Introduction
Chicken Cacciatore is a classic Italian dish that features tender chicken pieces simmered in a savory tomato sauce with vegetables. This hearty meal is packed with flavor and perfect for a comforting dinner.
Ingredients
1/4 cup olive oil
1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
1 onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper, sliced
1 can crushed tomatoes
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup white grape juice
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Brown the chicken pieces on all sides, then set them aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion, minced garlic, and sliced bell pepper until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, white grape juice, and dried oregano. Stir everything together.
- Return the browned chicken to the skillet, cover, and simmer for 30-40 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people and takes approximately 15 minutes to prep and 40 minutes to cook.
Variations
- Add mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions for added flavor.
- Spicy kick: Incorporate red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- Different proteins: Substitute chicken with rabbit or turkey for a twist on the traditional recipe.
Storage/Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
10 FAQs
- What does “Cacciatore” mean?
- “Cacciatore” means “hunter” in Italian, referring to a rustic style of cooking.
- Can I use boneless chicken?
- Yes, boneless chicken will cook faster, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- What can I serve with Chicken Cacciatore?
- It pairs well with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
- Can I make it ahead of time?
- Yes, this dish can be made ahead and tastes even better the next day.
- Is it freezer-friendly?
- Yes, you can freeze the cooked Chicken Cacciatore for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- What if I don’t have white grape juice?
- You can substitute with white wine or chicken broth for a similar effect.
- How can I thicken the sauce?
- Simmer uncovered for the last 10 minutes or add a slurry of cornstarch and water.
- Is this dish gluten-free?
- Yes, this recipe is gluten-free as written.
- Can I add more vegetables?
- Absolutely! Zucchini, carrots, or green beans are great additions.
- What type of tomatoes should I use?
- Crushed tomatoes are ideal, but diced or fresh tomatoes can also be used.
Conclusion
Chicken Cacciatore is a comforting and delicious dish that’s simple to make and perfect for any occasion. With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, it’s sure to become a favorite at your dinner table. Enjoy the warm, satisfying taste of this Italian classic!
PrintChicken Cacciatore Recipe 🍅
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A classic Italian dish featuring tender chicken pieces simmered in a savory tomato sauce with vegetables, perfect for a comforting dinner.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup white grape juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Brown the chicken pieces on all sides, then set them aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion, minced garlic, and sliced bell pepper until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, white grape juice, and dried oregano. Stir everything together.
- Return the browned chicken to the skillet, cover, and simmer for 30-40 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Notes
- Adjust the seasoning according to your taste.
- You can add other vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for additional flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece of chicken with sauce
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg