serve hot with sauce spooned over chicken.
Notes
- Add olives or capers for extra brininess.
- Swap rosemary for sage or thyme for a variation.
- Use drumsticks or a whole cut-up chicken instead of thighs.
- Add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy flavor.
- Pairs beautifully with polenta, roasted potatoes, or crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Braising
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with sauce
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
