Discover the ultimate in comfort food with this incredibly easy recipe for **Baked Chicken Cacciatore**. Utilizing simple chicken breasts and ingredients you likely already have stocked in your pantry, this dish delivers sophisticated flavors with minimal effort. It’s truly a simple, straightforward recipe, yet it magically *feels fancy* – making it perfect for both everyday meals and special occasions.

Oven-baked Chicken Cacciatore is a beloved Italian classic, reimagined here for modern convenience. This quick and easy meal is ideally suited for any busy weeknight, yet elegant enough to impress guests or celebrate special moments like birthdays, date nights, or Valentine’s Day. It pairs wonderfully with a fresh Kale Salad with Cranberries and Feta for a complete and wholesome dinner. Best of all, this Chicken Breast Cacciatore recipe is Weight Watchers friendly, coming in at just 1 WW point (excluding sides). This recipe is designed to bring authentic Italian flavors to your table without the fuss, making it a staple for healthy and delicious home cooking.

Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Easy Baked Chicken Cacciatore

This baked chicken cacciatore isn’t just another dinner recipe; it’s a culinary experience that combines ease, health, and gourmet flair. Here’s why it will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen:

• Effortless Dump and Bake Method. Say goodbye to complicated cooking processes! This recipe truly lives up to its “dump and bake” title. With only three simple steps – combine ingredients, pour over chicken, and bake – you’ll spend less than 10 minutes on prep. The oven does all the heavy lifting, infusing the chicken with rich, savory flavors while you relax. It’s the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it meal, perfect for busy schedules.
• Utilizes Common Pantry Ingredients. No need for a special grocery run! This chicken cacciatore recipe is thoughtfully crafted using ingredients you likely already have on hand. Think canned diced tomatoes, aromatic garlic and onions, and a few essential spices. This makes it a cost-effective and convenient choice for impromptu dinners or when you want a satisfying meal without a trip to the store.
• Surprisingly Light and Healthy. Don’t let the rich flavors fool you – this dish is remarkably light and healthy! By using boneless, skinless chicken breasts and a vegetable-rich sauce, it offers a fantastic lean protein source and plenty of nutrients without excessive fat or calories. It’s even Weight Watchers friendly, making it an excellent option for those monitoring their intake, proving that delicious food can also be good for you.
• Elegantly Fancy, Yet Simple! While being incredibly quick and easy to prepare, this baked chicken cacciatore has an undeniable touch of elegance. The vibrant colors and aromatic sauce make it feel like a dish from a fine Italian restaurant. This balance of simplicity and sophistication makes it ideal for a casual weeknight dinner, yet special enough to serve when entertaining company or celebrating personal milestones like birthdays, anniversaries, date nights, or romantic occasions like Valentine’s Day. It’s a dish that will impress without stressing you out.

This heartwarming dish holds a special place in my memories, as it’s a recipe my Mom often prepared during my childhood. She masterfully adapted the classic Chicken Cacciatore recipe from the renowned Five Roses Cookbook, making it even healthier and Weight Watchers friendly – a testament to her clever cooking! It’s truly a quick and easy dish to make, relying on readily available chicken and pantry staples to create a meal bursting with flavor.

🥘 Essential Ingredient Notes for Perfect Chicken Cacciatore

Every great dish starts with quality ingredients, and this baked chicken cacciatore is no exception. Here’s a closer look at the key components and why they work so well:

• Boneless and Skinless Chicken Breasts. These are the star of our dish, chosen specifically to keep the recipe lean and healthy. Their mild flavor perfectly absorbs the rich, aromatic sauce, ensuring every bite is succulent and flavorful. For convenience, I often use frozen chicken breasts and simply thaw them overnight in the refrigerator, making meal prep even easier.
• Canned Diced Tomatoes. A cornerstone of any cacciatore sauce, canned diced tomatoes provide a robust, tangy base. They are incredibly convenient, economical, and consistently deliver a vibrant, fresh tomato flavor, even when fresh tomatoes aren’t in season. No need for blanching or peeling!
• Pasta (for Serving). While the cacciatore itself is a standalone dish, it’s traditionally served over pasta. Spaghetti noodles are my go-to choice because they’re a pantry staple and their long strands beautifully catch and carry the delicious sauce. However, feel free to use your favorite pasta shape.
• Celery Seed. This often-overlooked spice is a secret weapon in this recipe. Celery seed offers a concentrated burst of distinct, savory flavor that mimics fresh celery without the need for chopping. It adds a subtle depth and a hint of earthy bitterness that brightens the entire sauce.
• Dry White Wine. Adding a dry white wine is key to developing a truly authentic and complex cacciatore sauce. It deglazes the pan (even though we’re baking, it adds to the overall liquid and flavor profile), infuses the sauce with delightful acidity, and adds a rich depth of flavor that can’t be achieved otherwise. Any dry white wine will work well – I personally prefer Vhino Verde, but a Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc are excellent alternatives.
• Fresh Cilantro Garnish. This is an optional but highly recommended touch. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro just before serving adds a vibrant burst of freshness and a beautiful pop of color, perfectly complementing the rich tomato sauce and “sealing the deal” on a visually appealing and aromatic dish.

