Delicious & Healthy Instant Pot Weight Watchers Chicken Cacciatore: A Low-Point Italian Delight

Craving the rich, comforting flavors of a classic Italian stew but looking for a healthier, quicker option? This Instant Pot Weight Watchers Chicken Cacciatore recipe is your answer! We’ve taken all the beloved elements of traditional cacciatore – tender chicken, a savory tomato and vegetable sauce, and aromatic Italian herbs – and adapted them for modern, health-conscious cooking. By utilizing the speed and efficiency of the Instant Pot, and making smart ingredient choices, this recipe significantly reduces preparation time and Weight Watchers SmartPoints without compromising on taste. Get ready to enjoy a guilt-free Italian feast that’s ready in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner.

Why This Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore is a Must-Try

Chicken Cacciatore, meaning “hunter’s style” chicken in Italian, is a rustic and hearty dish typically slow-cooked with onions, herbs, often bell peppers, and tomatoes. Our Instant Pot adaptation brings this traditional meal into the modern kitchen, offering several compelling reasons to add it to your regular rotation:

1. For Lovers of Hearty Chicken Stews

   This recipe delivers an incredibly satisfying, stew-like experience. Each bite is packed with succulent chicken that practically melts in your mouth, enveloped in a robust, flavorful sauce brimming with a colorful array of vegetables. It’s the kind of comforting meal that warms you from the inside out, making it ideal for chilly evenings or gathering loved ones around the table. The combination of sweet tomatoes, savory chicken broth, and a hint of red wine creates a deeply complex and irresistible sauce.

2. Quick, Easy, and Affordable Preparation

   Despite its rich and sophisticated flavor, this Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore comes together with surprising speed and minimal effort. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can transform simple, affordable ingredients into a culinary masterpiece. The addition of briny black olives, tangy capers, a splash of red wine, and a fragrant blend of Italian spices elevates the dish, adding layers of unique flavor that make it truly stand out. Furthermore, cooking everything in a single pot simplifies cleanup, making weeknight cooking a breeze.

3. Incredibly Versatile Serving Options

   While Chicken Cacciatore is traditionally paired with pasta or rice to soak up its glorious sauce, its versatility extends far beyond. For a lighter, lower-carb option, try serving it with steamed or roasted vegetables like green beans, broccoli, or zucchini noodles. It’s also fantastic with creamy polenta, fluffy couscous, or even a simple side salad. The sauce itself is so delicious and addictive that you might find yourself, like us, enjoying it by the spoonful! The rich, savory remnants at the bottom of the pot are particularly coveted.

4. Classic Italian Flavors, Modern Convenience

   Experience the authentic, comforting flavors of a beloved Italian classic without the lengthy cooking time typically associated with traditional methods. By leveraging the Instant Pot, this dish moves from prep to plate in under 30 minutes of active cooking, plus the pressure building time. It’s the perfect solution for when you crave homemade, wholesome food but are short on time, proving that delicious and healthy meals don’t have to be complicated.

This recipe is designed for 6 servings, with each serving containing 1 chicken thigh and approximately 7 Weight Watchers points, making it an excellent choice for those managing their intake.

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes (plus Instant Pot pressure build-up time)
• Servings: 6
• Serving Size: 1 bone-in, skinless chicken thigh
• Weight Watchers Points (per serving): 7 WW points

Essential Ingredients for Your Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore

Gathering fresh, high-quality ingredients is key to achieving the best flavor profile for your Chicken Cacciatore. Here’s what you’ll need for this delicious and healthy rendition:

• 6 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs (about 1.5 kg): Opting for skinless significantly reduces fat and Weight Watchers points while bone-in keeps the meat flavorful and moist.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Essential for browning the chicken and sautéing vegetables, adding a rich, Mediterranean base.
• Salt and pepper to taste: The fundamental seasonings to enhance all flavors.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Provides a deep, aromatic garlic flavor that disperses evenly throughout the dish.
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (30 g): A light dusting on the chicken helps create a delicious crust and slightly thickens the sauce.
• 1 cup chicken broth (240 ml): Forms the liquid base for the sauce, adding depth and moisture.
• 1 onion, diced: Aromatic foundation, adding sweetness and savory notes to the sauce.
• 1 red bell pepper, diced: Adds vibrant color, a hint of sweetness, and essential nutrients.
• 2 tomatoes, diced: Fresh tomatoes contribute to the rich, tangy tomato base of the cacciatore.
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor, adding a deep umami richness to the sauce.
• ½ cup black olives, pitted (75 g): Provides a briny, salty counterpoint that is characteristic of Mediterranean cuisine.
• ½ glass red wine (90 ml): A splash of red wine adds complexity and a sophisticated depth of flavor to the sauce. Choose a dry red wine.
• 2 tablespoons capers: Small, briny flower buds that pack a punch of tangy, salty flavor.
• Rosemary, oregano, marjoram to taste: The classic Italian herb blend that defines the aromatic profile of cacciatore. Use fresh or dried.

