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Best Chicken Cacciatore Recipe
Classic Chicken Cacciatore: A Rustic Italian Delight
Chicken Cacciatore, known in Italy as “pollo alla cacciatora,” translates to “hunter’s chicken.” This rustic and hearty dish combines chicken with tomatoes, bell peppers, mushrooms, and a rich blend of herbs, embodying the essence of comfort food. Here’s a recipe that captures the traditional flavors of this beloved Italian classic.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 4 chicken thighs and 4 drumsticks, skin-on, bone-in
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Cacciatore Sauce:
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 bell peppers (red and yellow), sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions:
Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels and season all over with salt and pepper.
- Brown the Chicken: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, skin-side down, and cook until the skin is golden brown, about 5-6 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
Make the Cacciatore Sauce:
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the onion and bell peppers, cooking until softened. Add the garlic and mushrooms, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Deglaze: Pour in the red wine (if using) and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Allow the wine to reduce by half.
- Add Tomatoes and Herbs: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, oregano, basil, and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the sauce to a simmer.
- Cook the Chicken: Return the browned chicken pieces to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Cover and simmer over low heat for about 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Serve:
- Garnish and Serve: Discard the bay leaf. Garnish the dish with chopped fresh parsley and serve with grated Parmesan cheese on the side. Chicken cacciatore is traditionally served with pasta, polenta, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Tips for the Perfect Chicken Cacciatore:
- Browning the Chicken: Don’t skip browning the chicken, as it adds depth and richness to the dish.
- Quality Tomatoes: Use high-quality crushed tomatoes for the best flavor in your sauce.
- Cooking Time: Adjust the cooking time depending on the size of your chicken pieces to ensure they’re cooked through but still tender.
- Fresh Herbs: If available, use fresh oregano and basil for a brighter flavor.
Conclusion:
This Chicken Cacciatore recipe brings the flavors of Italian countryside cooking to your table, offering a comforting and savory dish that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Enjoy the rich, hearty flavors of this timeless classic and transport your taste buds to Italy.