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Close-up of a delicious chicken drumstick meal, garnished with fresh veggies.
StovetopComplexity

Chicken Cacciatore

This Chicken Cacciatore delivers 33g protein and 410 calories per serving — a lean Italian option that hits your protein target without excess calories. Quick stovetop preparation yields 6 servings, letting you batch-cook enough for multiple days without kitchen time consuming your week. Built for anyone managing body composition while prioritising protein intake over calorie density.

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Ingredients

6 servings
  • Olive oil(45g)

    Regular (not extra-virgin) olive oil for high-heat cooking. EVOO for dressings.

  • Chicken Thigh, Boneless Skinless(907g)

    Boneless skinless thighs. Fattier than breast but more forgiving to cook.

  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • Yellow Onion
  • Bell Pepper
  • Garlic(180g)
  • Wine, White, Dry(180g)

    Any carton chicken broth labeled "low sodium." Swanson or store brand.

  • Tomato, Canned, Crushed(794g)
  • Mushrooms, Cremini(227g)
  • Italian seasoning(10g)
  • Vinegar, Balsamic(8g)
  • Parsley, Fresh
  • Parmesan Cheese

    Grated Parmesan — the shelf-stable canister is fine for cooking.

Instructions

  1. 1Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a Dutch oven or similar deep, sturdy pot over medium-high. Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper.
  2. 2Once the oil is hot and shimmering (but not so hot it starts smoking), add the chicken in a single layer. Cook on the first side for 3 to 4 minutes, until browned, moving the chicken as little as possible so that it gets a nice sear. Flip and brown on the other side, about 2 additional minutes. Transfer the chicken to a large, clean plate. The chicken does not need to be cooked through.
  3. 3Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil, onion, and bell pepper. Cook until the vegetables begin to soften, about 4 minutes.
  4. 4Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, or until the garlic is fragrant.
  5. 5Add the white wine. Stir and let simmer until the wine is reduced by approximately half, about 3 minutes.
  6. 6Add the tomatoes with their juices, mushrooms, Italian seasoning, and balsamic vinegar, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer. Let the sauce simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes.
  7. 7Nestle the chicken thighs into the tomato sauce, along with any drippings that have collected on the plate. The chicken should be mostly submerged, though some may peek through.
  8. 8Partially cover the pot and let simmer 15 to 20 additional minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through, the sauce is thickened, and the mushrooms are tender.
  9. 9If you’d like to dice or shred the chicken, remove it to a cutting board. When cool enough to handle, dice or shred it, then return it to the pot. You also can serve the chicken thighs whole.
  10. 10Taste and season the sauce with additional salt and pepper as desired. If you've chopped or shredded the chicken, return it to the sauce and toss to combine and warm through. Otherwise, serve the chicken pieces whole with a generous amount of sauce on top.
  11. 11Serve hot over pasta, rice, polenta, or veggie noodles, with a big extra spoonful of sauce and a sprinkle of parsley and Parmesan.

Nutrition — Per Serving

410

calories

33g

protein

20g

fat

Carbohydrates
23g
Saturated fat
3.6g
Sodium
350 mg
Dietary fiber
3.7g

6 servings per batch · ~392g each

Macro data sourced from USDA FoodData Central

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Common questions

How much protein does Chicken Cacciatore have per serving?

Each serving contains 33g of protein and 410 calories with a balanced macro split of 20g fat and 23g carbs. This makes it a solid protein-forward dinner option without excess calories.

How long does Chicken Cacciatore take to prep?

This recipe qualifies as quick prep and yields 6 servings at once on the stovetop. You're batch-prepping a full week of dinners in one cooking session.

Is Chicken Cacciatore good for muscle gain?

At 33g protein per 410 calories, this recipe is lean enough for muscle gain phases where you need to hit protein targets without overshooting daily calories. The carb content supports training intensity without excess fat.

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