There’s something almost magical about the aroma of chicken cacciatore simmering away on a chilly evening. Picture this: tender chicken mingling with rich tomatoes and the earthy scent of fresh herbs—it’s like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s a dish that brings back memories of Sunday dinners and family gatherings, where laughter and stories filled the room just like the comforting steam wafting from the kitchen.
Steps
- Pat the chicken dry and season with salt and pepper, ensuring you get under the skin too. In a large pan, heat extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken, starting with the skin side down, until golden on both sides, then set aside.
- In the same pan, add chopped onions, celery, bell peppers, mushrooms, and minced garlic. Sauté over medium heat, seasoning with kosher salt, pepper, oregano, fresh thyme, parsley, and a pinch of red pepper flakes, until the vegetables are tender.
- Pour in the red wine and let it reduce by half, then add the crushed tomatoes. Stir occasionally and let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Return the chicken to the pan, nestling it into the sauce. Lower the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. Garnish with additional parsley before serving.
- For the slow cooker method, brown the chicken first and transfer to the crockpot. Add the vegetables, wine, and tomatoes, then set to cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4 hours.
Ingredients
- 6 chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on, trimmed of excess fat
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper
- Extra virgin olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped
- 2 celery ribs, chopped
- ½ red bell pepper, chopped
- ½ green bell pepper, chopped
- 8 ounces mushrooms (white or baby bella), cleaned and sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- Pinch of red pepper flakes
- 1 cup dry red wine
- 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes
Nutritional Values
Calories: 348.4kcal | Carbohydrates: 15.8g | Protein: 22.3g | Fat: N/A | Saturated Fat: 5.2g | Cholesterol: 110.7mg | Sodium: 462.5mg | Potassium: 868.4mg | Fiber: 3.7g | Sugar: N/A | Vitamin A: 850.2IU | Vitamin C: 37.9mg | Calcium: 70.6mg | Iron: 3.2mg
FAQ
- What is Chicken Cacciatore?
- Chicken Cacciatore, translating to “hunter” in Italian, is a rustic, hunter-style dish where chicken is braised alongside onions, herbs, tomatoes, and sometimes additional vegetables. This classic dish allows for many variations, with each household often having its own unique version.
- What ingredients are typically included in Chicken Cacciatore?
- The basic ingredients include chicken, onions, herbs, and tomatoes. Variations may also include mushrooms, bell peppers, carrots, celery, or even anchovies. This recipe specifically uses onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, and a combination of spices and red wine for flavor.
- How can I make Chicken Cacciatore using a slow cooker?
- To prepare Chicken Cacciatore in a slow cooker, first brown the chicken in olive oil. Then transfer it to the slow cooker and add onions, celery, bell peppers, mushrooms, garlic, herbs, spices, wine, and crushed tomatoes. Set the slow cooker to LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4 hours.
- What are some serving suggestions for Chicken Cacciatore?
- Chicken Cacciatore can be served with homemade pasta, polenta, rice, or simply with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- How should leftovers be stored?
- Allow the Chicken Cacciatore to cool to room temperature before storing it in airtight containers. It can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. If frozen, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Tips
- For the most flavorful result, use bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces, as they provide a rustic finish and tender texture. A mix of chicken thighs, legs, or breasts will work well, but remember to cut the breasts into smaller pieces for even cooking.
- When browning the chicken, make sure to start with the skin side down for a crispy texture, and consider using a splatter screen to keep your stovetop clean.
- If you’re using the slow cooker method, don’t skip the step of browning the chicken first. This adds a depth of flavor that enhances the final dish.
- To elevate the dish, serve your chicken cacciatore with a side of crusty bread, polenta, or pasta to soak up the delicious sauce.
Equipment
- Deep Pan or Braiser with a Lid: A large, deep pan or braising pot with a lid is essential for cooking chicken cacciatore on the stovetop.
- Splatter Screen: Useful when browning chicken to minimize oil splatters.
- Slow Cooker (Crock-Pot): If you plan to use the slow cooker method for making chicken cacciatore.
