Chicken Cacciatore I

Chicken Cacciatore I Recipe from Italy - Ingredients: Chicken Breasts, Tomatoes, Garlic, and More

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 7-9 hours | Servings: 4-6

Introduction

Chicken Cacciatore is a classic Italian dish that translates to "hunter's chicken" in English. This hearty and flavorful dish is made with chicken, tomatoes, peppers, onions, and a variety of herbs and spices. It is a comforting and satisfying meal that is perfect for a cozy night in.

History

Chicken Cacciatore has its origins in Italy, where it was traditionally made with wild game that hunters would catch while out in the field. Over time, the recipe evolved to include chicken as the main protein, along with tomatoes and other vegetables. Today, Chicken Cacciatore is a popular dish enjoyed by people all over the world.

Ingredients

3 chicken breasts, skinned
1 tsp salt
dash of pepper
1 tbsp dried onion flakes
1 green pepper, seeded
1 clove of garlic, minced
1 can of whole tomatoes (15 oz (425 g))
1 can of sliced mushrooms (4 oz (113 g))
2 tsp tomato paste
1 bay leaf
0.25 tsp thyme
2 tbsp minced pimento

How to prepare

Halve the chicken breasts.
Chop the pepper.
Wash the ingredients well, and pat them dry.
Combine the ingredients in a crockpot.
Add the chicken pieces, pushing them down into the liquid to thoroughly moisten and coat them.
Cover and cook on the low setting for 7 to 9 hours.

Variations

Add olives or capers for a briny twist.
Use bone-in chicken pieces for a richer flavor.
Substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts for a more tender dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

For extra flavor, brown the chicken before adding it to the crockpot.

- Use fresh herbs for a more vibrant taste, if available.

- Adjust the seasonings to suit your personal preferences.

- Serve the Chicken Cacciatore over pasta or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Chicken Cacciatore over cooked pasta or with a side of crusty bread.

- Garnish with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Slow cooking in a crockpot allows the flavors to meld together and the chicken to become tender and juicy.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use fresh tomatoes instead of canned for a brighter taste.

- Substitute fresh mushrooms for canned if desired.

- Use red bell peppers instead of green for a sweeter flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the ingredients the night before and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Chicken Cacciatore in a shallow bowl with a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top. - Arrange the chicken pieces on a platter and spoon the sauce over the top for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Chicken Cacciatore with a light salad and a glass of red wine for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

220 per serving

Carbohydrates

12g per serving

Fats

6g per serving

Proteins

25g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Chicken Cacciatore is a good source of Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and Iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten from the tomato paste.

Summary

Chicken Cacciatore is a well-balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious choice for a family dinner.

Summary

Chicken Cacciatore is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in. With its rich flavors and tender chicken, it is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy this classic Italian dish with your loved ones today!

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for Chicken Cacciatore. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Maria in her cozy little kitchen. Maria was a fantastic cook, and she had learned the recipe from her own grandmother, who hailed from the Italian countryside.

As soon as I walked into Maria's kitchen, I was greeted by the most mouth-watering aroma. The rich scent of tomatoes, garlic, and herbs filled the air, and I knew that I was in for a treat. Maria had a large pot bubbling away on the stove, and she was busy chopping vegetables and browning chicken in a skillet.

I watched in awe as Maria worked her magic, effortlessly adding ingredients and adjusting seasonings with a practiced hand. She explained each step to me in detail, sharing the history behind the dish and the traditions that surrounded it.

According to Maria, Chicken Cacciatore was a rustic Italian dish that dated back to the days when hunters would return from the woods with fresh game. They would cook the meat with tomatoes, herbs, and vegetables, creating a hearty and flavorful stew that was perfect for warming up on chilly evenings.

As Maria stirred the pot and added a splash of red wine, she told me about her own memories of eating Chicken Cacciatore with her family on special occasions. She spoke of lazy Sunday afternoons spent around the dinner table, savoring each bite and enjoying the company of loved ones.

I was captivated by Maria's storytelling and the way she infused her cooking with so much love and tradition. I knew that I had to learn how to make Chicken Cacciatore for myself, so I asked her to teach me the recipe.

Maria smiled warmly and handed me a pen and paper. "Write this down," she said, as she dictated the ingredients and instructions to me. I scribbled furiously, trying to capture every detail and nuance of the recipe.

Once we had finished cooking, Maria served up steaming bowls of Chicken Cacciatore over a bed of creamy polenta. The flavors were bold and robust, with the tender chicken soaking up the savory sauce like a sponge. I closed my eyes and savored each bite, transported to a place of comfort and warmth.

From that day on, Chicken Cacciatore became a staple in my own kitchen. I would make it for family gatherings, potluck dinners, and cozy nights at home. Each time I prepared the dish, I would think of Maria and the special bond that we shared over our love of food and tradition.

Years passed, and I continued to perfect my recipe for Chicken Cacciatore, adding my own twists and touches along the way. I experimented with different herbs and spices, swapped out ingredients for seasonal variations, and even tried my hand at making homemade pasta to accompany the stew.

Through it all, I never forgot the lessons I had learned from Maria that day in her kitchen. Cooking was more than just following a recipe – it was a way to connect with my roots, honor my heritage, and create lasting memories with those I loved.

Now, as I sit in my own kitchen, stirring a pot of bubbling Chicken Cacciatore, I can't help but smile. The scent of tomatoes, garlic, and herbs fills the air, bringing back a flood of memories and emotions. And as I take a taste of the stew, I am reminded once again of the power of food to nourish not just our bodies, but our souls as well.