Mama Leone’s Chicken Cacciatore Recipe
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Chicken
Servings: 4
Description
Experience the rich and comforting flavors of Mama Leone’s Chicken Cacciatore, a traditional Italian dish that brings together tender chicken, savory salt pork, and aromatic herbs. Perfectly balanced with the depth of fresh tomatoes and spices, this recipe promises to be a hit at the dinner table. Pair it with spaghettini for an unforgettable meal.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Spring chicken (cut into pieces) | 2 whole chickens |
| Olive oil | 1/4 cup |
| Salt pork | 2 oz |
| Butter | 1/4 cup |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 1 medium |
| Chicken livers (chopped) | 1/2 cup |
| Chicken gizzards (chopped) | 2 oz |
| Garlic cloves (minced) | 2 cloves |
| Fresh rosemary (chopped) | 2 sprigs |
| Fresh parsley sprigs (chopped) | 2 sprigs |
| Fresh ground black pepper | To taste |
| Salt | To taste |
| Fresh tomatoes (chopped) | 4 medium |
| Canned plum tomatoes | 1 can (14 oz) |
| Tomato paste | 1 tbsp |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 435.4 kcal |
| Total Fat | 38.2 g |
| Saturated Fat | 13.8 g |
| Cholesterol | 190.4 mg |
| Sodium | 495.9 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 12.2 g |
| Fiber | 2.7 g |
| Sugar | 6.2 g |
| Protein | 13.1 g |
Instructions
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Prepare the chicken: Begin by cutting each whole chicken into 4 pieces. You can use a sharp chef’s knife or a poultry shears to carefully divide the chicken into quarters. Set aside.
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Heat the base: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, combine olive oil, salt pork, and butter. Place the pot over medium heat and allow the fats to melt together, creating a rich base for the dish. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
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Sauté the onions: Once the fat has melted and the mixture begins to shimmer, add the finely chopped onions to the pot. Brown the onions slowly over medium heat, stirring occasionally. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes, allowing the onions to soften and develop a golden color.
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Brown the chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the pot, skin-side down, and allow them to brown for approximately 10 minutes. Stir the pieces gently to ensure all sides are seared and coated with the flavorful oil mixture.
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Add offal: Once the chicken pieces are browned, add the chopped chicken livers and gizzards to the pot. Stir them in and cook for an additional 5 minutes. These organs impart a deep, savory flavor that will enrich the sauce.
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Herb and spice preparation: While the chicken is browning, finely chop the garlic, rosemary, and parsley together. This mixture will release a wonderful fragrance that adds layers of aromatic flavor to the dish.
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Incorporate the garlic and herbs: Add the garlic, rosemary, and parsley mixture to the pot, followed by freshly ground black pepper and a pinch of salt. Stir well to ensure the herbs and spices evenly coat the chicken and offal. Let this cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
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Add tomatoes: Add the fresh chopped tomatoes and canned plum tomatoes (including their juice) to the pot, followed by the tomato paste. Stir everything together, making sure the tomatoes are well incorporated into the sauce. The tomato paste will help thicken the sauce, creating a rich and velvety consistency.
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Simmer and cook: Reduce the heat to low and allow the chicken and sauce to simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes. This slow cooking process will tenderize the chicken and let the flavors fully develop. Check occasionally to ensure the sauce does not reduce too much; if necessary, add a little water or chicken stock to maintain the sauce’s consistency.
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Final touches: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed. Do not overcook the chicken; it should be tender but still juicy.
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Serve: Mama Leone’s Chicken Cacciatore is best served hot. Spoon the delicious sauce over freshly cooked spaghettini or any pasta of your choice. The savory combination of chicken, herbs, and tomatoes makes for a comforting, satisfying meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Pro Tip: For an extra depth of flavor, let the cacciatore rest for a few minutes before serving. This gives the sauce time to thicken slightly and for the flavors to meld even further. Additionally, adding a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top just before serving can elevate the dish to another level of deliciousness.
Why You’ll Love It
This Chicken Cacciatore recipe is not only packed with authentic flavors, but it also makes a hearty and satisfying meal that can feed the whole family. The slow-simmered sauce, tender chicken, and rich seasoning make it a classic comfort food that never goes out of style. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or entertaining friends, Mama Leone’s Chicken Cacciatore will impress with its layers of savory goodness and rustic charm.
Note: This dish can be easily adjusted for dietary preferences by substituting the salt pork with pancetta or bacon if you prefer. For a leaner version, feel free to use skinless chicken pieces.
Enjoy the comforting taste of Mama Leone’s Chicken Cacciatore, and remember to share this recipe with friends and family on lovewithrecipes.com!
