Chicken Cacciatore is a comforting Italian dish packed with rich flavors. Tender chicken pieces simmer in a savory sauce made from tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, garlic, and a splash of red wine. It can be served over pasta or with a side of crusty bread.
What is Chicken Cacciatore?
Chicken Cacciatore is a traditional Italian hunter-style dish where chicken is braised in a sauce that includes tomatoes, garlic, onions, bell peppers, olives, and mushrooms. The name “Cacciatore” literally translates to “hunter,” and this dish is said to have been created by hunters who would use whatever ingredients were available to them in the wild. Over time, this dish became a beloved staple of Italian home cooking, and its rich flavors and hearty nature have made it popular worldwide.
Chicken Cacciatore: Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Chicken Cacciatore lies in its simplicity. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this dish to life:
- Chicken: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or chicken breasts work best. The bone-in option gives the dish more flavor, and the skin-on ensures a crispy finish.
- Olive Oil: Used for searing the chicken and sautéing the vegetables.
- Onion: Yellow or white onions add a savory depth of flavor to the sauce.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic brings a wonderful aroma and taste.
- Bell Peppers: Red or yellow bell peppers add a slight sweetness to the dish.
- Mushrooms: Button mushrooms or cremini mushrooms complement the richness of the sauce.
- Tomatoes: Canned crushed tomatoes or fresh tomatoes (depending on the season) are the base of the sauce.
- Red Wine: Adds depth and complexity to the sauce. Use a dry red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot.
- Olives: Kalamata olives are the most common, adding a briny contrast to the savory flavors.
- Herbs: Fresh rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves bring fragrance and aroma to the dish.
- Chicken Stock: To help simmer the chicken to tenderness and create a luscious sauce.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, enhancing the overall flavors.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Chicken Cacciatore
Brown the Chicken Properly: Don’t skip the step of searing the chicken until the skin is crispy and golden. This will develop a depth of flavor and make the dish more flavorful.
Simmer Gently: Once the chicken and sauce are combined, simmer the dish over low heat to allow the flavors to meld and the chicken to tenderize. This process takes about 40 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the size of the chicken pieces.
Add Wine Gradually: When deglazing the pan with wine, pour it in slowly and scrape up any bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. This step is essential to incorporate all those flavorful bits into the sauce.
Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs give this dish a vibrant flavor that dried herbs simply can’t replicate. If possible, use fresh rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves for the best results.
Customize Your Vegetables: Feel free to experiment with different vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or even eggplant. These will enhance the sauce while staying true to the rustic nature of the dish.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If cooking a large batch, consider searing the chicken in batches so that each piece gets evenly browned. Crowding the pan may result in steaming instead of browning.
Variations of Chicken Cacciatore
While the classic version of Chicken Cacciatore remains beloved, there are several variations you can try to give this dish your own twist:
White Wine Chicken Cacciatore: If you prefer a lighter version, substitute the red wine with white wine. This will create a more delicate sauce while still maintaining the overall flavors of the dish.
Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore: For a hands-off approach, you can make this dish in a slow cooker. Brown the chicken first, then add it to the slow cooker with the sauce ingredients. Cook on low for 4-6 hours until the chicken is falling off the bone.
Spicy Chicken Cacciatore: Add some red pepper flakes or a chopped fresh chili to bring some heat to the dish. This variation will appeal to those who love a bit of spice with their comfort food.
Chicken Cacciatore with Polenta: Serve the dish over creamy polenta to add richness and texture to the meal. The soft polenta absorbs the flavorful sauce beautifully.
How to Serve Chicken Cacciatore
Chicken Cacciatore is typically served with a side of pasta, polenta, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. It also pairs well with simple sides like roasted vegetables or a green salad. Here are a few serving ideas:
- With Pasta: Serve it with spaghetti, penne, or rigatoni for a traditional pairing.
- With Rice: A bowl of steamed rice will absorb the sauce, making for a hearty and filling meal.
- On Its Own: For a low-carb option, serve the chicken and sauce as-is with a side of sautéed greens like spinach or kale.
How to Store Chicken Cacciatore
Chicken Cacciatore can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. If you’d like to keep it for longer, this dish also freezes well for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and warm it gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if necessary to loosen the sauce.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
While chicken breasts can be used, they tend to dry out more easily. Chicken thighs, with their higher fat content, will yield a juicier and more flavorful dish.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, the flavors meld together beautifully after a day or two in the fridge. Just reheat it gently before serving.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes if they are in season. You’ll need about 6-8 medium tomatoes, peeled and chopped, to replace one can of crushed tomatoes.
What is the best wine to use for Chicken Cacciatore?
A dry red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Chianti works best. Avoid sweet wines, as they can alter the flavor profile of the dish.
Can I make Chicken Cacciatore in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the chicken first, then transfer it to the slow cooker with the sauce ingredients. Cook on low for 4-6 hours until the chicken is tender and the sauce is flavorful.
Chicken Cacciatore
Chicken Cacciatore is a comforting Italian dish packed with rich flavors. Tender chicken pieces simmer in a savory sauce made from tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, garlic, and a splash of red wine. It can be served over pasta or with a side of crusty bread.
Ingredients
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (trimmed of excess fat)
- Kosher salt & black pepper
- Extra virgin olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped
- 2 celery ribs, chopped
- ½ red bell pepper, chopped
- ½ green bell pepper, chopped
- 8 oz mushrooms, cleaned & sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp oregano
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley (plus extra for garnish)
- Pinch red pepper flakes
- 1 cup red wine
- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
Instructions
- Pat the chicken dry and season generously with salt and pepper, including under the skin.
- Heat 2 tbsp of olive oil in a large braiser over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the chicken, skin side down. Brown for about 8 minutes total, then remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, toss in the onions, celery, bell peppers, mushrooms, and garlic. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until the veggies soften. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, thyme, parsley, and red pepper flakes.
- Pour in the red wine, cooking for a few minutes until it reduces by half. Then, add the crushed tomatoes, and simmer for another 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Return the chicken to the pan, skin side up. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 30 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 169Total Fat 6gSaturated Fat 1gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 4gCholesterol 28mgSodium 352mgCarbohydrates 17gFiber 4gSugar 8gProtein 9g
Dinnerfocus.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Conclusion
Chicken Cacciatore is the perfect dish for anyone who loves bold, comforting flavors. With its tender chicken, savory sauce, and variety of vegetables, it’s a meal that is sure to please. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the many variations, this dish is guaranteed to become a favorite in your household. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy a delicious plate of Chicken Cacciatore tonight.
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