Chicken Cacciatore

Chicken Cacciatore

Chicken Cacciatore, also known as "hunter's chicken," is a classic Italian dish that combines tender chicken pieces with a rich tomato sauce, hearty vegetables, and aromatic herbs. Slow-cooked to perfection, this one-pot meal is flavorful and comforting—perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in. The combination of bell peppers, mushrooms, and herbs creates a savory sauce that beautifully complements the chicken.

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 whole roasting chicken, cut into quarters
  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 8 ounces fresh mushrooms, quartered
  • 4 cloves garlic, sliced
  • 3 sprigs rosemary
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, or to taste
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • ½ cup water
  • 2 red bell peppers, sliced
  • 2 green bell peppers, sliced
  • Salt and ground black pepper, to taste

Directions:

  1. Preheat the Oven:

    • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

  2. Brown the Chicken:

    • Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
    • Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides.
    • Remove the chicken from the pot and place it in a bowl to catch any juices.

  3. Sauté the Vegetables:

    • In the same Dutch oven, add the sliced onions and quartered mushrooms.
    • Cook for 5-6 minutes until the onions are softened and the mushrooms are lightly browned.
    • Season with a pinch of salt and ground black pepper.

  4. Add Aromatics and Sauce:

    • Stir in the sliced garlic, rosemary sprigs, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes.
    • Cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
    • Pour in the tomato sauce and ½ cup of water, stirring to combine.

  5. Combine Chicken and Vegetables:

    • Return the browned chicken pieces and any accumulated juices to the Dutch oven, placing them on top of the vegetable mixture.
    • Season with additional salt and pepper if desired.
    • Arrange the sliced red and green bell peppers over the chicken.

  6. Bake:

    • Cover the Dutch oven with its lid.
    • Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

Tips:

  • Flavor Enhancement: For extra depth, deglaze the pan with a splash of red wine after sautéing the vegetables and before adding the tomato sauce.
  • Herb Options: If you don't have fresh rosemary, substitute with 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary or use fresh thyme.
  • Thicker Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last 15 minutes of cooking to allow some liquid to evaporate.

Serving Suggestions:

  • Accompaniments: Serve the chicken cacciatore over pasta, polenta, or with crusty Italian bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
  • Garnish: Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a fresh touch.
  • Side Dish: Pair with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables to complete the meal.
  • Wine Pairing: A glass of Chianti or Sangiovese complements the rich flavors of this dish nicely.

Enjoy this hearty and delicious Chicken Cacciatore with family and friends!

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