Hunters Chicken Stew Classic Chicken Cacciatore
Hunter's Chicken Stew: Your Classic Chicken Cacciatore
Fancy a bit of rustic Italian comfort food? Honestly, who doesn't? Today we're diving headfirst into chicken cacciatore . This recipe is all about simple ingredients coming together to make something truly special.
The aroma alone is enough to transport you to a Tuscan farmhouse!
What's the Deal With Chicken Cacciatore?
Italian Chicken Stew , or chicken cacciatore , translates to "hunter's chicken". It’s a hearty, flavourful stew hailing from the Italian countryside.
It’s traditionally made with whatever the hunter could find. Think chicken, tomatoes, onions, herbs and sometimes mushrooms. It's a medium difficulty recipe.
Prep takes about 20 minutes, and cooking is around 50 minutes. This recipe makes 6 generous servings.
Why You'll Love This Rustic Italian Cuisine
It is also known as Hunter's Chicken . Chicken Cacciatore is packed with flavour. It is also fairly healthy. It delivers a good dose of protein and essential vitamins.
This dish is perfect for a cozy night in. Serve it with some crusty bread to mop up that delicious sauce! What makes this recipe so great? It's a one-pot wonder.
It also means less washing up!
Okay, let's get this Chicken Cacciatore strategy sorted. I think of myself as your friendly neighborhood SEO chef, ready to whip up a delectable list of terms!
Time to Get Cooking
Right, enough chit chat! Let's see what we need to make this Easy Chicken Cacciatore magic happen. We need some chicken thighs of course!
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Cooking!
Okay, let's get this Chicken Cacciatore strategy sorted! Trust me, this Hunter's Chicken Stew is a winner. You probably already have a lot of this stuff at home.
Main Ingredients: The Star Players
- Chicken Thighs: 1.36 kg ( 3 lbs ) of bone-in, skin-on. Honestly, this is where the flavour is at. Don't skimp on the good stuff.
- Salt & Pepper: To taste. Season generously, my friend!
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons ( 30 ml ). Good quality, extra virgin.
- Yellow Onion: 1 large , chopped (approx. 200g ).
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced (approx. 6g ).
- Red & Green Bell Peppers: 1 of each, chopped (approx. 150g each).
- Cremini Mushrooms: 227 g ( 8 ounces ), sliced. If you can't find Cremini, chestnut mushrooms will also work.
- Dry Red Wine: 120 ml ( 1/2 cup ). A decent Chianti or Merlot is amazing here.
- Crushed Tomatoes: 794 g ( 28 ounce can). The quality makes all the difference!
- Diced Tomatoes: 411 g ( 14.5 ounce can), undrained.
- Dried Oregano: 5 ml ( 1 teaspoon ).
- Dried Basil: 2.5 ml ( 1/2 teaspoon ).
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1 ml ( 1/4 teaspoon ), optional. For a bit of oomph .
- Fresh Parsley: 60 ml ( 1/4 cup ), chopped. For garnish.
Quality indicators? For the chicken, look for plump thighs with good colour. Avoid anything pale or slimy. And for the tomatoes, the best brand is one that tastes good to you.
You know? Do you trust your gut. A few tomatoes, great and tasty will be all you need to create a delicious Cacciatore Sauce Recipe.
Seasoning Notes: Spice It Up!
Oregano and basil are the classic Italian Chicken Stew combo. A little red pepper flake really elevates things! For flavour enhancers, a good sear on the chicken builds a beautiful base.
Don't be scared to let it get nice and brown.
Don't have oregano or basil? Italian seasoning blend is an acceptable (but not perfect) swap.
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
- Large Dutch Oven: Or any heavy bottomed pot with a lid. You need a lid.
- Cutting Board & Chef’s Knife: Obvious, right?
- Measuring Cups & Spoons: For accuracy.
Don't have a Dutch oven? A large saucepan will do in a pinch. This is more than just a One-Pot Chicken Dinner it's a one pot wonder!.
A rustic wonder. The beauty of Chicken Cacciatore lies in its simplicity and that's what makes this Easy Chicken Cacciatore recipe a winner! It is a hearty and flavorful stew, perfect for a chilly evening, This Red Wine Chicken Recipe is the best way to warm up your house!
Cooking Method: Mastering Hunter's Chicken Stew
Alright, let's get this Chicken Cacciatore strategy sorted. It is a proper delicious meal and something I always loved to do! Think of me as your friendly neighborhood SEO chef, ready to whip up a delectable plate!.
Here's how to nail this classic.
Prep Like a Pro
First things first, let's talk mise en place. Chop your large yellow onion (approx. 200g ), mince those 2 cloves garlic (approx.
6g ), and dice the red and green bell peppers (approx. 150g each). Slice up those 8 ounces cremini mushrooms (227 g).
Having everything ready to go is a total game changer.
Honestly, I used to be terrible at this. I'd be halfway through a recipe and realize I hadn't prepped something.
Nightmare! Now, I swear by it. Time saving organization tips is the name of the game!
Chicken Cacciatore: step-by-step Guide
This isn't rocket science, I promise!
- Pat those 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (approximately 1.36 kg / 3 lbs ) dry and season generously with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy!
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil ( 30 ml ) in your Dutch oven over medium high heat. Sear the chicken, skin side down, for about 5- 7 minutes until golden brown. Flip and sear for another 3- 4 minutes . Set aside.
- Add the onion, garlic, and bell peppers to the pot. Sauté until softened, about 5- 7 minutes . Add the mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown, about 3- 5 minutes .
