Chicken Cacciatore

A rustic & hearty Chicken Cacciatore recipe! Tender italian chicken simmered in a rich tomato sauce with veggies. Easy comfort food! Try it now.

Recipe Introduction: Chicken Cacciatore

Fancy a taste of italy? ever wondered what a hunter would cook up after a long day? well, let me introduce you to chicken cacciatore , the classic " italian chicken " dish that brings rustic italian flavours right to your kitchen! it's surprisingly easy, and honestly, it's like a warm hug on a plate.

Hunter's Chicken 101: Quick Overview

Chicken cacciatore (meaning "hunter's chicken") hails from the italian countryside. think simple ingredients, bold flavours and a whole lot of heart.

This hearty stew is all about tender chicken simmered in a rich tomato sauce, brimming with mushrooms, peppers, and aromatic herbs.

It is considered one of the all recipes chicken spiedini that is a delicious alternative to the traditional chicken preparation.

The chicken cacciatore takes about an hour and a half from start to finish, and serves around 4 hungry people.

Why You'll Fall in Love With This Italian Chicken Recipe

Honestly, the best part? it's proper good for you! this italian chicken dish is packed with protein and vegetables, giving you a hearty and nutritious meal.

The tomatoes are full of vitamins. forget greasy takeaways, this is comfort food that actually makes you feel good. and honestly, it's perfect for a cozy sunday dinner or any chilly evening when you need a bit of sunshine in your life.

This cacciatore recipe, it is known as one of the best chicken grill recipes marinated . i make it every time that i want to prepare a delicious baked chicken recipes .

Trust me, this crispy italian dressing chicken skewers will impress even your pickiest eaters. this italian chicken is more than just a recipe; it's a tradition and a little taste of la dolce vita .

Gather Your Ingredients

Ready to cook a Italian Chicken Legs In The Oven ? Let's get our ingredients. We're gonna need some Italian Seasoning Chicken Recipes , bone-in chicken thighs, colourful bell peppers, earthy mushrooms, good-quality tomatoes, some dry red wine to give the dish a depth and warmth!

Alright, let's dive into what you'll need to whip up this amazing Italian chicken Cacciatore! Honestly, it's not as scary as it sounds. Trust me.

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Sorted

This section is all about making sure you've got everything you need. No surprises mid-cooking! I've tried to keep it simple, using stuff you probably already have.

Main Ingredients for That Ciao Bella Flavour

Okay, here's the lowdown on the ingredients. Accurate measurements are key.

• Chicken Time :
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs ( 700g / 1.5 lbs ). For real, go for the thighs. They're way more flavourful.
  • Quality check? The chicken should look pink and plump, not grey or slimy. Honestly, good quality chicken makes all the difference.
• Veggie Power :
  • 2 tbsp olive oil ( 30 ml )
  • 1 large onion, chopped ( 150g / 5 oz )
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced ( 6g / 0.2 oz ). Fresh garlic is a must.
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped ( 150g / 5 oz )
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped ( 150g / 5 oz )
  • 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced ( 225g / 8 oz ).
• Sauce Boss :
  • 1/2 cup dry red wine ( 120 ml ). Chianti or any dry red works!
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes ( 800g )
  • 1 can diced tomatoes ( 400g )
  • 1 tsp dried oregano ( 5ml )
  • 1 tsp dried basil ( 5ml )
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes ( 2.5ml ), if you like a kick.
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley ( 15g ), for garnish. Because, presentation.

Seasoning Notes: Making it Zing!

The right seasoning can make or break a dish.

• Oregano and basil are the soulmates of italian chicken . Don't skimp.
• Red pepper flakes? Totally optional. It's great for Crispy Italian Dressing Chicken Skewers too!
• No red wine? A splash of balsamic vinegar can work in a pinch. I've been there. Honestly, it's almost as good.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

You don't need a fancy kitchen for this italian chicken .

• A large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot is your best friend.
• A decent knife. Please, don't use a butter knife!
• Measuring cups and spoons. Eyeballing it works sometimes, but not always.
• Don't stress if you don't have a Dutch oven. A large pot with a lid will do just fine.

All recipes chicken spiedini is another fun recipe with similar simple equipment! some say that crispy chicken skewers are better grilled.

.. i would love to try some chicken on skewers kabob recipes marinated with italian seasoning chicken recipes and lemon! this italian chicken recipe is great with any allrecipes chicken spiedini

Now that we've got the ingredients and gear sorted, let's get cooking some italian chicken !

Alright, let's dive into making Chicken Cacciatore ! Honestly, this is like a hug in a bowl. It's rustic, proper Italian comfort food. You know, the kind Nonna used to make!

Get Ready, Get Set: Prep Like a Pro

First, let's do some mise en place . translation? get everything ready! chop those veggies. we need about 150g / 5 oz of chopped onion , 6g / 0.

2 oz of minced garlic , 150g / 5 oz each of red and yellow bell peppers , and 225g / 8 oz of sliced mushrooms .

Pat those 700g / 1.5 lbs chicken thighs dry. season them really well. salt and pepper are your best mates.

Time-saving tip? Chop your veggies while the pan heats up. It will save your sanity. If using Chicken Spiedini All Recipes , make sure they are thawed! Also: always wash your hands after handling raw chicken! That’s food safety 101, innit?

Cooking Method: Cacciatore Time!

Here’s the breakdown, step-by-step.

