Chicken cacciatore is a classic Italian dish that combines tender chicken thighs with a rich and flavorful tomato sauce. This hearty meal is perfect for a cozy dinner and can be served with a variety of sides such as pasta, rice, or crusty bread. The combination of aromatic herbs and vegetables makes this dish both comforting and delicious.
Most of the ingredients in this recipe are common pantry staples, but you might need to pick up a few items if you don't already have them. Make sure you have bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for the best flavor and texture. Additionally, dried oregano and dried basil are essential for achieving the authentic Italian taste. If you don't have these herbs at home, they can be easily found in the spice aisle of your local supermarket.
Ingredients For Chicken Cacciatore Recipe
Chicken thighs: Bone-in and skin-on for maximum flavor and tenderness.
Onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.
Bell pepper: Provides a subtle sweetness and vibrant color.
Garlic: Enhances the overall flavor with its aromatic qualities.
Tomato sauce: Forms the base of the rich and savory sauce.
Chicken broth: Adds depth and richness to the sauce.
Oregano: A key herb that brings an earthy and slightly bitter flavor.
Basil: Adds a sweet and aromatic touch to the dish.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dish.
Pepper: Adds a bit of heat and balances the flavors.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When browning the chicken thighs, make sure not to overcrowd the skillet. Overcrowding can cause the chicken to steam rather than brown, which will affect the overall flavor and texture of your Chicken Cacciatore. If necessary, brown the chicken in batches to ensure each piece gets a nice, golden crust.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
chicken thighs - Substitute with chicken drumsticks: Chicken drumsticks have a similar flavor and texture, making them a good alternative.
chicken thighs - Substitute with boneless, skinless chicken breasts: For a leaner option, chicken breasts can be used, though they may be less juicy.
sliced onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a milder, sweeter flavor that can complement the dish well.
sliced onion - Substitute with leeks: Leeks offer a subtle onion flavor and can add a different texture to the dish.
sliced bell pepper - Substitute with poblano peppers: Poblano peppers add a mild heat and a slightly different flavor profile.
sliced bell pepper - Substitute with zucchini: Zucchini can provide a similar texture and a mild flavor that works well in the dish.
minced garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used in a pinch, though fresh garlic is more flavorful.
minced garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can add a mild garlic-like flavor along with a hint of sweetness.
tomato sauce - Substitute with crushed tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes can provide a similar consistency and flavor.
tomato sauce - Substitute with marinara sauce: Marinara sauce can add a bit more seasoning and depth of flavor.
chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian option while maintaining a rich flavor.
chicken broth - Substitute with beef broth: Beef broth can add a deeper, more robust flavor to the dish.
dried oregano - Substitute with fresh oregano: Fresh oregano can provide a more vibrant and aromatic flavor.
dried oregano - Substitute with dried thyme: Dried thyme can offer a slightly different but complementary herbal note.
dried basil - Substitute with fresh basil: Fresh basil can add a more intense and aromatic flavor.
dried basil - Substitute with dried parsley: Dried parsley can provide a mild herbal flavor that complements the dish.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add saltiness along with a depth of umami flavor.
pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper can add a bit of heat along with the peppery flavor.
Other Alternative Recipes
How to Store / Freeze This Dish
Allow the chicken cacciatore to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can lead to sogginess and spoilage.
Transfer the cooled chicken and sauce into an airtight container. Make sure to use a container that seals well to keep the flavors intact and prevent any unwanted odors from seeping in.
If you plan to consume the leftovers within a few days, store the container in the refrigerator. The chicken cacciatore will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
For longer storage, consider freezing the dish. Place the chicken cacciatore in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags. Be sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
Label the container or bag with the date so you can keep track of how long it has been stored. Frozen chicken cacciatore can last up to 3 months without losing its delicious flavor and texture.
When you're ready to enjoy your stored chicken cacciatore, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. This slow thawing process helps maintain the dish's integrity.
Reheat the chicken cacciatore in a skillet over medium heat until it is thoroughly warmed. You can also use a microwave, but be sure to stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
If the sauce has thickened too much during storage, add a splash of chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency. Stir well to combine.
Serve the reheated chicken cacciatore with your favorite side dish, such as pasta, rice, or crusty bread, and enjoy the comforting flavors once again.
How to Reheat Leftovers
For the stovetop method:
- Place the leftover chicken cacciatore in a skillet.
- Add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it moist.
- Cover the skillet and heat over medium-low heat.
- Stir occasionally until the chicken is heated through, about 10-15 minutes.
For the oven method:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Transfer the chicken cacciatore to an oven-safe dish.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
- Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly heated.
For the microwave method:
- Place the chicken cacciatore in a microwave-safe dish.
- Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent.
- Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes.
- Stir and check the temperature, then continue heating in 1-minute intervals until hot.
For the slow cooker method:
- Transfer the chicken cacciatore to the slow cooker.
- Add a small amount of chicken broth or water.
- Cover and set the slow cooker to low.
- Heat for 1-2 hours, or until the chicken is warmed through.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Skillet: A large, heavy-bottomed skillet is essential for browning the chicken and cooking the vegetables evenly.
Tongs: Useful for turning and removing the chicken thighs from the skillet without piercing the meat.
Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for slicing the onion and bell pepper, and for mincing the garlic.
Chef's knife: A sharp knife is necessary for efficiently slicing the vegetables and mincing the garlic.
Measuring cups: Used to measure out the tomato sauce and chicken broth accurately.
Measuring spoons: Essential for measuring the dried oregano and basil to ensure the right balance of flavors.
Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the vegetables and sauce without scratching the skillet.
Lid: A lid that fits your skillet is necessary for covering the dish while it simmers, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to cook through.
Serving platter: A large platter is useful for presenting the finished Chicken Cacciatore attractively.
Heat-resistant spatula: Helps in scraping any bits stuck to the skillet and stirring the sauce thoroughly.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Prep ingredients ahead: Chop the onions, bell peppers, and garlic in advance to save time during cooking.
Use pre-made sauce: Substitute homemade tomato sauce with a high-quality store-bought version to cut down on prep time.
One-pot cooking: Use a large skillet or Dutch oven to cook everything in one pot, reducing cleanup time.
Batch cooking: Double the recipe and freeze half for a quick meal later.
Pre-season chicken: Season the chicken thighs the night before and store them in the fridge to enhance flavor and save time.
Chicken Cacciatore Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces Chicken Thighs bone-in, skin-on
- 1 medium Onion sliced
- 1 medium Bell Pepper sliced
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 cup Tomato Sauce
- ½ cup Chicken Broth
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
- 1 teaspoon Dried Basil
- to taste Salt and Pepper
Instructions
- 1. Heat the skillet over medium-high heat and add a bit of oil.
- 2. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then brown them in the skillet. Remove and set aside.
- 3. In the same skillet, add the onions and bell peppers. Cook until softened.
- 4. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
- 5. Pour in the tomato sauce and chicken broth. Stir in the oregano and basil.
- 6. Return the chicken to the skillet. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes.
- 7. Serve hot with your choice of side.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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