Homestyle Chicken Cacciatore Recipe

Introduction

Chicken Cacciatore is a classic Italian dish known for its rich, savory flavors and tender chicken cooked with vegetables and herbs. This hearty meal is perfect for a comforting dinner that brings the warmth of rustic Italian cuisine to your table.

Ingredients

• 4 pieces of chicken (thighs or drumsticks)
• 2 bell peppers, sliced
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 large tomatoes, chopped (or a 14 oz can of diced tomatoes)
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (such as oregano, basil, and thyme)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then brown it on all sides until golden, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set aside.
2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, sliced bell peppers, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables begin to soften, about 5 minutes.
3. Step 3: Add the chopped tomatoes and dried Italian herbs to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
4. Step 4: Return the browned chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the vegetable and tomato sauce. Cover and simmer gently for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
5. Step 5: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot with crusty bread or over pasta.

Tips & Variations

• For extra depth of flavor, add a splash of red wine before simmering the sauce.
• Use bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces for juicier results.
• Add mushrooms or black olives to enhance the traditional taste.
• Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a burst of freshness.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a covered pan over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. This dish also freezes well for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs or drumsticks?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but be careful not to overcook them as they tend to dry out faster. Adjust simmering time accordingly.

Is this dish spicy?

Traditional Chicken Cacciatore is not spicy, but you can add red pepper flakes or a pinch of chili if you want a little heat.

Homestyle Chicken Cacciatore Recipe

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Chicken Cacciatore is a classic Italian dish featuring tender chicken simmered with bell peppers, onions, garlic, tomatoes, and aromatic herbs, resulting in a hearty and flavorful meal perfect for any occasion.

• Author: Zane
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Vegetables and Aromatics

• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 2 bell peppers (red and green), sliced into strips
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Brown the chicken: Season the chicken thighs and drumsticks generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces skin side down and brown thoroughly on all sides, about 5-7 minutes per side. Once browned, remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
2. Sauté the vegetables: In the same pan, add the sliced onions and bell peppers. Cook over medium heat until softened and slightly caramelized, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add tomatoes and herbs: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and the white wine if using. Stir in dried oregano, dried basil, and crushed red pepper flakes. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
4. Simmer with chicken: Return the browned chicken pieces to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Cover the pan and reduce the heat to low. Simmer gently for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender, and the sauce has thickened.
5. Garnish and serve: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish before serving. Serve hot with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.

Notes

• Bone-in, skin-on chicken provides the best flavor and juiciness, but boneless chicken breasts can be substituted with adjusted cooking time.
• Dry white wine is optional but adds depth to the sauce; substitute with chicken broth if desired.
• Simmer the sauce gently to avoid drying out the chicken and ensure tender results.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and taste even better as flavors meld.
• For a gluten-free version, ensure the canned tomatoes and seasonings do not contain gluten additives.

Keywords: Chicken Cacciatore, Italian chicken recipe, braised chicken, tomato sauce chicken, classic Italian dish