Chicken Cacciatore
Chicken Cacciatore – a rustic Italian recipe, full of flavors and tradition
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Chicken Cacciatore, or "hunter's chicken", is a dish that perfectly combines juicy chicken meat with fresh vegetables and aromatic spices. This recipe is not only simple but also extremely tasty, perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends. Let's get started!
Ingredients:
- 1 kg of chicken (thighs and breast, cut into pieces)
- 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, crushed
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 large carrot, sliced
- 400 g canned tomatoes (or peeled fresh tomatoes)
- 150 ml dry red wine
- 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon of sugar (to balance the acidity of the tomatoes)
- 2-3 sprigs of fresh rosemary (or 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary)
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Start by preparing all the ingredients. Chopping the vegetables and measuring the spices will help you save time during the cooking stage. Make sure the chicken is well cleaned and dried with a paper towel for perfect browning.
2. In a large skillet or deep pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and brown them on all sides for about 5-7 minutes until golden. This is an essential step to add depth of flavor to the dish.
3. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and crushed garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
4. Add the red bell pepper and carrot, continuing to cook for another 5 minutes. These vegetables will add sweetness and texture.
5. Incorporate the canned tomatoes, red wine, and balsamic vinegar. Stir well to combine the ingredients. Add the sugar, rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and pepper to taste. This sauce will be the flavorful base of your dish.
6. Put the chicken back in the skillet, making sure it is covered with sauce. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer on low heat for about 40-45 minutes. During this time, the chicken will become extremely juicy and absorb the flavors from the sauce.
7. After the cooking time is up, check if the chicken is cooked through. You can use a cooking thermometer; the meat should reach an internal temperature of 75°C. If necessary, let it cook for a few more minutes.
8. Once the dish is ready, remove the bay leaf and rosemary sprigs. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for added freshness and an attractive appearance.
Serving suggestion:
Chicken Cacciatore pairs perfectly with fresh pasta, mashed potatoes, or even basmati rice. You can add a simple green salad to complete the meal.
Variations:
For a spicier version, you can add chili flakes to the sauce. You can also experiment with other vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini to diversify the recipe.
This Chicken Cacciatore recipe is an excellent choice for a quick and delicious dinner that will bring the flavors of Italy directly to your kitchen. Enjoy every bite and share with your loved ones!
Put the garlic, onion, wine, and chicken breast cut into cubes over medium heat. When the chicken is caramelized, add the mushrooms and cook for another 5 minutes. Add the spaghetti sauce and keep it on the heat until warmed through. Serve with spaghetti or pasta.
Ingredients: 2-3 cloves of garlic 1/2 cup white wine 2 pieces of chicken breast 1 cup onion, chopped 1 cup mushrooms, sliced Italian seasoning salt, pepper 1 cup pasta sauce or marinara sauce
