Recipe: Chicken Cacciatore
Description: Dive into the flavors of Italy with this hearty and aromatic Chicken Cacciatore recipe from lovewithrecipes.com. Tender chicken simmered in a savory tomato sauce infused with garlic, herbs, and peppers makes for a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any night of the week.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
Servings: 6
Calories: 336.9 per serving
Nutritional Information per Serving:
- Fat: 9.7g
- Saturated Fat: 1.8g
- Cholesterol: 80.4mg
- Sodium: 708.7mg
- Carbohydrates: 17.9g
- Fiber: 3.6g
- Sugar: 8.4g
- Protein: 27.8g
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 3 1/2 | skinless chicken pieces |
| 2 | olive oil |
| 1 | onion |
| 4 | garlic cloves |
| 1 | green pepper |
| 1 | tomato sauce |
| 1/2 | tomato paste |
| 2 | dried oregano |
| 1/4 | thyme |
| 2 | marsala wine |
| 1 | red pepper flakes |
Instructions:
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Brown Chicken: Begin by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Add the skinless chicken pieces and brown them evenly on all sides, ensuring they develop a golden hue, which will enhance their flavor. This process should take approximately 5-7 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the chicken pieces.
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Transfer to Crockpot: Once the chicken is beautifully browned, transfer it to a crockpot or slow cooker, where it will continue to cook and absorb the delicious flavors of the sauce.
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Sauté Onions and Garlic: In the same pan used for browning the chicken, add the chopped onion and minced garlic cloves. Sauté them over medium heat for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the onions are softened and translucent, and the garlic becomes fragrant. This step allows the onions and garlic to release their sweet and savory flavors, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
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Combine Ingredients: Now, it’s time to assemble the remaining ingredients in the crockpot. Add the sautéed onions and garlic to the chicken already in the crockpot. Then, include the chopped green pepper, tomato sauce, tomato paste, dried oregano, thyme, marsala wine, and red pepper flakes. These ingredients work harmoniously to create a rich and flavorful sauce that will coat the chicken pieces beautifully.
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Set Crockpot: Place the lid securely on the crockpot and set it to cook on automatic time adjust mode. You have two options for cooking times:
- High Setting (2-4 hours): If you’re short on time and craving a quick meal, opt for the high setting, which will cook the chicken cacciatore in approximately 2 to 4 hours. This setting yields tender chicken with a slightly shorter cooking time.
- Low Setting (4 hours): For a more leisurely cooking experience and even more tender chicken, choose the low setting, which requires approximately 4 hours of cooking time. This slow and steady approach allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a truly comforting meal.
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Thicken Sauce (Optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can remove the lid from the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This allows excess moisture to evaporate, resulting in a more concentrated sauce that beautifully coats the chicken pieces.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once the chicken cacciatore is cooked to perfection, it’s time to serve and savor every delicious bite. Spoon the tender chicken and flavorful sauce over a bed of cooked spaghetti, allowing the pasta to soak up the rich flavors. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or grated Parmesan cheese for an extra burst of flavor and visual appeal.
Pro Tips:
- For added depth of flavor, you can marinate the chicken pieces in the marsala wine for 30 minutes to 1 hour before cooking. This step infuses the chicken with a subtle sweetness and enhances its tenderness.
- Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables, such as mushrooms, carrots, or bell peppers, to the sauce for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer-term storage. Simply reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave for a quick and satisfying meal.
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Italy with this Chicken Cacciatore recipe. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this hearty dish is sure to impress with its rich aroma and delicious taste. Buon appetito! 🍽️🇮🇹