1. Brown the Chicken: Heat 30 ml olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear those thighs for 5- 7 minutes per side. Get them golden! Take 'em out the pan and set aside.
2. Sauté Vegetables: Chuck in your onions, garlic, and peppers. Cook for 5- 7 minutes . Add the mushrooms and cook for about 5 minutes , 'til they release moisture.
3. Deglaze the Pan: Pour in 120 ml dry red wine and scrape the bottom. Let it reduce for 2 minutes .
4. Add Tomatoes and Herbs: Stir in 800g crushed tomatoes , 400g diced tomatoes , 5ml oregano , 5ml basil , and 2.5ml red pepper flakes (if you like a kick!). Simmer this lovely mix.
5. Return the Chicken: Nestle the thighs back into the sauce, properly snug.
6. Simmer: Cover the pot, low heat. Simmer for 1 hour . The internal temp should be 74° C ( 165° F) .
7. Serve it up! Garnish with 15g fresh parsley .

Italian Chicken : Pro Tips

Want to take your italian chicken game up a notch? Listen up!

• Don't rush the browning. A good sear equals maximum flavour, I promise.
• Taste as you go! Seasoning is personal. Add more salt, pepper, or herbs if needed. Some people like Italian Seasoning Chicken Recipes !
• Make ahead? Absolutely! This actually tastes better the next day, you know. The flavours meld together.

Chicken Grill Recipes Marinated are also good, but nothing beats the simplicity of chicken cacciatore!

Alright, let's dive into some extra bits and bobs for this Italian chicken Cacciatore! These Recipe Notes will really help you nail it.

Serving this Bad Boy!

Plating Like a Pro

Presentation matters, right? honestly, even chucking it in a bowl tastes amazing, but a little effort goes a long way.

Think rustic. a swirl of creamy polenta on the plate. ladle the chicken and sauce right on top. sprinkle with fresh parsley.

Bam! restaurant-worthy.

Sides and Sips

This italian chicken is great with creamy polenta. mashed potatoes work too. and don't forget some crusty bread. a simple green salad balances things out.

As for drinks, an italian red wine is spot on. or a sparkling water with lemon.

Savin' it for Later

Storage Savvy

Leftovers? Winner! Pop any leftover Chicken Cacciatore in an airtight container. Fridge is your best bet. It'll keep for up to 3 days.

Freeze Frame

Yes, you can freeze this! Let it cool completely first. Then, portion it out into freezer-safe bags or containers. It'll last for up to 3 months. Defrost fully before reheating.

Reheat to Eat

Reheating is easy. Gently warm it up on the hob. Or microwave it. Stir occasionally. Ensure it's piping hot before you tuck in.

Remix Time!

Dietary Tweaks

Going low-carb? Serve this over cauliflower mash. Ditching dairy? Skip the creamy polenta. Use olive oil for extra richness instead.

Seasonal Swaps

Seasonal veggies? Absolutely! In autumn, try adding some roasted squash. In summer, courgettes are amazing. Fresh basil is a must! Think summer.

Nutrition Lowdown

Basics

This Italian Chicken is packed with protein. It's got good carbs from the veggies. Watch the sodium if you're being careful. All about balance, innit?

Health Perks

The tomatoes are a good source of lycopene. Hello antioxidants! The chicken gives you a protein punch. This Cacciatore fuels you up and tastes great. Win-win, yeah?

Right then, that's your lot. these tips should sort you right out. whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen newbie, have a go at this italian chicken .

Don't be shy. it's easier than you think. you got this, mate! now get cooking! and hey, check out some other amazing " chicken grill recipes marinated " or maybe some " crispy italian dressing chicken skewers " if you want to shake things up next time! good luck trying this " italian style baked chicken "!

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is Chicken Cacciatore? Is it really hard to make?

Chicken Cacciatore, or "hunter's chicken," is a rustic Italian dish where chicken is braised in a rich tomato sauce with veggies like mushrooms, peppers, and onions. Don't let the fancy name fool you; it's easier than baking a soufflé! It mainly involves simmering, so you can relax with a cuppa while it cooks.

Can I make this Italian chicken ahead of time? Does it freeze well?

Absolutely! In fact, the flavours often meld together even better if made a day or two in advance – think of it as aging like a fine cheddar. For freezing, let it cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the hob or in the microwave.

I'm not a big fan of mushrooms; can I leave them out of the Chicken Cacciatore?

Of course! This recipe is very adaptable. If mushrooms aren't your cup of tea, feel free to omit them. You could easily add more bell peppers, zucchini, or even some eggplant instead. Think of it as a "choose your own adventure" dinner!

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this Italian chicken recipe?

You can, but chicken thighs are generally more forgiving and stay juicier during the long simmering process. If you opt for chicken breasts, reduce the simmering time to about 30-40 minutes to prevent them from drying out. Nobody wants chicken drier than a biscuit!

Is there anything I can serve this Chicken Cacciatore with?

Definitely! This dish is fantastic served over creamy polenta, mashed potatoes, or your favourite pasta. A side of crusty bread is also a must-have for soaking up all that delicious sauce! And if you're feeling fancy, a simple green salad and a glass of Italian red wine will complete the meal.

I’m watching my salt intake, does the Italian Chicken Cacciatore have a lot of sodium?

The sodium content can vary depending on the canned tomatoes and how much salt you add during cooking. Look for low-sodium canned tomatoes to cut back and always taste as you go, adding salt sparingly. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away! Consider using fresh herbs to boost the flavour without the sodium.

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