Perfect Chicken Cacciatore
Authentic Italian Perfect Chicken Cacciatore Recipe
Introduction
Chicken Cacciatore is a classic Italian dish that translates to "hunter's chicken." This hearty and flavorful dish is made with chicken simmered in a rich tomato sauce with vegetables and herbs. It is a comforting and satisfying meal that is perfect for a cozy dinner at home.
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, onions, peppers, and herbs. Today, Chicken Cacciatore is a popular dish enjoyed by many around the world.
Ingredients
- 16 oz (454 g) of crushed Italian plum tomatoes
- 0.33 cup of dry white wine
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 small green pepper, seeded and chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 bay leaf
- 0.5 tsp of crushed fennel seeds
- 1 tsp of dried oregano, crushed
- 0.5 tsp of ground coriander
- 0.25 tsp of ground cinnamon
- 0.5 tsp of crushed red pepper
- 2 lb (907 g) of broiler chicken, cut into serving pieces with skin and fat removed or 2 whole chicken breasts halved, with skin and fat removed
- juice of 0.5 lemon
- 1 tsp of salt-free vegetable seasoning
How to prepare
- Place tomatoes in a small saucepan.
- Add all remaining ingredients except chicken, lemon juice, and vegetable seasoning.
- Cover and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Season the chicken with lemon juice and vegetable seasoning, then broil on both sides until lightly browned.
- Arrange the chicken pieces in a baking dish sprayed with nonstick cooking spray.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken.
- Cover and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 45 minutes, or until tender.
- Remove the bay leaf.
- Serving suggestions: serve with spaghetti and steamed vegetables such as zucchini, green beans, or peas and carrots.
Variations
- You can add olives, mushrooms, or capers to the sauce for extra flavor.
- For a lighter version, you can use skinless chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs.
- You can also make a vegetarian version of this dish by using tofu or seitan in place of the chicken.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
To add extra flavor to the dish, try marinating the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and herbs before cooking.
- For a thicker sauce, you can add a tablespoon of tomato paste to the sauce mixture.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, you can increase the amount of crushed red pepper in the recipe.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Chicken Cacciatore with spaghetti and steamed vegetables such as zucchini, green beans, or peas and carrots for a complete and satisfying meal.
Cooking Techniques
Simmering the sauce allows the flavors to meld together and creates a rich and flavorful dish.
- Broiling the chicken before baking helps to brown the chicken and add extra flavor to the dish.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don't have crushed Italian plum tomatoes, you can use diced tomatoes instead.
- You can use red or yellow peppers in place of green peppers for a different flavor profile.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking with the chicken.
Presentation Ideas
Serve Chicken Cacciatore in a shallow bowl with a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top for a beautiful presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
Pair Chicken Cacciatore with a glass of red wine such as Chianti or Sangiovese for a classic Italian meal.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat the dish in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
300 per serving
Carbohydrates
- Total Carbohydrates: 12g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 6g
Fats
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
Proteins
- Protein: 30g
Vitamins and minerals
Vitamin A: 15% DV
- Vitamin C: 40% DV
- Calcium: 6% DV
- Iron: 15% DV
Alergens
Contains: None
Summary
Chicken Cacciatore is a well-balanced meal that is rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals. It is a nutritious dish that can be enjoyed as part of a healthy diet.
Summary
Chicken Cacciatore is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy dinner at home. With its rich tomato sauce and tender chicken, it is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy this classic Italian dish with pasta and vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
How did I get this recipe?
The first time I saw this recipe, I knew it was something I had to try. It was a rainy Sunday afternoon, and I was flipping through an old cookbook that belonged to my mother. As I turned the pages, a picture of a steaming plate of Chicken Cacciatore caught my eye. The vibrant colors of the peppers and tomatoes, the tender pieces of chicken nestled in a rich sauce - it all looked so inviting.
I had never heard of Chicken Cacciatore before, but I was intrigued. The recipe seemed simple enough, with ingredients that were readily available in my pantry. I decided then and there that I would make it for dinner that evening.
As I gathered the ingredients and started cooking, the familiar scents of garlic, onions, and herbs filled my kitchen. I could already tell that this dish was going to be something special. The chicken simmered in the sauce, soaking up all the flavors of the vegetables and herbs. I couldn't wait to taste it.
When it was finally time to eat, I served the Chicken Cacciatore over a bed of fluffy white rice. The first bite was pure bliss - the tender chicken, the rich tomato sauce, the burst of flavor from the bell peppers and mushrooms. It was like nothing I had ever tasted before.
From that moment on, Chicken Cacciatore became a staple in my cooking repertoire. I made it for family gatherings, dinner parties, and even just for myself on quiet evenings at home. It was always a hit, and I loved seeing the smiles on people's faces as they savored each bite.
Over the years, I learned to adapt the recipe to suit my own tastes. I added a splash of red wine for depth of flavor, a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat, and a handful of fresh herbs for a burst of freshness. Each tweak only made the dish better, and soon, my version of Chicken Cacciatore became legendary among my friends and family.
But it wasn't just the taste of the dish that made it special to me. It was the memories that it brought back - memories of rainy Sunday afternoons spent in the kitchen, of laughter and love shared around the dinner table, of moments that would stay with me forever.
I often wonder where the recipe for Chicken Cacciatore came from. Perhaps it was passed down through generations of Italian cooks, each one adding their own touch to make it truly their own. Or maybe it was created by a home cook looking to make a simple and satisfying meal for their family.
Wherever it came from, I am grateful for it. It has brought me joy, comfort, and a sense of connection to the past. And as I sit here, stirring a pot of bubbling Chicken Cacciatore on a rainy Sunday afternoon, I can't help but feel thankful for the simple pleasure of good food and good company.
Categories
| Casserole Recipes | Chicken Recipes | Fennel Seed Recipes | Green Bell Pepper Recipes | Italian Recipes | Lemon Juice Recipes | Low-calorie Recipes | Onion Recipes | Oregano Recipes | Plum Tomato Recipes | White Wine Recipes |