Hearty Chicken Cacciatore Recipe
🕒 Total Time: 2 hours
🥘 Category: One Dish Meal
🔪 Prep Time: 25 minutes
🍳 Cook Time: 1 hour and 35 minutes
Description:
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Hearty Chicken Cacciatore, a classic European dish that promises to tantalize your taste buds with every savory bite. This recipe, crafted with love and expertise, delivers a soul-warming experience that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering of friends. With tender chicken, aromatic herbs, and rich tomato-based sauce, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. Let’s dive into the recipe and embark on a culinary journey that celebrates the essence of homemade goodness.
Ingredients:
- 3 1/2 pounds chicken pieces
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper, divided
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 pound fresh mushrooms, sliced
- 2/3 cup dry red wine
- Linguine, cooked according to package instructions, for serving
Instructions:
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Prepare the Chicken: Begin by seasoning the chicken pieces with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper, ensuring each piece is evenly coated with the seasoning.
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Brown the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken pieces and brown them on all sides. Once browned, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside for later.
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Saute the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes over medium heat, or until the onion turns transparent and starts to soften. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute, allowing the flavors to meld together.
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Create the Sauce Base: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and chicken broth, combining them well with the onion and garlic mixture. Add the sliced green bell pepper, dried oregano, dried basil, and the remaining salt and pepper to the skillet, stirring to incorporate all the ingredients.
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Simmer with Chicken: Return the browned chicken pieces to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Cover the skillet and let the chicken simmer over medium-low heat for approximately 45 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through. This slow simmer allows the flavors to intensify and meld together beautifully.
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Add Mushrooms and Wine: After the initial simmering period, uncover the skillet and add the sliced mushrooms and dry red wine to the sauce. Continue to cook the chicken cacciatore, uncovered, for an additional 40 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to develop further. The aroma filling your kitchen will surely whet your appetite.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once the chicken is tender and the sauce has reached the desired consistency, it’s time to serve this delicious dish. Arrange the chicken cacciatore on serving plates alongside hot cooked linguine, allowing the flavors to mingle harmoniously. Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired, and indulge in the heartiness of this comforting meal.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 750.2
- Total Fat: 28.3g
- Saturated Fat: 7.6g
- Cholesterol: 120.8mg
- Sodium: 997.5mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 72.2g
- Dietary Fiber: 6.2g
- Sugar: 11g
- Protein: 43.9g
Tips for Success:
- For a healthier option, you can use skinless, boneless chicken breasts or thighs in place of chicken pieces with skin.
- Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables, such as carrots, celery, or zucchini, to enhance both flavor and nutritional value.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with water and stir it into the sauce during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer preservation. Simply reheat before serving for a quick and satisfying meal.
Conclusion:
With its rich flavors, tender chicken, and aromatic sauce, Hearty Chicken Cacciatore is a culinary masterpiece that brings warmth and comfort to any table. Whether enjoyed on a chilly evening or as a centerpiece for a festive gathering, this dish is sure to impress even the most discerning palates. Gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and embark on a culinary adventure that celebrates the art of homemade cooking. From our kitchen to yours, may every bite of this delectable dish fill your heart and soul with joy. Bon appétit! 🍽️🌿
