Italian food is renowned for its emphasis on simple, fresh ingredients, and rich, bold flavors. Chicken Cacciatore is an Italian classic, and a truly satisfying meal that brings together the warm, earthy flavors of mushrooms, tomatoes, peppers, and fresh herbs. We have an amazing recipe for Chicken Cacciatore that is easy to make and is sure to become a favorite in your home.
What is Chicken Cacciatore?
Chicken Cacciatore is a classic Italian dish, the name of which comes from the Italian word cacciatore which means hunter. The traditional preparation calls for chicken pieces to be seared in a skillet with onions, peppers, garlic, mushrooms and tomatoes, before being simmered in a rich tomato herb sauce.
How to Make Authentic Italian Chicken Cacciatore?
Ingredients:
– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 large onion, diced
– 1 red pepper, diced
– 4 cloves garlic, crushed
– 1 cup sliced mushrooms
– 14-oz can diced tomatoes
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
– salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley
– cooked pasta for serving, if desired
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook, turning once, until browned on both sides.
3. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Add the onion and pepper to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
4. Add the garlic and mushrooms to the skillet and cook for an additional 3 minutes.
5. Stir in the tomatoes, chicken broth, basil, and oregano. Increase the heat to high and bring the sauce to a boil.
6. Carefully pour the sauce into a 3-quart baking dish. Place the chicken pieces on top of the sauce, and sprinkle with the parsley.
7. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
8. Serve the Chicken Cacciatore with cooked pasta, if desired.
Tips for an Authentic Italian Chicken Cacciatore:
– Use a good quality canned tomatoes for the richest flavor. San Marzano tomatoes are a great choice for this recipe.
– For an extra special touch, you can add 1/4 cup of dry red wine to the sauce.
– If you love garlic, add an additional 1-2 cloves to the dish.
Enjoy an Italian Classic: Chicken Cacciatore
This Chicken Cacciatore recipe is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. With its rich, bold flavors and comforting aroma, it makes a truly indulgent, yet easy-to-prepare meal. Try it tonight and experience a taste of Italy in your home. Bon Appétit!