*For a comprehensive list of all ingredients and precise quantities, please refer to the detailed recipe card located at the bottom of this article.

📖 Versatile Substitutions & Creative Variations

One of the best aspects of this Baked Chicken Cacciatore recipe is its incredible adaptability. Feel free to customize it to your taste, dietary needs, or whatever ingredients you have on hand. Here are some fantastic substitutions and variations:

• Tomatoes: While diced tomatoes offer a great texture, you can easily use **crushed tomatoes** for a smoother sauce. If you prefer a chunkier texture, fire-roasted diced tomatoes can add an extra layer of smoky flavor.
• Chicken: This recipe calls for boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a lighter touch, but you have several delicious alternatives. **Boneless, skinless chicken thighs** will yield a richer, juicier result. You can also use **bone-in chicken pieces** (such as drumsticks and thighs) – just ensure the skin is removed if you’re aiming for a leaner dish, as skin can add significant fat. Adjust baking time if using bone-in cuts.
• Bell Peppers: Enhance the color and flavor with **bell peppers**. Add chopped green bell peppers for a classic cacciatore taste, or sweet red, yellow, or orange bell peppers for a milder, sweeter note and a vibrant visual appeal. These are entirely optional but highly recommended for an extra layer of vegetable goodness.
• Pasta Alternatives: I used vermicelli in the photos, but the beauty of cacciatore is its versatility. Serve it over **any type of pasta** (penne, rigatoni, fettuccine all work well), or opt for a variety of **rice** (white, brown, or wild rice). For a lighter or Weight Watchers friendly option, consider **cauliflower rice**, **zucchini noodles (zoodles)**, or **spaghetti squash** as a delicious and low-carb base.
• Wine Selection: The dry white wine adds incredible depth, but you have options. Any **dry white wine** (Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc) works. For a bolder flavor profile, you could even use a **dry red wine** like Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Shiraz – this will give the sauce a deeper color and a more robust taste. If you prefer to avoid alcohol, a **non-alcoholic wine** (Leitz is an excellent brand) or even **chicken or vegetable broth** can be used as a substitute, though the flavor profile will be slightly different.
• Make it Spicy: If you enjoy a kick, infuse some heat by adding **chili pepper flakes (red pepper flakes)** to the sauce while cooking. Adjust the amount to your desired level of spice.
• Cilantro vs. Parsley: If you’re not a fan of cilantro, **fresh parsley** makes an excellent alternative garnish, providing a fresh, herbaceous finish.
• Kid-Friendly Adaptation: For a meal the whole family will love, you can use **non-alcoholic wine** or omit the wine entirely. While the wine adds a unique depth, a significant amount of the alcohol evaporates during cooking, and my own kids have *loved* this recipe even with the wine included!

🔪 Step-by-Step: Crafting Your Easy Baked Chicken Cacciatore

This Baked Chicken Cacciatore recipe is designed for maximum ease and efficiency. With under 10 minutes of active prep time, you can quickly get this delicious meal into the oven and let it do all the hard work!

PREP WORK: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175°C). Then, prepare a large baking dish or roaster by lightly spraying it with a non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.

1. Step 1: Prepare the Chicken. If you are using defrosted frozen chicken breasts, pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels. This helps ensure they don’t release too much water during baking and allows them to absorb the sauce flavors more effectively. Arrange the chicken pieces evenly on the bottom of your prepared pan or baking dish/roaster.

