Pollo alla Cacciatora Recipe: A Hearty Italian Chicken Stew
Category: Secondi Piatti (Main Dishes)
Servings: 4
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Whole Chicken (cut into pieces) | 3 kg |
| Canned Peeled Tomatoes | 400 g |
| Yellow Onion | 1 |
| Carrot | 1 |
| Celery Stalk | 1 |
| Garlic Clove | 1 |
| Red Wine | 100 ml |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | As needed |
| Fresh Rosemary | 1 sprig |
| Fresh Parsley | 1 sprig |
| Salt | As needed |
| Black Pepper | As needed |
Instructions
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1 | Start by preparing the vegetables. Peel and finely chop the onion, carrot, and celery stalk into small 2-3 mm cubes. Next, peel the garlic and set it aside for later use. |
| 2 | Now, it’s time to clean and cut the chicken. Separate the chicken into pieces, cutting the legs, breasts, and wings. Make sure each piece is evenly sized to ensure even cooking. |
| 3 | Move to the stovetop and grab a large casserole dish or deep frying pan. Heat a small amount of olive oil in the pan, just enough to coat the bottom. Don’t use too much, as the chicken skin will release plenty of fat during cooking. Once the oil is heated, add the chicken pieces, skin side down first. Let them sear for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally to brown them evenly. |
| 4 | Once the chicken is well browned, add the diced vegetables (onion, carrot, and celery), along with the peeled garlic clove. Season with salt, pepper, and the rosemary sprig. Stir everything together and cook for another 5 minutes to let the flavors meld. |
| 5 | Deglaze the pan by adding the red wine. Allow the wine to simmer for a few minutes, ensuring that the alcohol evaporates and the sauce takes on a rich depth of flavor. Stir occasionally, making sure to scrape any bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. |
| 6 | After the wine has evaporated, remove the rosemary sprig and garlic clove. Stir the contents well to distribute the flavors evenly. |
| 7 | Add the canned peeled tomatoes to the pan. Use a spoon to break them down into smaller chunks, mixing them with the rest of the ingredients. Stir everything together, ensuring the chicken is well coated with the tomato mixture. |
| 8 | Lower the heat to a simmer and cover the pan. Let the chicken cook for about 45-60 minutes, checking occasionally. The chicken is done when the meat easily pulls away from the bone. If needed, add a splash of water or stock to keep the sauce from becoming too thick. |
| 9 | At the end of cooking, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as necessary. Once the chicken is tender and the flavors are balanced, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a burst of freshness and color. |
| 10 | Serve the Pollo alla Cacciatora with crusty bread or over polenta for a truly Italian experience. Enjoy! |
Tips:
- Chicken Selection: For the best results, use a whole chicken, cut into parts. This helps in making the dish more flavorful as the skin releases fat during cooking.
- Tomatoes: If fresh tomatoes are in season, feel free to use them instead of canned ones. You can blanch them, peel them, and chop them before adding to the dish.
- Cooking Time: The cooking time can vary based on the size of your chicken pieces. Larger pieces may need a bit more time to cook through, while smaller pieces may require less time. Always check that the chicken is tender and the meat pulls away easily from the bones.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 40 g |
| Fat | 30 g |
| Carbohydrates | 10 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 600 mg |
| Cholesterol | 100 mg |
Pollo alla Cacciatora is a classic and comforting dish that brings together the best of Italian home cooking. With its tender chicken, rich tomato sauce, and aromatic herbs, it’s a meal that’s perfect for any occasion. This rustic dish is a true expression of Italian culinary tradition, bringing together simple yet vibrant ingredients to create a flavorful and filling meal.
Serve with a side of roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or even a simple salad, and you’ll have an unforgettable meal that everyone will love!
