Chicken Cacciatore Recipe

Chicken Cacciatore, a rustic Italian dish, brings together tender chicken thighs simmered in a flavorful tomato and vegetable sauce. This hearty dish is infused with aromatic herbs and white wine, creating a savory balance that’s perfect for a comforting meal.

Serve it with a sprinkle of fresh basil for a touch of freshness that complements the rich flavors of the dish.

How to make Chicken Cacciatore Recipe

Ingredients

– olive oil (just enough for pan frying chicken)

– 8-10 bone in-skin on chicken thighs (trim off excess fat)

– 3-4 carrots peeled and sliced

– 2 ribs celery peeled and sliced

-1 onion chopped

-1 green pepper chopped

-1 tbsp fresh rosemary chopped

– 1 28oz can whole peeled plum tomatoes

– 1 cup white wine

– fresh basil (to taste)

– salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Heat oil in large skillet. Brown chicken skin side down first. Brown both sides to golden brown.
Remove chicken and add chopped veggies. Cook for 5-10 minutes until softened.

Add white wine and reduce by half. Add rosemary. Hand crush tomatoes and add. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Add chicken back to pot. Keep skin side up on top of sauce. Simmer partially covered for 45 mins or until thighs are cooked.

Add fresh torn basil to top at end for serving.

Notes:

Preparation of Chicken Thighs: Using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs adds flavor and keeps the meat moist during cooking. Browning the chicken first enhances its flavor and texture.

Vegetable Base: The combination of carrots, celery, onion, and green pepper forms a classic mirepoix, providing a savory foundation to the dish. Cooking these vegetables softens them and infuses their flavors into the sauce.

Aromatic Herbs: Fresh rosemary adds a fragrant, herbal note to the dish, complementing the richness of the chicken and tomatoes.

Tomato Base: Using whole peeled plum tomatoes adds depth and texture to the sauce. Hand-crushing the tomatoes ensures a rustic texture and allows them to meld well with the other ingredients.

Deglazing with White Wine: Deglazing the skillet with white wine after browning the chicken and vegetables not only enhances the flavor but also helps to scrape up any flavorful bits stuck to the pan, enriching the sauce.

Simmering the Dish: Simmering the chicken thighs in the sauce partially covered allows the flavors to meld together while ensuring the chicken cooks through and becomes tender.

Finishing Touch: Adding torn fresh basil at the end adds a burst of freshness and brightens up the dish just before serving.

Seasoning: Seasoning with salt and pepper throughout the cooking process ensures a well-balanced flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions: Chicken Cacciatore pairs well with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. It’s also delicious served with a side of steamed vegetables.

Versatility: This recipe is versatile and can be adjusted based on personal preferences. You can add more herbs, adjust the wine or tomato quantities, or include additional vegetables like mushrooms for added depth.

Nutrition Information:

Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with vegetables and sauce

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of bone-in, skin-on thighs?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs if you prefer.

Just adjust the cooking time as boneless thighs may cook faster than bone-in ones.

Can I substitute dried rosemary for fresh rosemary?

Yes, you can use dried rosemary as a substitute for fresh rosemary.

However, dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor, so you’ll need to use less.

Start with about 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary for this recipe.

What can I serve Chicken Cacciatore with?

Chicken Cacciatore pairs well with pasta, rice, polenta, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

You can also serve it with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Can I make Chicken Cacciatore ahead of time?

Yes, Chicken Cacciatore actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld together.

You can make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat gently on the stove or in the oven before serving.

Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for white wine in this recipe?

If you prefer not to use white wine, you can substitute chicken broth or vegetable broth for a similar flavor profile.

Alternatively, you can use a combination of water and a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to add acidity to the dish.

What is the purpose of adding white wine to the recipe?

White wine adds depth of flavor and acidity to the sauce, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.

It also helps tenderize the chicken.

Can I omit the wine from the recipe?

Yes, you can omit the white wine if you prefer.

You can replace it with chicken broth or simply increase the amount of tomatoes used.

How do I know when the chicken thighs are cooked through?

Chicken thighs are cooked through when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) as measured by a meat thermometer.

How long can I store leftovers of Chicken Cacciatore?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Can I freeze Chicken Cacciatore?

Yes, you can freeze Chicken Cacciatore for up to 2-3 months.

Make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.

Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of Chicken Cacciatore by replacing the chicken with tofu or plant-based chicken substitutes.

You can also add more vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini.

Can I use canned diced tomatoes instead of whole peeled plum tomatoes?

Yes, you can substitute canned diced tomatoes for whole peeled plum tomatoes.

Just make sure to drain the excess liquid from the diced tomatoes before adding them to the dish.