2. Step 2: Mix the Sauce Ingredients. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine all the remaining sauce ingredients: diced tomatoes, tomato paste, chopped onions, minced garlic, oregano, celery seed, and dry white wine. Stir everything together until thoroughly combined, ensuring the tomato paste is well incorporated into the liquid.

3. Step 3: Combine and Bake. Once the sauce is mixed, carefully pour it evenly over the chicken breasts in the baking dish. Ensure the chicken is mostly covered by the delicious tomato mixture. This will allow the chicken to braise and absorb all the wonderful flavors as it bakes.

⏲️ Optimal Baking Time and Doneness

Achieving perfectly cooked chicken is key to a tender and juicy cacciatore. Here’s how to ensure your dish is cooked to perfection:

• Initially, bake the chicken cacciatore uncovered for approximately 20 minutes. This allows the sauce to start simmering and the flavors to meld.
• After the initial 20 minutes, carefully remove the dish from the oven and use tongs or a spatula to gently turn the chicken pieces. This ensures even cooking and allows both sides to absorb the rich sauce.
• Return the dish to the oven and continue baking for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the chicken is no longer pink in the center and cooked through.

PRO TIP for Doneness: The most reliable way to ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked without over-drying it is by using an instant-read meat thermometer (affiliate link). Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken breast, avoiding any bones. The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees F (74°C). This tool is indispensable for all your cooking needs, guaranteeing optimal results every time!

💡 Expert Recipe Tips for the Best Chicken Cacciatore

Elevate your baked chicken cacciatore from great to extraordinary with these expert tips and tricks:

• Thicken the Sauce to Your Preference. If, after baking, you find the chicken cacciatore sauce to be a little too thin for your liking, don’t worry! You can easily thicken it on the stovetop. Simply transfer the sauce to a pot, place it over medium-low heat, and whisk in a roux (a mixture of 1 part oil or butter to 1 part flour). Continue whisking for about 10 minutes until it reaches your desired consistency. You can add more roux, a little at a time, if a thicker sauce is preferred. Once thickened, return the sauce to the casserole dish and proceed with garnishing.
• Sear the Chicken First for Extra Flavor. For a deeper, more caramelized flavor profile and to help seal in the juices, consider quickly searing the chicken breasts in a hot skillet with a tablespoon of olive oil before placing them in the baking dish. This creates a beautiful golden-brown crust that adds another dimension to the final dish.
• Use Bone-In Chicken for a Richer Taste. While boneless breasts are convenient, using bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (like thighs or drumsticks) will infuse even more profound flavor into your sauce. The bones contribute marrow and collagen, enriching the liquid. If you prefer a leaner dish, you can always remove the skin after baking. Just remember to adjust your cooking time as bone-in chicken typically requires longer.
• Drain Excess Tomato Liquid if Needed. Some brands of canned diced tomatoes can release a significant amount of extra water, potentially leading to a thinner sauce. If you prefer a concentrated sauce, drain a portion of the liquid from the canned tomatoes before adding them to your mix. Alternatively, you can bake the dish uncovered for the last 10 minutes of cooking, allowing some of the liquid to evaporate and the sauce to naturally reduce and thicken.
• Layer the Flavors with Fresh Herbs. Incorporate dried herbs (like oregano or Italian seasoning) into your sauce before baking to build a deep foundational flavor. Then, just before serving, toss in a generous handful of fresh basil or parsley. This adds a bright, aromatic burst that elevates the entire dish and provides a lovely contrast to the cooked flavors.
• Taste and Adjust Seasoning at the End. Tomatoes naturally vary in their acidity levels. After the cacciatore has finished baking, taste the sauce. If it seems a little too tart, a pinch of sugar or a small splash of balsamic vinegar can balance the acidity beautifully. Adjust salt and pepper as needed.
• Prevent Overcooking the Chicken. Overcooked chicken breasts can become dry and tough. The goal is tender, juicy chicken. Always use a meat thermometer; 165°F (74°C) is the ideal internal temperature for cooked chicken. If your oven tends to run hot, start checking for doneness a bit earlier than recommended to prevent overbaking.
• Allow the Dish to Rest Before Serving. Once you remove the chicken cacciatore from the oven, let it rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This crucial step allows the juices in the chicken to redistribute, resulting in more tender and moist meat. It also gives the sauce a moment to settle and thicken slightly.
• Make it Ahead for Deeper Flavor. Like many tomato-based stews and sauces, chicken cacciatore often tastes even better the next day. The flavors have more time to meld and deepen. Prepare the dish completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and gently reheat when ready to serve.
• Pair it with the Right Sides. The rich sauce of chicken cacciatore demands a good accompaniment. Serve it traditionally over pasta (spaghetti, penne) or creamy polenta. For a lighter meal, consider rice, a simple green salad with a vinaigrette, or some crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that delicious sauce.