How To Make Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore (Step-by-Step Instructions)

Follow these simple steps to create a mouthwatering Chicken Cacciatore in your Instant Pot:

1. 

   

   Prepare the Chicken: Season the bone-in, skinless chicken thighs generously with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and garlic powder. Evenly dredge each thigh in all-purpose flour, making sure to shake off any excess. A light coating is all you need to help create a delicious browned crust and slightly thicken the sauce later.

2. 

   Brown the Chicken: Turn on your Instant Pot and select the “Sauté” function on normal or medium heat. Once hot, add the olive oil. Carefully place the seasoned and dredged chicken thighs into the pot in a single layer. Brown them on both sides for 3-4 minutes per side until golden. Browning is crucial for developing deep, rich flavors (Maillard reaction). If necessary, work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot, which can steam the chicken instead of browning it. Transfer the browned chicken to a clean plate and set aside.

3. 

   Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, after removing the chicken, add the diced onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and become fragrant. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or water to deglaze the pot and scrape up any browned bits from the chicken, which adds immense flavor to the sauce.

4. 

   Build the Sauce: Add the diced fresh tomatoes, concentrated tomato paste, pitted black olives, red wine, and capers to the pot. Stir thoroughly to combine all the ingredients. Incorporate your chosen Italian herbs (rosemary, oregano, marjoram) at this stage. This mixture forms the vibrant and tangy base of your cacciatore sauce.

5. Return the Chicken: Carefully return the browned chicken thighs to the Instant Pot, nestling them gently into the flavorful vegetable and sauce mixture. Ensure they are partially submerged to allow them to absorb all the wonderful flavors during cooking.

6. Add Liquid: Pour the chicken broth over the chicken and vegetables in the pot. Do not stir too much after adding the broth, as you want to avoid scraping off the browned bits from the bottom and potentially triggering a “burn” notice during pressure cooking.

7. Pressure Cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid, ensuring it is properly locked, and set the steam release valve to the “Sealing” position. Select the “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” setting and set the cooking time for 10 minutes on high pressure. The pot will take some time to come to pressure before the cooking countdown begins.

8. Release Pressure: Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to naturally release (NPR) for 5 minutes. This helps the chicken stay tender and juicy. After 5 minutes, carefully perform a quick release (QR) by turning the valve to the “Venting” position. Stand back and allow all the steam to escape before opening the lid.

9. Check Doneness: Carefully open the Instant Pot lid away from your face. Using a meat thermometer, check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should register 165°F (75°C) to be safely cooked. The chicken should be incredibly tender.

10. 

    Serve and Enjoy: Serve your delicious Instant Pot Weight Watchers Chicken Cacciatore hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or basil if desired. This hearty Italian-inspired meal is perfect on its own or paired with your favorite sides.

Versatile Variations and Healthy Substitutions

One of the best aspects of Chicken Cacciatore is its adaptability. Feel free to customize this recipe to your taste, dietary needs, or what you have on hand:

• Chicken Cut Alternatives: The original recipe suggests bone-in, skinless chicken thighs for maximum flavor with reduced points. However, you can easily use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for an even lighter option, or boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders for a further reduction in Weight Watchers points. If using breasts, be mindful not to overcook them; they might require a slightly shorter pressure cooking time (e.g., 8 minutes).
• Add More Vegetables: While this recipe focuses on bell peppers and tomatoes, Chicken Cacciatore is excellent with other vegetables. Sliced mushrooms (sautéed with the onions), diced carrots, celery, or even zucchini can be wonderful additions. Add hardier vegetables like carrots and celery with the onions, and softer ones like zucchini or mushrooms after the chicken has cooked, allowing them to gently cook in the residual heat. A handful of fresh spinach stirred in at the end adds a fresh, vibrant touch.
• Spice It Up: Experiment with different Italian spices to personalize your dish. A bay leaf added during pressure cooking can infuse extra depth. For a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be stirred into the sauce. Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil, added at the very end, brighten the flavors significantly.
• Liquid Adjustments: If you prefer, you can substitute some of the chicken broth with a can of crushed tomatoes or diced tomatoes (undrained) for an even richer tomato base. For a non-alcoholic version, replace the red wine with additional chicken broth or a splash of red wine vinegar for that tangy complexity.
• Olives & Capers: While black olives and capers are classic, green olives can also be used for a different flavor profile. Adjust the amount of these briny ingredients to your personal preference.

