Delicious Italian Chicken Cacciatore Recipe with Mushrooms & Olives – A Hearty Poultry & Vegetable Hunter’s Stew
If you’re in search of a comforting, flavorful dish to serve at dinner, then look no further than this Italian Chicken Cacciatore recipe. This rustic dish, also known as the “hunter’s stew,” is a staple of Italian cuisine. Packed with tender chicken breasts, earthy mushrooms, briny olives, and a rich, aromatic tomato sauce, this recipe offers the perfect balance of savory flavors. Serve it with a side of steamed rice or a slice of rosemary focaccia for a complete, wholesome meal.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken breasts (skin removed) | 4 pieces |
| Button mushrooms, halved | 300 grams |
| Onion, finely chopped | 1 medium-sized |
| Garlic cloves, finely chopped | 3 |
| Del Monte black olives | 1/4 cup |
| Fresh basil leaves | 1 sprig |
| Fresh rosemary sprig | 1 |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Homemade tomato puree | 2 cups |
| Dry white wine | 1 cup |
| Fresh parsley leaves, chopped | 5 sprigs |
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings
This recipe serves 4 people, making it an ideal dish for a family dinner or a small gathering.
Cuisine
- Cuisine: Italian
- Course: Dinner
- Diet: High Protein, Non-Vegetarian
Instructions
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Prepare the Ingredients: Start by prepping all the ingredients. Remove the skin from the chicken breasts, chop the onion, garlic, parsley, and basil, and halve the mushrooms. If you’re making homemade tomato puree, do that as well.
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Sauté the Aromatics: In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic, onion, basil, and rosemary. Sauté for about 3–5 minutes until the onions soften and the garlic becomes fragrant.
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Brown the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the pan on top of the sautéed aromatics. Season with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken on medium heat, turning occasionally, until it starts to brown on both sides and the onions caramelize, about 8–10 minutes. This process will enhance the flavors of the chicken and onions, making your dish even more savory.
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Deglaze the Pan with Wine: Once the chicken is nicely browned, remove it from the pan and set it aside on a platter. In the same pan, turn the heat to high and pour in the dry white wine. Allow it to come to a brisk boil and reduce for about 2–3 minutes to concentrate the flavors.
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Make the Tomato Sauce: Stir in the homemade tomato puree and mushrooms. Let the mixture simmer and thicken for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Simmer the Chicken in Sauce: Once the tomato sauce has thickened slightly, return the chicken breasts to the pan. Add the black olives and check the seasoning. Adjust the salt and pepper to taste. Cover and simmer the chicken in the sauce for about 20 to 25 minutes. The chicken should be fully cooked, tender, and well-coated in the rich tomato sauce.
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Finish with Fresh Herbs: Turn off the heat and stir in the freshly chopped parsley leaves for a pop of color and freshness.
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Serve: Plate the Italian Chicken Cacciatore and serve it with a bowl of steamed rice or a slice of homemade Whole Wheat Rosemary Focaccia Bread for a complete, high-protein meal.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this hearty Italian Chicken Cacciatore with your favorite sides to create a meal that’s both satisfying and nourishing. It’s perfect with:
- Steamed rice for a simple and neutral base to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- Whole Wheat Rosemary Focaccia Bread, which adds an herby, rustic touch and is great for dipping into the tomato sauce.
Tips for the Best Cacciatore
- Wine Selection: A dry white wine is ideal for this recipe as it adds a subtle tang to the sauce without overpowering the other flavors.
- Cooking the Chicken: If you prefer extra crispy skin, you can sear the chicken skin-side down before adding it to the sauce. However, this recipe works best with skinless chicken for a tender, flavorful result.
- Mushrooms: Button mushrooms are used here, but you can experiment with other varieties like cremini or shiitake for a richer flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Italian Chicken Cacciatore is the epitome of a comforting, rustic Italian dish. The combination of chicken, mushrooms, olives, and fresh herbs in a savory tomato sauce is both hearty and nutritious. The longer the chicken simmers in the sauce, the more tender and flavorful it becomes. Plus, it’s an easy one-pan meal, perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions when you want to impress your guests with minimal effort.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 375 kcal |
| Protein | 38g |
| Fat | 19g |
| Carbohydrates | 14g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 300mg |
| Sugars | 7g |
(Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on ingredient choices and portion sizes.)
Indulge in the hearty flavors of Italy with this Chicken Cacciatore recipe. It’s perfect for any occasion, offering a blend of savory chicken, tangy olives, and earthy mushrooms in a rich tomato sauce. Whether paired with rice or bread, this meal is a true Italian delight!
