Chicken Cacciatore II

Chicken Cacciatore II Recipe - Italian Dish with Mushrooms and Tomato Sauce

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Chicken Cacciatore II is a classic Italian dish that is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a cozy family dinner. This recipe features tender chicken breasts simmered in a rich tomato sauce with mushrooms and aromatic herbs. Serve it over a bed of fluffy rice for a satisfying meal that will warm you up from the inside out.

History

Chicken Cacciatore, or "hunter-style chicken," is a traditional Italian dish that dates back to the Renaissance period. Originally, it was made with game birds such as pheasant or rabbit, cooked in a tomato-based sauce with onions, herbs, and sometimes wine. Over time, chicken became a more common protein used in the dish, and variations of the recipe emerged in different regions of Italy.

Ingredients

1 cup sliced mushrooms
1 cup tomato sauce
1 x 16 oz (454 g) can whole plum tomatoes
0.5 cup white wine (or cooking wine)
0.25 tsp basil
0.25 tsp oregano
1 bay leaf
2 tsp minced garlic
1 chopped onion
4 half chicken breasts, skinned, boned
2 tbsp fat-free chicken broth

How to prepare

Heat the liquid chicken broth in a non-stick skillet and brown the chicken, onion, and garlic.
Add all the other ingredients except mushrooms.
Bring it to a boil, then cover and simmer for about 30 minutes.
Add the mushrooms and cook for 10 minutes more.
Remove the chicken from the pan and boil down the sauce until slightly thickened.
Serve it over cooked rice.

Variations

Substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts for a richer flavor.
Add olives, capers, or bell peppers for a Mediterranean twist.
Use red wine instead of white wine for a deeper flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure the chicken breasts cook evenly, make sure they are of similar thickness.

- Browning the chicken before simmering it in the sauce adds depth of flavor.

- Use a non-stick skillet to prevent the chicken from sticking to the pan.

- Adjust the seasoning to your taste preferences by adding more herbs or spices.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Chicken Cacciatore II over cooked rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal. Garnish with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the chicken before simmering it in the sauce helps to seal in the juices and enhance the flavor.

- Simmering the sauce slowly allows the flavors to meld together and creates a rich, savory dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use canned diced tomatoes instead of whole plum tomatoes.

- Substitute chicken stock for chicken broth.

- Use dried herbs instead of fresh herbs, adjusting the quantities to taste.

Make Ahead Tips

Chicken Cacciatore II can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Chicken Cacciatore II in a shallow bowl with a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top. Pair it with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Chicken Cacciatore II with a light red wine such as Chianti or Pinot Noir. Serve it with a side of garlic bread or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Chicken Cacciatore II in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in a skillet over low heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 250

Carbohydrates

Total Carbohydrates: 15g

Dietary Fiber: 3g

Sugars: 8g

Fats

Total Fat: 6g

Saturated Fat: 2g

Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

Protein: 25g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 15% DV

Vitamin C: 20% DV

Calcium: 6% DV

Iron: 10% DV

Alergens

Contains: None

Summary

This Chicken Cacciatore II recipe is a balanced meal that provides a good source of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. It is relatively low in calories and free from common allergens.

Summary

Chicken Cacciatore II is a comforting and flavorful dish that is perfect for a family dinner or special occasion. With tender chicken breasts simmered in a rich tomato sauce with mushrooms and herbs, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Serve it over rice or pasta for a satisfying meal that will warm you up from the inside out.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew it was something I had to make. It was a cold winter day and I was browsing through an old cookbook that belonged to my mother. As I flipped through the pages, a picture of Chicken Cacciatore II caught my eye. The vibrant red sauce, the tender chicken, and the colorful vegetables all looked so inviting. I knew right then and there that I had to try my hand at making this dish.

I had never made Chicken Cacciatore before, but I was determined to give it a shot. I gathered all the ingredients I needed and set to work in the kitchen. As I chopped the onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms, the aroma of the vegetables filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation. I browned the chicken in a hot skillet, then added the vegetables and let them cook until they were soft and fragrant.

Next, I poured in the tomatoes, tomato paste, and seasonings, letting the flavors meld together as the sauce simmered on the stove. The smell was heavenly, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished dish. I served the Chicken Cacciatore over a bed of fluffy rice, garnished with fresh parsley, and took my first bite. It was everything I had hoped for and more – savory, hearty, and comforting.

I couldn't believe how easy it was to make such a delicious meal. From that day on, Chicken Cacciatore II became a staple in my cooking repertoire. Whenever I had guests over for dinner, this was the dish I would prepare. It never failed to impress, and I loved watching the smiles on their faces as they savored each bite.

Over the years, I made a few tweaks to the original recipe, adding my own touch here and there. I experimented with different herbs and spices, adjusting the cooking time and temperature to achieve the perfect balance of flavors. Each time I made Chicken Cacciatore II, it was a little bit different, but always just as delicious.

One day, while visiting a friend in Italy, I had the opportunity to taste a truly authentic version of Chicken Cacciatore. My friend's mother, a wonderful cook, invited me into her kitchen and showed me how she made this classic dish. I watched in awe as she effortlessly chopped, stirred, and simmered, creating a masterpiece that was pure perfection.

I asked her for her secret to making the best Chicken Cacciatore, and she smiled and said, "It's all about using fresh, high-quality ingredients and cooking with love." Her words resonated with me, and I made a mental note to always put my heart and soul into every dish I made.

When I returned home, I incorporated some of the techniques I had learned in Italy into my own version of Chicken Cacciatore II. I started using San Marzano tomatoes, imported olive oil, and fresh herbs from my garden. I took my time in the kitchen, savoring each step of the cooking process, and letting the flavors develop naturally.

As the years went by, I continued to make Chicken Cacciatore II for my family and friends, passing down the recipe to future generations. It became a tradition in our household, a dish that was enjoyed on special occasions and holidays. I loved sharing my culinary creations with my loved ones, knowing that each bite brought joy and satisfaction to their hearts.

Today, as I sit in my cozy kitchen, flipping through the pages of that old cookbook that started it all, I can't help but smile. The journey I have taken with Chicken Cacciatore II has been a delicious and rewarding one, filled with memories of laughter, love, and good food. And as I prepare to make this beloved dish once again, I know that it will always hold a special place in my heart – a reminder of the joy that comes from sharing a meal made with passion and care.