Oh, Chicken Cacciatore! This delightful dish has a special place in my heart (and my belly!). I can still vividly recall the first time I had it – I was at a cozy little Italian restaurant with friends, and as soon as I took a bite, I was transported to a rustic kitchen in Tuscany. The flavors of juicy chicken simmering in a hearty sauce of tomatoes, onions, and peppers were just heavenly. Ever since then, I’ve been on a mission to recreate this comforting dish at home, and let me tell you, it’s been a delicious journey!
What I absolutely love about Chicken Cacciatore is how easy it is to make while still feeling like a dish fit for a celebration. The aroma that fills your kitchen while it simmers is simply irresistible, and trust me, your family and friends will come running! Plus, it’s perfect for cozy dinners or a weeknight meal that makes you feel like you’ve put in a little extra love.
What’s in Chicken Cacciatore?
Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that make this Italian classic sing!
Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs: These lovely pieces of chicken are juicy and flavorful, and the skin helps keep them moist during the cooking process. You can also use chicken breasts if you prefer, but don’t skip the skin for maximum flavor!
Salt and pepper: A little seasoning goes a long way in enhancing the natural flavors of the dish. I always recommend sea salt for that extra touch.
Olive oil: Essential for browning the chicken and sautéing the veggies! I usually go for a good quality extra virgin olive oil for its rich flavor.
Onion: A sweet, fragrant base for the dish. I love using yellow onion for its great balance of flavor.
Garlic: Because what’s cooking without garlic? It adds that beautiful aromatic essence that makes everything taste better.
Red and green bell peppers: These colorful beauties add sweetness and crunch. Feel free to mix in other colors if you like!
Canned diced tomatoes: The lifeblood of the sauce, making it rich and tangy. I lean towards San Marzano tomatoes for their sweetness.
Chicken broth: Adds depth and flavor to the sauce. Homemade is great if you have it, but store-bought works beautifully too.
Tomato paste: A concentrated burst of tomato flavor that thickens the sauce and adds richness.
Dried oregano and basil: These classic Italian herbs infuse the dish with that authentic taste. I often find myself adding a pinch more for good measure!
Red pepper flakes: If you like a bit of heat, this is your golden ticket! If you’re feeling brave, toss in a bit extra.
Fresh basil leaves: For garnishing and a burst of fresh flavor right before serving.
Fresh parsley: That final touch of green for garnish, and it looks oh-so-pretty!
Is Chicken Cacciatore Good for You?
Now, let’s chat about the health benefits! This dish is not just a comforting embrace for your soul; it’s also packed with nutrition.
Chicken thighs: They provide a great source of protein and iron, which are essential for building and repairing tissues. The skin brings in some additional fat, adding richness to the dish, but you can feel free to trim it if you’re looking for a lighter option.
Vegetables: With those bell peppers and onions, we’re squeezing in vitamins A and C, which are fantastic for immunity and skin health. And who doesn’t love getting extra veggies in their meals?
Canned tomatoes: They are rich in antioxidants like lycopene, known for its heart health benefits.
So, all in all, Chicken Cacciatore is a family-friendly option that brings together deliciousness and nutrition! Just keep an eye on portion sizes if you’re monitoring calorie intake.
Ingredients for Chicken Cacciatore
This recipe serves about 4 hungry people!
– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 pounds)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, chopped
– 1 green bell pepper, chopped
– 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)
– Fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
How to Make Chicken Cacciatore?
Ready to whip up this deliciousness? Let’s get cooking!
1. Start by seasoning the chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Don’t be shy; this is where the flavor begins!
2. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken thighs, skin-side down. Let them brown for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden and crispy. Once done, remove them from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, toss in the chopped onion and bell peppers. Sauté for about 5 minutes until they’re softened and the kitchen is starting to smell heavenly.
4. Add the minced garlic next and stir it around for another minute until fragrant. That’s when it gets real!
5. Now, add the diced tomatoes (with juices), chicken broth, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if you’re feeling spicy). Give it all a good stir to combine.
6. Nestle the browned chicken thighs back into the skillet, ensuring they’re snug in the sauce. Bring everything to a gentle simmer.
7. Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and let that magic happen for about 30-35 minutes. We want the chicken to be cooked through and tender!
8. Once done, take a taste of that sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if you think it needs it (you probably will!).
9. Serve your Chicken Cacciatore hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and parsley, if you like. And, oh my, it’s fabulous served with some crusty bread or over a bed of pasta or rice.
Perfect Serving Suggestions for Chicken Cacciatore
Here’s where you can get a tad adventurous! If you want to switch things up, consider serving your Chicken Cacciatore over creamy polenta for a comforting twist. Or how about spooning it onto a toasted baguette for a lovely appetizer?
And don’t even get me started on the leftovers! This dish tastes even better the next day, when all those flavors have had a chance to marry. Trust me, your lunchbox will be the envy of the office!
Now that I’ve rambled (ever so lovingly) about my Chicken Cacciatore recipe, I hope you’ll give it a try! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out. So, grab those ingredients and get ready for an aromatic, flavor-packed adventure in your kitchen. Happy cooking!
