Hearty Chicken Cacciatore Italian Comfort Food Made Easy

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever crave that proper Italian comfort food? Honestly, sometimes I just do! This Chicken Cacciatore recipe delivers exactly that. It's packed with rustic flavors and is surprisingly easy to make.

Brief Overview

Cacciatore, meaning "hunter" in Italian, is a dish with humble origins. It is traditionally made with chicken or rabbit. Think slow-cooked goodness.

This easy chicken cacciatore recipe crockpot can be a good alternative to the original. This recipe is a medium difficulty.

It takes around 1 hour and 35 minutes to make. It will serve 6 people.

Main Benefits

This dish is great because it's relatively healthy and packed with protein. Think about serving this at a cozy family gathering.

What makes this authentic cacciatore recipe special? It's the perfect blend of simplicity and rich, savory flavors.

Ready to dig in?

Hearty Chicken Cacciatore Italian Comfort Food Made Easy Recipe Card

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Preparation time:20 Mins

Cooking time:01 Hrs 15 Mins

Servings:6 Servings

Ingredients:

• 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2.5 lbs / 1.1 kg)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (60g)
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped (about 1.5 cups)
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped (about 1 cup)
• 2 celery stalks, chopped (about 1 cup)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced (225g)
• 1 (28 ounce / 794g) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (14.5 ounce / 411g) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1/2 cup dry red wine (such as Chianti or Merlot)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• Fresh parsley, chopped (Optional)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (Optional)

Instructions:

• Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Dredge in flour, shaking off excess.
• Heat olive oil in the Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown chicken thighs in batches until golden brown on all sides. Remove chicken and set aside.
• Add onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
• Stir in garlic and mushrooms; cook for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant and mushrooms are tender.
• Add tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Deglaze the pot with red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
• Stir in crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), and chicken broth.
• Return chicken thighs to the pot, nestling them in the sauce. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour, or until chicken is tender and easily pulls away from the bone.
• Garnish with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese (if desired). Serve and enjoy these comforting cacciatore recipes!

Nutrition Facts

Calories:450

Fat:25g

Fiber:3g

Recipe Info

Category:Main Course

Cuisine:Italian

Let's Talk Ingredients for Italian Chicken Recipes

Okay, so you’re probably wondering what you'll need, right? Here's a rundown of the ingredients for our Chicken Cacciatore Easy . Don't worry; most of it's cupboard staples.

First, you'll need about 2.5 lbs of chicken thighs. Skin-on, bone-in gives best flavour. Then, some classic veggies like onions, carrots, and celery.

Don't forget garlic. Mushrooms add great earthy notes too. For the sauce, grab a can of crushed tomatoes and diced tomatoes.

A splash of dry red wine (like Chianti) is essential. Oregano and basil bring that authentic Italian taste. Oh, and some chicken broth to bring it all together.

A pinch of red pepper flakes? Absolutely, if you like a bit of heat!

A Cacciatore Sauce Recipe is only as good as it's ingredients! Trust me, the quality of your tomatoes makes a difference.

Equipment You Will Need

Nothing too fancy here! A large Dutch oven or a heavy-bottomed pot with a lid is key. You'll also need a cutting board, knife, measuring cups, and tongs. See? Simple.

Ingredients & Equipment For Cacciatore Recipes That Rock!

So, you fancy making some proper Chicken Cacciatore Recipe ? Ace! Let's get down to brass tacks and look at what you'll need.

Honestly, most of it's dead simple. I once tried a Rabbit Cacciatore Recipe years ago, but I prefer chicken. Just a personal thing, you know?

Main Ingredients For Authentic Cacciatore Recipe

Right, here's the shopping list. Don't worry, it's not too long. Make sure your stuff is good quality.

• Chicken Thighs: 6 bone-in, skin-on (around 2.5 lbs / 1.1 kg ). Get the best you can find. Happy chickens = tasty chickens, yeah?
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons . Extra virgin, obvs.
• Plain Flour: 1/2 cup (60g) . Just regular all-purpose flour does the trick.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste. Freshly ground pepper makes a world of difference, believe me.
• Yellow Onion: 1 large, chopped. About 1.5 cups .
• Carrots: 2 , peeled and chopped. Aim for around 1 cup .
• Celery: 2 stalks, chopped. Again, about 1 cup .
• Garlic: 4 cloves, minced. Don't be shy!
• Cremini Mushrooms: 8 oz (225g) , sliced. Chestnut mushrooms are grand too, or even just regular button ones if you're stuck.
• Crushed Tomatoes: 1 (28 ounce / 794g) can. Good quality makes a huge difference in this recipe.
• Diced Tomatoes: 1 (14.5 ounce / 411g) can, undrained.
• Dry Red Wine: 1/2 cup . A decent Chianti or Merlot works wonders.
• Tomato Paste: 1 tablespoon .
• Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon .
• Dried Basil: 1 teaspoon .
• Red Pepper Flakes: 1/2 teaspoon (optional). For a bit of a kick!
• Chicken Broth: 1 cup .

Essential Flavor Combinations For Cacciatore Sauce Recipe

The secret to amazing Italian Chicken Recipes lies in the herbs! The oregano and basil are essential. The red pepper flakes add a subtle warmth, but don't go overboard unless you want your mouth on fire.

