Chicken cacciatore is a classic Italian dish that is easy to make and packed with flavor. The name of the dish translates to “hunter-style”, and it is traditionally made with chicken, tomatoes, herbs, and vegetables. It is a hearty, comforting meal that is great for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
The ingredients for chicken cacciatore are simple and readily available. You will need one whole chicken, cut into pieces, or four to six chicken thighs or breasts. You will also need one onion, two cloves of garlic, one can of diced tomatoes, mushrooms, bell peppers, and other vegetables of your choice. A few tablespoons of olive oil, some herbs, such as oregano, rosemary, and basil, as well as salt and pepper, will be needed to season the dish.
Preparing the Chicken
Before you begin cooking, the chicken needs to be prepared. Start by seasoning the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat a few tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces to the pan and cook until they are browned, about four minutes per side. Once they are cooked, remove them from the pan and set aside.
Making the Sauce
In the same pan, add the onion, garlic, mushrooms, and bell peppers. Cook for about five minutes, stirring occasionally. Then, add the can of diced tomatoes, along with the herbs, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together, cover the pan, and let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes.
Putting it all Together
Once the sauce is done, add the chicken back to the pan. Cover the pan and let the chicken and sauce simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is thick and flavorful. If you want, you can add a few tablespoons of red wine to the sauce before adding the chicken.
Serving the Chicken Cacciatore
Once the chicken cacciatore is finished, you can serve it with some crusty bread, a side of steamed vegetables, or a green salad. You can also serve it over some cooked pasta or rice. Chicken cacciatore is a great meal to make ahead of time, as it tastes even better when it has had time to sit and the flavors to develop.
Conclusion
Chicken cacciatore is a classic Italian dish that is easy to make and full of flavor. It is a hearty, comforting meal that is great for family dinners or special occasions. With some simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can make a delicious chicken cacciatore that everyone will love.