Expert Tips and Tricks for Making Perfect Chicken Cacciatore

Achieving a restaurant-quality Chicken Cacciatore at home is easier than you think with these helpful tips:

• Sauce Consistency Control: The flour coating on the chicken, combined with the natural breakdown of vegetables during pressure cooking, will naturally thicken your sauce. Aim for a delicate dusting of flour on the chicken pieces – too much can lead to clumping. If your sauce is too thin after cooking, you can select the “Sauté” function (low) and simmer it uncovered for a few minutes to reduce and thicken. Alternatively, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry, stir it into the simmering sauce, and cook until it reaches your desired consistency. If the sauce is too thick, simply stir in a little more chicken broth or water until it’s perfect.
• Strategic Pairing: This recipe yields a generous amount of delicious sauce, so choose your accompaniment wisely. Cooked brown rice (preferably dry, not overly sticky) is an excellent choice as it absorbs the sauce beautifully. Other great options include quinoa, polenta, cauliflower rice (for a low-carb alternative), or even spiralized zucchini noodles. Don’t forget a side of crusty whole-wheat bread for dipping!
• Don’t Skip the Browning: Browning the chicken thighs before pressure cooking is a crucial step for flavor development. This process creates a savory crust and develops complex, toasted notes that cannot be achieved by simply cooking the chicken in the sauce. It also provides fond (the browned bits at the bottom of the pot) which, when deglazed, adds immense depth to your cacciatore sauce.
• Deglaze Properly: After browning the chicken and sautéing the vegetables, use a small amount of chicken broth or red wine to deglaze the pot. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon. This prevents a “burn” error from the Instant Pot and ensures all that precious flavor is incorporated into your sauce.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Chicken Cacciatore makes fantastic leftovers and is perfect for meal prepping. Store cooled portions in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

With its hearty flavors, satisfying textures, and straightforward preparation, this Instant Pot Weight Watchers Chicken Cacciatore is a dish that’s sure to become a beloved staple in your culinary repertoire. Embrace the warmth and comfort of healthy Italian cuisine with every delicious, low-point bite!

Weight Watchers Point Breakdown

Understanding the Weight Watchers SmartPoints for each ingredient helps you make informed choices and track your daily intake. Here’s a breakdown of the points for the main components in this recipe:

• Uncooked skinless bone-in chicken thigh (per serving, adjusted for recipe): Approximately 24 points (for total raw chicken, then divided by servings for per-serving calculation)
• Small canned black ripe olives (½ cup / 75g): 3 points
• Tomato (diced): 0 points
• Capers: 0 points
• Onion (diced): 0 points
• Chicken broth: 0 points
• Tomato paste: 1 point
• Table salt: 0 points
• Olive oil (1 tbsp): 4 points
• Black pepper: 0 points
• All-purpose flour (2 tbsp / 30g): 2 points
• Red wine (½ glass / 90ml): 5 points

When calculated for 6 servings, this recipe averages out to 7 WW points per serving, making it a very favorable option for those on the Weight Watchers program looking for a flavorful and filling meal.

Recipe Card: Instant Pot Weight Watchers Chicken Cacciatore

This Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore brings you the comforting flavors of a classic Italian recipe with the convenience of one-pot cooking and a mindful approach to Weight Watchers points. Tender chicken and a rich, savory sauce come together in under 30 minutes of cooking time, delivering a wholesome and delicious meal.

Servings:

6 people

Prep Time:

15 minutes

Cook Time:

25 minutes (plus Instant Pot pressure build-up)

Total Time:

40 minutes (approx. active time)

WW Points per Serving:

7 points

Ingredients

• 6 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs (about 1.5 kg)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (30 g)
• 1 cup chicken broth (240 ml)
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 tomatoes, diced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• ½ cup black olives, pitted (75 g)
• ½ glass red wine (90 ml)
• 2 tablespoons capers
• Rosemary, oregano, marjoram to taste (fresh or dried)

Instructions

1. Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Dredge them lightly in flour, shaking off any excess.
2. Turn on the Instant Pot and select the “Saute” function. Heat the olive oil and brown the chicken thighs on both sides (3-4 minutes per side), working in batches if necessary. Transfer browned chicken to a plate and set aside.
3. In the same pot, add the diced onion and red bell pepper. Saute for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften.
4. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, black olives, red wine, capers, and Italian herbs to the pot. Stir to combine.
5. Return the browned chicken thighs to the pot, nestling them into the vegetable mixture.
6. Pour the chicken broth over the chicken and vegetables. Do not stir.
7. Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to the sealing position. Select “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” setting and set the timer for 10 minutes on high pressure.
8. Once cooking is complete, allow natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then carefully perform a quick release by turning the valve to the venting position.
9. Carefully open the Instant Pot lid and check the chicken for doneness (internal temperature should be 165°F/75°C).
10. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your delicious Instant Pot Weight Watchers Chicken Cacciatore!

Notes

This recipe is crafted to be Weight Watchers friendly, coming in at approximately 7 WW Points per serving. It’s a flavorful and satisfying meal that supports your health goals.

Nutrition Information (Approximation per Serving)

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.

Serving Size:

312g

Calories:

286 kcal

Carbohydrates:

8.1 g

Protein:

35 g

Fat:

11 g

Saturated Fat:

2.5 g

Cholesterol:

157 mg

Sodium:

625 mg

Potassium:

529 mg

Fiber:

1.8 g

Sugar:

2.5 g

Calcium:

32 mg

Iron:

1.8 mg