Chicken Cacciatore, or Pollo alla Cacciatora, is a classic Italian dish that embodies rustic and hearty flavors. “Cacciatore” translates to “hunter” in Italian, and this dish is a traditional hunter-style stew typically made with chicken, tomatoes, onions, herbs, vegetables, and sometimes wine.
Why You’ll Love Chicken Cacciatore
Chicken Cacciatore is a one-pan wonder packed with robust flavors that develop beautifully as it simmers. The dish is versatile and can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a variety of sides. What makes it special is the blend of tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and the perfect balance of acidic and savory notes from tomatoes and wine.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Chicken Cacciatore
- Use Bone-In Chicken: Bone-in, skin-on pieces ensure the meat stays juicy and infuses the sauce with more flavor.
- Don’t Skip the Wine: If possible, use red wine for a deeper flavor. Remember, the alcohol cooks off, leaving only the rich taste behind.
- Fresh vs. Dried Herbs: Fresh herbs add a burst of flavor, but dried herbs work well if that’s what you have on hand.
- Add Vegetables: Feel free to include extra vegetables like zucchini or carrots for added nutrition.
- Thickening the Sauce: If your sauce is too thin, remove the lid and let it simmer uncovered, or use a slurry of cornstarch and water.
Variations to Try
- Chicken Cacciatore with White Wine: For a lighter version, use white wine and add lemon zest for a bright flavor.
- Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore: Brown the chicken and veggies using the sauté function, then pressure cook for 15 minutes. Finish with a quick release.
- Slow Cooker Cacciatore: Place all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
How to Serve Chicken Cacciatore
Chicken Cacciatore is incredibly versatile. Here are some popular serving suggestions:
- Over Pasta: Spaghetti or fettuccine are classic options that soak up the flavorful sauce.
- With Polenta: Creamy polenta makes for a perfect pairing.
- On Rice or Risotto: The sauce blends well with rice or a simple risotto.
- Crusty Bread: To mop up every last bit of the delicious sauce.
Garnishes
Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese to elevate the dish.
How to Store and Reheat
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Freeze: Chicken Cacciatore freezes beautifully. Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat: Gently reheat in a saucepan over medium-low heat until warmed through, or microwave in smaller portions.
Recipe FAQs
Can I Make Chicken Cacciatore Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. It’s perfect for meal prep.
What Can I Use Instead of Wine?
Chicken broth or vegetable stock works as a great substitute if you prefer to avoid alcohol.
Is Chicken Cacciatore Healthy?
Yes, it’s a wholesome meal rich in protein and vegetables. You can reduce the amount of oil used and add extra veggies for a lighter version.
Can I Make It Spicy?
For a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes or diced chili peppers to the sauce.
What Wine Pairs Well with Chicken Cacciatore?
A robust red wine like Chianti or a light-bodied Merlot complements the dish beautifully.
Chicken Cacciatore
Chicken Cacciatore, or Pollo alla Cacciatora, is a classic Italian dish that embodies rustic and hearty flavors. “Cacciatore” translates to “hunter” in Italian, and this dish is a traditional hunter-style stew typically made with chicken, tomatoes, onions, herbs, vegetables, and sometimes wine.
Ingredients
- Chicken Thighs: 6 bone-in, skin-on, trimmed of extra fat.
- Seasoning: Kosher salt, black pepper.
- Veggies: 1 small yellow onion (chopped), 2 celery ribs (chopped), ½ red bell pepper (chopped), ½ green bell pepper (chopped), 8 ounces mushrooms (sliced).
- Aromatics: 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp oregano, 3 sprigs fresh thyme, fresh chopped parsley (2 tbsp, plus more for garnish), and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Liquids & Base: 1 cup red wine, a 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes.
- Olive Oil: Extra virgin, for cooking
Instructions
- Pat your chicken thighs dry, then season well with salt and pepper on both sides, even under the skin.
- Heat a generous drizzle of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken, skin-side down first, for about 8 minutes total. Set the seared pieces aside.
- In the same pan, toss in your chopped onion, celery, bell peppers, mushrooms, and minced garlic. Add a touch more olive oil if needed.
- Season with salt, pepper, oregano, thyme, parsley, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Let everything cook and soften for about 5-6 minutes, stirring often.
- Pour in that robust red wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any flavorful brown bits. Let it simmer until reduced by half. Add in the crushed tomatoes, stirring occasionally for 5-10 minutes to thicken the sauce.
- Return the browned chicken thighs to the pan, nestling them into the sauce. Lower the heat, cover, and let everything simmer gently for 30 minutes until the chicken is tender and juicy.
- Sprinkle with more fresh parsley and serve hot over pasta, polenta, or with crusty bread to soak up all that incredible sauce.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 290Total Fat: 12gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 379mgCarbohydrates: 17gFiber: 4gSugar: 8gProtein: 24g
Chickenrecipes.blog, 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.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Cacciatore is a must-try recipe for anyone who enjoys a comforting, flavorful meal that’s easy to make yet tastes like a gourmet dish. Whether you follow the traditional method or experiment with your own variations, this Italian classic never disappoints. Give it a try, and you’ll soon be adding it to your regular meal rotation!
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