A symphony of flavors and textures, Chicken Cacciatore is a hearty Italian dish that celebrates the union of tender chicken, aromatic vegetables, and rich sauce. Browned chicken thighs, infused with the depth of garlic and herbs, mingle with sautéed onions and bell peppers, their sweetness caramelized to perfection. Earthiness of mushrooms and tanginess of tomato paste and wine converge, creating a savory sauce that coats every bite. A comforting, satisfying masterpiece, Chicken Cacciatore is a testament to the beauty of Italian cuisine.
Ingredients:
Proteins:
• 1 ½ lb chicken thighs (680 g)🍗
• Kosher salt, to taste🧂
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Oils:
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
Vegetables:
• 8 oz baby bella mushrooms (225 g), sliced
• ½ medium yellow onion, sliced🧅
• 1 red bell pepper, seeded and sliced🫑
• 4 cloves garlic, minced🧄
Spices and Herbs:
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
Wet Ingredients:
• ½ cup red wine (120 g)🍷
• 14 oz diced tomatoes (400 g)🍅
• 1 cup chicken stock (240 g)🍗
Garnish:
• ¼ cup finely chopped fresh parsley (10 g)
Additional:
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste🍅
Directions:
Step 1: Prepare Chicken
1️⃣ Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Cook Chicken
1️⃣ Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a 4-quart skillet over medium-high heat.
2️⃣ Add chicken; cook 3-4 minutes per side, until lightly browned.
3️⃣ Transfer chicken to a bowl.
Step 3: Cook Mushrooms
1️⃣ Add another tablespoon olive oil to the pan.
2️⃣ Add mushrooms; lightly season with salt and pepper.
3️⃣ Cook until mushrooms begin to brown, about 5 minutes.
4️⃣ Transfer mushrooms to the bowl with the chicken.
Step 4: Cook Vegetables
1️⃣ Add remaining tablespoon olive oil to the pan.
2️⃣ Add onion and red bell pepper; season with salt and pepper.
3️⃣ Cook over medium heat until onion and pepper begin to brown, 5-7 minutes.
Step 5: Add Aromatics
1️⃣ Create a well in the pan; add tomato paste.
2️⃣ Cook for 1 minute; mix with onions and peppers.
3️⃣ Add garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes, and rosemary; stir to combine.
Step 6: Add Wine and Simmer
1️⃣ Add red wine; scrape up stuck-on bits from the pan.
2️⃣ Cook until wine is reduced by half.
Step 7: Add Tomatoes and Chicken Stock
1️⃣ Add diced tomatoes and chicken stock.
2️⃣ Bring to a simmer.
Step 8: Combine and Cook
1️⃣ Place chicken and mushrooms on top of simmering sauce.
2️⃣ Pour in accumulated juices from the bowl.
3️⃣ Sprinkle with parsley.
4️⃣ Cover; cook for 12 minutes or until chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).
Step 9: Serve
1️⃣ Serve chicken and sauce over pasta or with bread alongside.
Timings:
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Total Time: 45-50 minutes
Servings:
For 4 servings.
Enjoy your Chicken Cacciatore!