Chicken Cacciatore Recipe
This delightful Chicken Cacciatore recipe from lovewithrecipes.com brings the flavors of Italy to your table, featuring tender chicken thighs simmered in a savory sauce infused with aromatic vegetables and herbs, all served over pasta and topped with delicious cheeses. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners, this dish offers a wonderful blend of comfort and elegance, showcasing the essence of home-cooked Italian cuisine. Let’s dive into the preparation of this delectable meal!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless skinless chicken thighs | 2 lbs |
| Olive oil | 3 tablespoons |
| Garlic | 2 cloves, minced |
| Carrots | 3 medium, sliced |
| Onions | 2 medium, chopped |
| Celery | 2 stalks, chopped |
| Mushrooms | 10 ounces, sliced |
| Port wine | 1 cup |
| Whole tomatoes (canned) | 1 (28-ounce) can |
| Bay leaf | 1 leaf |
| Farfalle pasta | 1 pound |
| Parmesan cheese | 1¾ cups, grated |
| Asiago cheese | ¾ cup, grated |
| Fresh basil | 1 cup, chopped |
Nutritional Information
| Nutritional Component | Amount per Serving (1/8 of recipe) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 564.3 |
| Total Fat | 10.7 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2.6 g |
| Cholesterol | 99 mg |
| Sodium | 515 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 66.4 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.7 g |
| Sugars | 15.5 g |
| Protein | 35.1 g |
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by setting your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the chicken thighs.
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Prepare the Chicken: In a large, ovenproof dish, arrange the boneless skinless chicken thighs in a single layer, with the skin side facing down. Sprinkle the chicken generously with salt and pepper to enhance its flavor.
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Roast the Chicken: Place the dish in the preheated oven and roast the chicken for 20 minutes. This initial roasting will help seal in the juices and begin developing a delicious, golden-brown color.
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Sauté the Vegetables: While the chicken is roasting, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, sliced carrots, chopped onions, chopped celery, sliced mushrooms, and any other desired vegetables. Cook the mixture, stirring often, for approximately 20 minutes or until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
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Combine Ingredients: After the vegetables have cooked down, add the port wine, canned whole tomatoes, and bay leaf to the skillet. Stir well to combine, ensuring that all the flavors meld together beautifully.
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Assemble the Cacciatore: Carefully pour the vegetable and sauce mixture over the roasted chicken thighs, making sure they are well coated. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture during the cooking process, then return it to the oven.
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Cook the Cacciatore: Allow the chicken cacciatore to cook in the oven for an additional 1½ hours. This slow cooking will infuse the chicken with the flavors of the sauce and vegetables, resulting in tender, succulent meat.
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Cook the Pasta: In the last 15 minutes of the cacciatore’s cooking time, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the farfalle pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set aside.
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Combine Pasta and Cacciatore: Once the cacciatore has finished cooking, remove it from the oven and carefully toss the chicken and sauce mixture with the cooked farfalle pasta in a large serving bowl, ensuring an even distribution of flavors throughout the dish.
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Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan and Asiago cheese over the top of the pasta and chicken mixture. Finish by adding the chopped fresh basil for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately, and enjoy this comforting Chicken Cacciatore with your loved ones.
Conclusion
This Chicken Cacciatore recipe is sure to become a family favorite, bringing together tender chicken, rich sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta in one delightful dish. Its robust flavors and heartwarming essence make it an ideal choice for gatherings, cozy dinners, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with a classic Italian dish that is both easy to prepare and utterly delicious. Happy cooking!
