Cacciatore Perfection the Ultimate Hunters Chicken
Recipe Introduction
Craving Comfort?
Fancy a taste of Italy without the airfare? I was just thinking, is there anything more comforting than a proper, hearty stew? This Best Chicken Cacciatore recipe is exactly that.
It's rustic, delicious, and will have you saying "Mamma Mia!" in no time.
Hunter's Delight: A Taste of Tradition
Cacciatore means "hunter" in Italian. This dish is traditionally made with braised chicken and vegetables. This Authentic Italian Chicken Cacciatore recipe brings that rustic charm to your kitchen.
It's a medium difficulty recipe, ready in about 1 hour and 40 minutes, and feeds 4-6 lucky people.
Why This Recipe Rocks
This Traditional Chicken Cacciatore Recipe is packed with flavour and nutrients. Chicken is a great source of protein, and the tomatoes and veggies bring vitamins and antioxidants.
Serve it on a chilly evening for a cozy, satisfying meal. This Easy Chicken Cacciatore Recipe is special because it tastes like it took hours, but it's surprisingly simple.
Let's dive into the ingredients for this Hunter's Style Chicken Recipe ! We are using Chicken Cacciatore Recipe With Bone-in Thighs as they really are the best choice for this recipe.
The Heart of the Dish: What You'll Need
Right, so first things first, let's talk chicken. You'll need 6-8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. Then, for the sauce, grab an onion, two bell peppers (red and yellow), garlic, cremini mushrooms, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (optional), dry red wine (like Chianti), crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, tomato paste, and a bay leaf.
Don't forget fresh parsley for garnish!
Honestly, this Chicken Cacciatore with Red Wine is all about the quality of the ingredients. Get the best you can afford, especially the tomatoes.
Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Chicken Cacciatore
Alright, let's chat about what you'll need. Think of this section as your treasure map. It's all you need to get started!
Main Ingredients Breakdown
This Chicken Thigh Cacciatore Recipe is all about building flavor. Trust me, it's worth the effort!
- Chicken Thighs: You'll want 6-8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. That's about 1.2 kg or 2.6 lbs .
- Quality check : Look for plump thighs with good color.
- Olive Oil: You will need 2 tablespoons ( 30 ml ) of it. This is mainly used to brown the chicken.
- All-Purpose Flour: Optional, but 2 tablespoons ( 30 g ) can help with browning.
- Onion: You need 1 large one. That's around 200g , chopped.
- Bell Peppers: Grab 2 , one red and one yellow. Should be around 300g total, chopped.
- Garlic: Mince 2 cloves. That will be about 6g .
- Cremini Mushrooms: Slice up 8 ounces ( 225g ).
- Dried Oregano: Use 1/2 teaspoon ( 1.25ml ).
- Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, 1/4 teaspoon ( .625ml ) if you like a kick.
- Dry Red Wine: 1/2 cup ( 120 ml ) of Chianti or similar.
- Crushed Tomatoes: A 28 ounce ( 800g ) can is perfect.
- Chicken Broth: 1/4 cup ( 60 ml ) will do.
- Tomato Paste: You need 1 tablespoon ( 15ml ).
- Bay Leaf: Just 1 .
- Fresh Parsley: 1 tablespoon , chopped, for garnish.
Seasoning like a Pro
The right seasoning is the key to the Authentic Italian Chicken Cacciatore !
- Essential Spice Powerhouse: Oregano is a must! It gives that classic Italian vibe. The Simple Chicken Cacciatore Recipe can be adjusted to your own taste so add more or less according to what you like.
- Flavor Boosters: Red wine is your friend. It adds depth and complexity. Don't skip it, seriously.
- Substitutions: No oregano? Use Italian seasoning. No red wine? Chicken broth and a splash of balsamic vinegar will do in a pinch.
Essential Equipment for the Best Chicken Cacciatore
No fancy gadgets needed for the Easy Chicken Cacciatore Recipe . Here’s what you really need:
- Dutch Oven: A large one is best. If you don't have one, a heavy bottomed pot with a lid will work.
- Tongs: Trust me, you'll need these. Especially when browning the chicken.
- Cutting Board & Knife: Obvious, but important.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons: For the sauce, of course.
Honestly? This Chicken Cacciatore with Red Wine is so good. It will soon become your own recipe.
You got this!
Cooking Method: Cacciatore Perfection
Let's chat about how to nail the Best Chicken Cacciatore ever. Seriously, this Hunter's Style Chicken Recipe is pure comfort food.
It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like you're sitting at a checkered tablecloth restaurant in Italy. My Nonna would be proud… if I had one!
Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place is Your Mate
First things first, get your act together. Chop your onion (about 200g), two bell peppers (around 300g), and mince two cloves of garlic (around 6g).
Slice those 8 ounces (225g) of cremini mushrooms . Weigh out 1.2 kg / 2.6 lbs of bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs .
This is the essential mise en place. Honestly, prepping everything first saves a ton of time and stops you from panicking halfway through.
Keep your fingers out of the way when chopping, yeah?
From Hob to Heaven: The step-by-step
- Pat those chicken thighs dry with paper towels, and season the chicken generously with salt and pepper . You can lightly dust with 2 tablespoons (30 g) of flour , if you want.
- Heat 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of olive oil in a big Dutch oven over medium high heat. Brown the chicken in batches; don't overcrowd! 4- 5 minutes per side is the sweet spot. You want that lovely golden brown crust. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Chuck in the chopped onion and peppers and sauté for 5- 7 minutes , until soft. Then add the minced garlic, 1/2 teaspoon (1.25ml) of dried oregano , and a pinch of 1/4 teaspoon (.625ml) red pepper flakes (if you fancy a kick). Cook for another minute.
- Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 5- 7 minutes until they've released their moisture and started to brown.
- Pour in 1/2 cup (120 ml) of dry red wine . Scrape up all those yummy browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let it bubble away for 2- 3 minutes , until the wine's mostly reduced.
- Stir in 28 ounces (800g) of crushed tomatoes, 1/4 cup (60 ml) of chicken broth, 1 tablespoon (15ml) of tomato paste, and 1 bay leaf . Season to taste.
- Nestle the chicken thighs back into the sauce.
- Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for at least 1 hour , or until the chicken is super tender. It should practically fall off the bone. Then you will get a really great Chicken Cacciatore Recipe With Bone-in Thighs.
Pro Tips and Tricks of the Trade
Browning the chicken properly makes a massive difference to the final flavour. Don't rush it! Also, low and slow is the name of the game.
The longer it simmers, the richer the Authentic Italian Chicken Cacciatore becomes. If you're short on time, this could even work as a Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore , just adjust the liquid accordingly.
To make the Easy Chicken Cacciatore Recipe even easier you could prep it the night before, the flavours intensify which is really great.
Recipe Notes for Cacciatore Perfection: The Ultimate Hunter's Chicken
Alright, so you're about to tackle this Best Chicken Cacciatore , are you? Fab! Let's chat about some bits and bobs to bear in mind, yeah? Honestly, once you get the hang of it, you'll be whipping up this Traditional Chicken Cacciatore Recipe like a proper Italian chef.
Plating Like a Pro: Serving Suggestions
Right, presentation. This is proper comfort food, so keep it real. A big bowl of Simple Chicken Cacciatore Recipe served over creamy polenta? Yes, please! Or, like my Nan used to do, with a hunk of crusty bread for mopping up that gorgeous sauce.
Ooh, and a simple green salad on the side? Cracking! As for drinks, a nice glass of Italian red, like a Chianti, is a must! It's like a hug in a glass, innit?
Storage Savvy: Keeping it Fresh
So, you've got leftovers? Lucky you! Once cooled, stick it in an airtight container and bung it in the fridge.
It'll keep for 3-4 days . If you want to freeze it, portions work best. It will last for up to 3 months .
When reheating, gently does it. A low heat on the hob, or in the microwave, until it's piping hot. Just make sure the chicken is 74° C ( 165° F) , yeah?
Mix it Up: Variations on a Theme
Fancy a bit of a twist? If you like a bit of heat, add extra red pepper flakes. I once chucked in a pinch of cayenne pepper, oh my gosh, it was amazing! For a Chicken Thigh Cacciatore Recipe low carb, serve with cauliflower rice instead of pasta.
Or, try this: brown some Italian sausage alongside the chicken for a richer flavour. So good! If you haven’t red wine, use chicken broth with a splash of balsamic vinegar for acidity.
Nutrition Nitty Gritty: Fueling Your Body
Okay, so I am no scientist or nutritionist but each serving of this beauty clocks in at about 450 calories , with 40g of protein , 25g of fat , and 20g of carbs .
You also get about 4g of fibre and 8g of sugar . Don't quote me, though! This Easy Chicken Cacciatore Recipe is packed with protein.
Alright, get stuck in and make some magic! You've totally got this Authentic Italian Chicken Cacciatore nailed!
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is Chicken Cacciatore, anyway? Is it some kind of Italian code word?
Chicken Cacciatore, meaning "hunter" in Italian, is a rustic, braised chicken stew. Think of it as Italy's answer to a hearty Sunday roast, but instead of gravy, you get a luscious tomato based sauce packed with veggies like peppers, onions, and mushrooms. It's comfort food, Italian style!
I want to make the best chicken cacciatore. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
You can use chicken breasts, but for the absolute best Chicken Cacciatore, stick with bone-in, skin-on thighs. The thighs have more fat and connective tissue, which renders down during the long simmer and keeps the chicken incredibly moist and flavorful.
Chicken breasts are leaner and tend to dry out with extended cooking.
How long does this Chicken Cacciatore last, and what's the best way to store it? I'm planning a bit of a "Mamma Mia!" movie night and want to prep in advance.
Chicken Cacciatore is even better the next day! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2-3 months. Just be sure to cool it completely before freezing, and thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stovetop.
My sauce turned out a bit watery. How do I thicken my Best Chicken Cacciatore?
A watery sauce is a common issue, but easily fixed! First, make sure you browned the chicken properly that adds flavor and helps thicken the sauce. Then, if it's still too thin, remove the chicken, and simmer the sauce uncovered for 10-15 minutes to reduce it.
Alternatively, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water, then whisk it into the simmering sauce.
I'm trying to watch my waistline, is there any way to make this Chicken Cacciatore a bit healthier?
Absolutely! You can trim the excess fat from the chicken thighs before cooking. Also, go easy on the olive oil and use a little less. Serve the Cacciatore over cauliflower rice instead of pasta, and load up on the veggies.
This dish is actually packed with protein and nutrients from the tomatoes and peppers anyway, so a few simple tweaks make it a pretty healthy choice!
Can I make this in a slow cooker/crockpot? I’m always rushed off my feet like a contestant on the Great British Bake Off!
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the chicken and sauté the vegetables as instructed in the recipe first. Then, transfer everything to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. This will save you time while achieving tender results!
Cacciatore Perfection The Ultimate Hunters Chick
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 4g |
