Chicken Cacciatore Recipe

Description of the Recipe

Discover the ultimate Chicken Cacciatore recipe! A hearty, flavorful Italian dish with chicken, tomatoes, and herbs. Perfect for family dinners. Chicken Cacciatore, or “Hunter’s Chicken,” is a rustic Italian dish that captures the essence of traditional home cooking.

This hearty and flavorful recipe features chicken simmered in a rich tomato sauce with aromatic vegetables, herbs, and a touch of red wine. It’s a comforting, one-pot meal that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings. The blend of tender chicken, savory sauce, and vibrant vegetables creates a dish that’s both satisfying and delicious. Whether served over pasta, polenta, or with a side of crusty bread, Chicken Cacciatore is sure to impress.

Ingredients – Chicken Cacciatore

• 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
• 4 chicken drumsticks
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup dry red wine
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/4 cup capers, drained
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Chicken Cacciatore

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Season the chicken: Sprinkle the chicken thighs and drumsticks with salt and pepper on all sides.
2. Heat the oil: In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Brown the chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the skillet, skin-side down, and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the skin is golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Vegetables

4. Sauté the onions and peppers: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sliced bell peppers. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.
5. Add the garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

6. Deglaze with wine: Pour in the red wine to deglaze the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Allow the wine to simmer for about 2 minutes.
7. Add tomatoes and broth: Stir in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth, mixing well to combine.
8. Season the sauce: Add the dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to incorporate the spices into the sauce.

Step 4: Simmer the Chicken

9. Return the chicken to the skillet: Nestle the browned chicken pieces back into the skillet, making sure they are partially submerged in the sauce.
10. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the chicken simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

11. Add capers and parsley: Stir in the capers and chopped fresh parsley. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.
12. Serve: Serve the Chicken Cacciatore hot, over pasta, polenta, or with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Tips and Variations for Chicken Cacciatore

• Choose your chicken cuts: You can use a combination of chicken thighs, drumsticks, or even boneless, skinless chicken breasts if you prefer.
• Vegetable variations: Feel free to add other vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, or olives to the dish for added flavor and texture.
• Wine substitute: If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute it with additional chicken broth.
• Make it ahead: Chicken Cacciatore can be made ahead of time and reheated. The flavors often improve after sitting in the refrigerator overnight.
• Spice it up: For a spicier version, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a chopped chili pepper to the sauce.

Preparation and Cooking Time – Chicken Cacciatore

• Preparation time: 15 minutes
• Cooking time: 45 minutes
• Total time: 1 hour

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fat: 22g
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 600mg

Curiosities and Historical Facts about Chicken Cacciatore

Chicken Cacciatore has a long and storied history in Italian cuisine. The name “cacciatore” means “hunter” in Italian, and the dish is traditionally prepared in a hunter-style, using ingredients that hunters might have readily available. This typically includes fresh vegetables, herbs, and sometimes wine.

The origins of Chicken Cacciatore can be traced back to the central and northern regions of Italy, where it was a popular dish among rural communities. Hunters would often bring home their catch, which could include rabbit or other game, and cook it in a simple, rustic manner with whatever ingredients they had on hand. Over time, chicken became a more common choice for this dish, as it was more widely available and easier to prepare.

One of the defining features of Chicken Cacciatore is its versatility. The dish can be adapted to include a variety of ingredients, depending on what is available and the cook’s personal preferences. This flexibility has helped Chicken Cacciatore maintain its popularity over the years, as it can be easily tailored to suit different tastes and dietary needs.

In addition to its delicious flavor and adaptability, Chicken Cacciatore is also valued for its nutritional benefits. The dish is packed with protein from the chicken, as well as vitamins and minerals from the vegetables and herbs. The use of olive oil adds healthy fats, while the tomato-based sauce provides antioxidants and other beneficial compounds.

Today, Chicken Cacciatore remains a beloved dish in Italian cuisine and is enjoyed by people around the world. Its rich history and enduring appeal make it a perfect example of the timeless nature of traditional Italian cooking. Whether prepared for a family dinner or a special occasion, Chicken Cacciatore is sure to delight with its hearty flavors and comforting qualities.