Honestly, a pinch goes a long way. You can serve this with a Cacciatore with Polenta

Equipment Needed For Easy Chicken Cacciatore Recipe Crockpot

Don't need loads of fancy gear for these cacciatore recipes . It's all pretty basic.

• Dutch Oven or Heavy-Bottomed Pot with Lid: This is essential! You need something that can go from hob to oven.
• Cutting Board: For chopping all those lovely veggies.
• Chef's Knife: A good knife makes all the difference.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate measurements.
• Tongs: For turning the chicken.

That's it! Nothing too scary, eh? Now get out there and make some Easy Chicken Cacciatore Recipe ! You won't regret it, I promise.

It's so simple you can even make a Chicken Cacciatore Easy version!

Hearty Chicken Cacciatore: Italian Comfort Food Made Easy

Fancy a bit of Italy tonight, eh? This Chicken Cacciatore recipe is proper comforting. It's like a warm hug from your Nonna , even if you don't have a Nonna ! It's fairly medium difficulty, you know? It's more about the long simmer than any fancy cheffy skills.

Total time? About 1 hour 35 minutes and it feeds a whole family (6 servings).

Prep Steps: Essential Mise en Place

Alright, before we start, let's get our act together. Chop your 1 large yellow onion , peel and chop 2 carrots , chop 2 celery stalks , mince 4 cloves of garlic , and slice 8 oz of mushrooms .

Honestly, having everything prepped saves so much time. Season your 6 chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Get 1/2 cup of flour ready too in another bowl.

Don't go reaching for the emergency services now!

Step-by-Step: Easy Chicken Cacciatore Recipe Crockpot

1. Dredge the chicken: Coat each chicken thigh in flour, shaking off the extra.
2. Sear, baby, sear: Brown the chicken in a Dutch oven (or large pot) with 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Get it nice and golden! Remove the chicken and set aside.
3. Veggie time: Chuck in the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5- 7 minutes .
4. Garlic and mushrooms: Stir in the garlic and mushrooms and cook until they're fragrant, 2- 3 minutes .
5. Sauce it up: Add 1 tablespoon of tomato paste and cook for 1 minute . Pour in 1/2 cup of red wine (Chianti works a treat!) and scrape up all those yummy browned bits.
6. The Big Combine: Stir in 1 (28 ounce) can of crushed tomatoes , 1 (14.5 ounce) can of diced tomatoes , 1 teaspoon of dried oregano , 1 teaspoon of dried basil , and a pinch of red pepper flakes (if you're feeling brave!). Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth .
7. Braise Away: Nest the chicken back in the pot with the sauce. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 1 hour . It should be falling off the bone.

Pro Tips: Elevate Your Cacciatore

Don't overcrowd the pot when searing! Otherwise, the chicken won't get that lovely color. A classic newbie mistake. You want this Authentic Cacciatore Recipe to shine.

If you want a shortcut, this Easy Chicken Cacciatore Recipe Crockpot works a treat. Just chuck everything in, skip the searing, and cook on low for 6- 8 hours.

Honestly, cacciatore with polenta is the winner combination.

Leftovers are even better the next day!

Chicken Cacciatore Easy and delicious. I've even seen variations like Rabbit Cacciatore Recipe . You could even use the sauce in separate Cacciatore Sauce Recipe .

Give this One-Pot Chicken Cacciatore recipe a whirl. Honestly, you won't regret it.

Recipe Notes

Let's talk about making this Hearty Chicken Cacciatore your own! Honestly, these notes are where you can really shine and add your personal touch, you know? It's all about making it your version of Italian comfort food.

How to Serve This Delightful Dish?

Plating is everything, right? I like to serve my Chicken Cacciatore Easy in a shallow bowl, kinda rustic style. A sprinkle of fresh parsley is a must – it brightens everything up.

For sides, oh my gosh, creamy polenta is a dream! I have a friend that love to serve with cacio e pepe.

Mashed potatoes are also amazing. A simple green salad cuts through the richness. And a glass of Chianti? Perfetto!

Storage Tips and Tricks

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Refrigeration guidelines are simple: pop it in an airtight container and it'll keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days .

Freezing options ? Absolutely! Just let it cool completely, then freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months . For reheating instructions , either microwave it (easy peasy!) or gently warm it up on the stove.

I find the stovetop method keeps the chicken nice and moist.

Ways to Change Things Up

Want to play around with this Italian Chicken Recipes ? No probs! For a dietary adaptation , you could make it gluten-free by using gluten-free flour.

Or for a seasonal ingredient swap , try adding butternut squash in the autumn – it’s lush! Fancy a little spice? Add more red pepper flakes for a spicier cacciatore sauce recipe .

If you feel fancy you can even try to make Rabbit Cacciatore Recipe .

A Quick Look at Nutrition

Okay, let's keep this simple. This Easy Chicken Cacciatore Recipe Crockpot is packed with protein from the chicken. You also get vitamins and fibre from all those yummy veggies.

One serving has roughly 450 calories , and it's a good source of iron. Remember, this is just an estimate, based on the ingredients that I use at home to make the Authentic Cacciatore Recipe .

So there you have it! A few simple notes to help you nail this Chicken Cacciatore Recipe . Don't be afraid to experiment, have fun, and most importantly, enjoy! I cannot wait to hear what you do with yours!