Chicken Cacciatore Recipe With Tomato Sauce
Try the rich, robust flavours of Chicken Cacciatore, a hearty Italian classic that promises a symphony of succulent chicken drenched in a savory tomato and herb sauce, intertwined with the earthiness of sautéed mushrooms and vegetables. Each bite offers a comforting warmth, transporting your senses to the rustic countryside of Italy.
Chicken Cacciatore Recipe
Ingredients
- Chicken Thighs
- Onion
- Green Bell Pepper
- Garlic
- Dry White Wine
- Crushed Tomatoes (with juices)
- Mushrooms (cremini or chopped portobello recommended)
- Italian Seasoning
- Balsamic Vinegar
- Optional: Fresh herbs like parsley or basil, Parmesan for serving
Instructions
- Season and Brown the Chicken: Start by seasoning the chicken thighs with salt and pepper and then browning them in a skillet. Once browned, remove them to a plate.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, sauté the onion, bell pepper, and garlic.
- Deglaze with Wine: Pour the dry white wine into the skillet to deglaze it, scraping up the flavorful bits from the bottom.
- Simmer the Sauce: Add the crushed tomatoes and let the sauce reduce a bit.
- Add the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs back into the skillet with the sauce. Simmer partially covered until the chicken is cooked through. You have the option to dice or shred the chicken or leave the thighs whole.
- Serve: Sprinkle with fresh herbs like parsley or basil and Parmesan if desired. Serve with your choice of a side such as pasta, orzo, mashed potatoes, brown rice, creamy polenta, or risotto.
How to Serve
Serve the Chicken Cacciatore with pasta, cooked orzo, mashed potatoes, brown rice, creamy polenta, or risotto to soak up the rich tomato sauce.
Storage Tips
- To Store: Keep leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- To Reheat: Rewarm gently in a Dutch oven on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave until steaming.
- To Freeze: Freeze leftovers in an airtight, freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
What to Serve with Chicken Cacciatore
- Salad: A simple green salad or something heartier like an Italian Antipasto Salad.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted Brussels Sprouts or Oven Roasted Vegetables.
- Bread: No Knead Focaccia or Rosemary Olive Oil Bread to soak up the sauce.
Recommended Tools
- Skillet: To cook the cacciatore.
- Sharp Chef’s Knife: For cutting vegetables and chicken.
- Instant Read Thermometer: To ensure the chicken is cooked through.
This classic dish is a taste of Italian tradition made attainable for a weeknight dinner. Enjoy your homemade Chicken Cacciatore!
