Chicken Cacciatore with Rice

Chicken Cacciatore with Rice Recipe | Ingredients and Origin

Region / culture: Italy, USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 50 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Chicken Cacciatore is a classic Italian dish that translates to "hunter's chicken." This hearty and flavorful dish is made with chicken, tomatoes, peppers, onions, and a variety of herbs and spices. It is typically served over a bed of rice or pasta, making it a satisfying and delicious meal.

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, peppers, and other vegetables. Today, Chicken Cacciatore is a popular dish enjoyed by people all over the world.

Ingredients

2.5 to 3 lb (1.36 kg) frying chicken, cut up
3 tbsp flour
0.5 tsp salt
0.25 tsp ground black pepper
2 tbsp olive or vegetable oil
0.25 cup chopped onion
1 small clove garlic
1 x 14.5- to 16 oz (454 g) can peeled whole tomatoes, chopped
1 small bay leaf
2 whole cloves
1.5 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1 small green pepper, cut into thin strips
0.33 cup dry white wine
3 cup hot cooked rice

How to prepare

Mix flour, salt, and black pepper. Roll chicken in the flour mixture.
Cook the chicken in oil in a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat, turning often, until all sides are browned. Remove from the pan and keep warm.
Cook the onion and garlic in the same skillet until the onion is lightly browned. Remove the garlic.
Add tomatoes, bay leaf, cloves, and parsley. Stir well.
Return the chicken to the skillet. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 45 minutes.
Stir in the green pepper and wine. Cover and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
Remove the bay leaf and cloves.
Serve over hot rice.

Variations

You can add mushrooms, olives, or capers to the sauce for extra flavor.
For a lighter version, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of chicken pieces with skin.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to brown the chicken before adding it to the sauce. This will help seal in the juices and keep the chicken moist and flavorful.

- Use a heavy skillet to cook the chicken, as it will distribute heat evenly and prevent burning.

- Don't skip the wine in this recipe, as it adds depth of flavor to the dish. If you prefer not to use alcohol, you can substitute chicken broth instead.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken Cacciatore with Rice is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a side salad or crusty bread to round out the meal.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the chicken before adding it to the sauce helps to develop flavor and create a rich, savory dish.

- Simmering the chicken in the sauce allows the flavors to meld together and creates a tender and juicy chicken.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks instead of a whole chicken cut into pieces.

- If you don't have fresh parsley, you can use dried parsley instead.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce and add the chicken to finish cooking.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Chicken Cacciatore with Rice in a large serving dish, garnished with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese. - You can also serve it in individual bowls for a more elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Chicken Cacciatore with Rice pairs well with a light and fruity red wine, such as a Chianti or Pinot Noir.

- For a non-alcoholic option, you can serve it with sparkling water or a fruity iced tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

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

- To reheat, place the chicken and sauce in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through. Serve over hot rice.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Chicken Cacciatore with Rice contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Chicken Cacciatore with Rice contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Chicken Cacciatore with Rice contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Chicken Cacciatore with Rice contains approximately 30 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Chicken Cacciatore is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten from the flour used to coat the chicken. It may also contain sulfites from the wine.

Summary

Chicken Cacciatore with Rice is a 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 dinner.

Summary

Chicken Cacciatore with Rice is a comforting and flavorful dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. With a rich tomato sauce, tender chicken, and aromatic herbs and spices, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear recollection of the first time I saw the recipe for Chicken Cacciatore with Rice. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her cozy kitchen. As soon as I walked in, I was greeted by the delicious aroma of tomatoes, garlic, and herbs simmering on the stove.

Maria was standing at the stove, stirring a large pot filled with chicken pieces, onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms. The vibrant colors and rich flavors captivated me immediately. I couldn't help but ask her what she was making.

With a twinkle in her eye, Maria smiled and said, "Chicken Cacciatore with Rice, a family recipe passed down through generations. Would you like to learn how to make it?"

I eagerly nodded, and Maria proceeded to guide me through the process of cooking this traditional Italian dish. She explained that "cacciatore" means "hunter" in Italian, and this dish was traditionally made with whatever ingredients hunters could find in the forest.

As we cooked together, Maria shared stories of her grandmother teaching her how to make this dish when she was just a young girl. She reminisced about the laughter, the love, and the bond that cooking together had created in her family.

I listened intently, absorbing every detail of the recipe and the memories that came with it. I felt a deep connection to the dish and knew that I wanted to carry on this tradition in my own family.

After hours of simmering and stirring, the Chicken Cacciatore was finally ready. Maria served it over a bed of fluffy white rice, and we sat down to enjoy the fruits of our labor. The tender chicken, the savory sauce, and the aromatic herbs danced on my taste buds, creating a symphony of flavors that left me craving more.

As I savored each bite, I felt a sense of fulfillment and contentment wash over me. I knew that I had found a new favorite recipe, one that would become a staple in my own kitchen for years to come.

From that day on, I made Chicken Cacciatore with Rice regularly for my family and friends. Each time I cooked it, I remembered Maria's warm smile, her gentle guidance, and the stories she had shared with me in her kitchen.

Over the years, I added my own twist to the recipe, incorporating different herbs, spices, and vegetables to make it my own. But the heart and soul of the dish remained the same, a reminder of the cherished memories and traditions that had been passed down to me.

Today, whenever I make Chicken Cacciatore with Rice, I feel a deep sense of gratitude for Maria and the gift she had given me that summer day. Cooking this dish fills my heart with joy and nostalgia, connecting me to my roots and the strong women who came before me.

And as I watch my own grandchildren gather around the dinner table, eagerly digging into their plates of Chicken Cacciatore with Rice, I know that this recipe will continue to be a beloved part of our family for generations to come. I am grateful for the bond it has created, the stories it has preserved, and the love it has nourished in our hearts.