👪 Serving Size and Adjustments

This convenient Chicken Cacciatore in the oven recipe is perfectly portioned to make approximately 8 generous servings. Should you need to adjust the yield, whether to halve, double, or even triple the recipe, simply click on the serving number in the recipe card below and select your desired number of servings. The ingredient quantities will automatically adjust to your selection, making meal planning for any size gathering incredibly simple.

🔢 Weight Watchers Friendly: Just 1 WW Point!

We’re thrilled to share that this Easy Baked Chicken Cacciatore recipe is incredibly Weight Watchers friendly, coming in at an impressive **1 WW point per serving**! This calculation is specifically for the chicken and sauce components of the dish. Please note that any accompanying noodles, rice, or other sides must be calculated separately according to your personal plan. Additionally, if you choose to use a roux to thicken the sauce (as suggested in our expert tips), remember to calculate those additional WW points as well. Enjoy this flavorful and guilt-free Italian classic!

🥗 What to Serve with Baked Chicken Cacciatore

Chicken Cacciatore is a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, allowing you to tailor your meal to your preferences or dietary needs. Traditionally, it’s served over a bed of pasta or rice, which are perfect for soaking up the rich, savory sauce. Beyond that, consider these delicious accompaniments:

• Crusty Bread: A must-have! My Garlic Bread (from Baguette) or Italian Bread Machine Breadsticks are fantastic choices, ideal for scooping up every last drop of the delectable tomato sauce.
• Fresh Salads: A bright, crisp salad provides a wonderful counterpoint to the rich cacciatore. My absolute favorite salad to serve with this dish is the vibrant Strawberry Spinach Pecan Salad (as pictured below), offering a refreshing sweetness and crunch. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette or a Kale Salad with Cranberries and Feta also works beautifully.
• Lighter Carb Options: For a Weight Watchers friendly or low-carb alternative, serve your chicken cacciatore over cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or spaghetti squash.
• Creamy Polenta: For a truly Italian experience, a creamy, savory polenta makes an excellent and comforting base.
• WW Cloud Bread: If you’re looking for an incredibly light and airy bread alternative that’s also Weight Watchers friendly, try my WW Cloud Bread Recipe!

🌡️ Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Proper storage ensures you can enjoy the delicious flavors of your Baked Chicken Cacciatore for days to come, and clever prep-ahead strategies make it even more convenient!

Refrigerator: To maintain the best texture and prevent sogginess, it’s recommended to store the cooked chicken and its rich cacciatore sauce separately from any noodles, rice, or other bases you might have served it with. Place the chicken and sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate promptly after cooling. Leftover Chicken Cacciatore is wonderfully flavorful and can be safely stored in the fridge for 2-3 days.

Freezing: This Oven Chicken Cacciatore recipe is an excellent candidate for freezing. Once the dish has cooled completely, transfer the chicken and sauce into a freezer-safe, airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bags. It will maintain its quality for up to 3 months in the freezer, making it perfect for future quick meals.

Prep Ahead: For ultimate convenience, you can prepare this dish in advance. Simply place all of the raw chicken and sauce ingredients into your baking dish as instructed in the recipe. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate overnight. When you’re ready to bake, remove it from the fridge about 30 minutes before baking to allow it to come closer to room temperature, then bake as directed. This method is ideal for stress-free entertaining or busy weeknights.

❔ Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Chicken Cacciatore

Did your family ❤️ this recipe? We love hearing from you! Did you know that commenting and ⭐ rating recipes is one of the best ways to support your favorite recipe creators? If you absolutely LOVED this Baked Chicken Cacciatore recipe, please take a moment to leave a comment and rate it in the recipe card below. You can also share your beautiful photos on social media using the hashtag #foodmeanderings or by tagging @foodmeanderings! Your feedback and shares truly make a difference.