This oven baked 3-ingredient chicken cacciatore casserole is the kind of no-fuss family dish that earns a permanent place in the supper rotation. It turns a few pantry and freezer staples into tender chicken in a rich tomato sauce with peppers and onions, and it has that old-school casserole comfort that reminds me of church suppers, reunion tables, and recipes passed from one home kitchen to another because they simply worked every single time.
Serve this saucy chicken over spaghetti, buttered egg noodles, fluffy rice, or creamy mashed potatoes to catch every bit of the sauce. A crisp green salad, green beans, or simple garlic bread make easy sides, and if you are feeding a bigger group, a baked ham or roast on the same table fits right in for a comforting family-style meal.
Oven Baked 3-Ingredient Chicken Cacciatore Casserole
Servings: 6
Ingredients
2 1/2 to 3 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces
2 jars (24 ounces each) pasta sauce or cacciatore-style tomato sauce
1 bag (16 ounces) frozen sliced bell peppers and onions
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Spread the frozen peppers and onions evenly in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish or large oval casserole dish.
2. Arrange the chicken pieces on top of the vegetables in a single layer.
3. Pour the pasta sauce evenly over the chicken, making sure each piece is well covered.
4. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 1 hour. Remove the foil and bake 20 to 30 minutes more, until the chicken is very tender and cooked through and the sauce is bubbling around the edges.
5. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving so the sauce can settle. Spoon the chicken and vegetables over noodles, rice, or potatoes, and serve hot.
Variations & Tips
Boneless Chicken Version: If you prefer easier serving for little ones or a weeknight shortcut, use boneless skinless chicken thighs. Start checking a little earlier, since they may finish faster than bone-in pieces, and they stay especially tender in the sauce.
Sauce Choice: A chunky onion-and-garlic pasta sauce or a cacciatore-style sauce gives the most flavor with only three ingredients. If your sauce is plain, a sprinkle of dried Italian seasoning from the pantry is a nice extra, even though the casserole works just fine without it.
Make It Family Reunion Style: For a potluck or holiday table, double the recipe in two baking dishes instead of crowding one pan. That helps the chicken bake evenly and gives you more of those delicious peppers and onions in every spoonful.
Picky Eater Tip: If someone at your table is not excited about visible peppers and onions, chop the thawed vegetable mix a little smaller before adding it to the dish. They melt more into the sauce that way while still giving the casserole that classic cacciatore flavor.
Storage Tip: Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently, covered, in the oven or microwave, and spoon the extra sauce over fresh noodles or rice for an easy second meal.