- Pour in 1/2 cup dry red wine ( 120 ml ). Scrape up those browned bits from the bottom flavour city! Reduce for 2- 3 minutes .
- Stir in 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes ( 794 g ), 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes ( 411 g ), 1 teaspoon dried oregano ( 5 ml ), 1/2 teaspoon dried basil ( 2.5 ml ), and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes ( 1 ml ) if you like a kick. Simmer.
- Return the chicken to the pot, nestling it in the sauce. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 35- 40 minutes . The internal temperature should reach 165° F ( 74° C) .
- Sprinkle with 1/4 cup fresh parsley , chopped ( 60 ml ), and serve.
Pro Tips for Italian Chicken Stew Greatness
Don't crowd the pan when searing the chicken. Sear in batches for maximum golden brown goodness. Honestly, you want it like you just got sun-kissed.
Overcrowding leads to steamed chicken. No one wants that. Trust me!
Common mistakes to avoid : Rushing the simmering process. Low and slow is key here, folks. Let those flavours meld.
Okay, so easy chicken cacciatore is amazing on day one. But it's even BETTER the next day. This makes it a perfect make-ahead meal.
Okay, but what even is Chicken Cacciatore?
Chicken Cacciatore , literally "hunter's chicken," is a rustic one-pot chicken dinner . It is a hearty hunter's chicken stew traditionally made with whatever the hunter could find.
Now, we just grab stuff from the shops! Chicken thighs recipe are perfect for this, and it is a delicious way to use red wine chicken recipe .
Remember friends, cooking it is more than just a recipe. It's about creating memories. Enjoy! This is some amazing rustic italian cuisine .
The cacciatore sauce recipe is so good, you'll want to mop up every last drop. I'm not kidding, I have done it a couple of times! You might find chicken cacciatore with mushrooms at some places, but try this recipe for the best ever result!
Recipe Notes for Seriously Good Chicken Cacciatore
Okay, let's get this Chicken Cacciatore business sorted. Think of this as your friendly guide. I'm here to share all my tips and tricks so you can nail this recipe! I have been cooking this recipe for a long time and have figured out some cool tricks.
Honestly, I think this is one of the best Italian Chicken Stews I have ever made!
Plating Like a Pro: Serving Suggestions
Okay, so you've made this amazing Chicken Cacciatore Recipe . Now, let's make it look stunning! First, serve it in a shallow bowl.
Ladle the Hunter's Chicken and sauce over creamy polenta. A sprinkle of fresh parsley is always a winner. Crusty bread is a must for soaking up all that delicious sauce! A simple green salad cuts through the richness.
As for drinks, a glass of Chianti is an absolute dream. Or try a crisp Pinot Grigio. Trust me, it's all about the vibes.
Storage Secrets
Life's too short to waste good food, right? Here's how to keep your Easy Chicken Cacciatore tasting great.
- Refrigeration: Leftovers will happily sit in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s in an airtight container though.
- Freezing: Fancy making a big batch? This freezes like a dream! Portion it out and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Gently reheat on the hob or in the microwave until piping hot. Job done! It is that simple.
Tweaks and Twists: Variations
Fancy a change? I got you!
- Dietary Adaptations: For a gluten-free version, just make sure you serve it with gluten-free pasta or polenta. Easy peasy.
- Seasonal Swaps: This Rustic Italian Cuisine is super adaptable. In the summer, throw in some courgette. In winter, add some butternut squash for extra warmth. It can be adapted for every season!
Nutrition 101
So, what's the deal with Chicken Cacciatore with Mushrooms ? A rough estimate per serving is around 420 calories. The key health benefits? It’s packed with protein from the chicken.
It is also full of vitamins and antioxidants from the veggies. I’m not a dietician, but it’s a balanced meal.
A satisfying One-Pot Chicken Dinner .
Honestly, don't be scared to experiment and make it your own! Cooking should be fun, so grab those Chicken Thighs and get stuck in.
Before you know it, you'll be whipping up the best Red Wine Chicken Recipe anyone has ever tasted. Happy cooking! Give my delicious Cacciatore Sauce Recipe a try.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is chicken cacciatore and where does it come from?
Chicken Cacciatore, meaning "hunter's chicken" in Italian, is a rustic stew where chicken is braised in a tomato based sauce with vegetables and herbs. Think of it as Italy's answer to a comforting Sunday roast.
It originated in rural Italy, traditionally made with whatever the hunter could find a true celebration of seasonal ingredients! You could almost imagine nonna making it on a rainy day.
Can I make chicken cacciatore in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?
Absolutely! For a slow cooker, sear the chicken and sauté the vegetables as instructed, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. For an Instant Pot, use the sauté function to sear the chicken and vegetables, then add the remaining ingredients and cook on high pressure for 12-15 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release.
Using a slow cooker or instant pot allows you to 'set it and forget it' while getting on with other tasks!
What are some good side dishes to serve with my Chicken Cacciatore?
Chicken Cacciatore is fantastic with creamy polenta, which soaks up the sauce beautifully. Crusty bread, like a sourdough or ciabatta, is another classic choice for mopping up every last drop. For a lighter option, try serving it with a simple green salad with a vinaigrette.
You could even add roasted potatoes or some buttered pasta for the ultimate comfort meal.
I want to make this recipe, but I don't have all the ingredients. What substitutions can I make in my chicken cacciatore?
No worries, substitutions are easy! If you don't have red wine, chicken or vegetable broth works fine. Dried herbs can replace fresh just use about a third of the amount. Feel free to swap out the bell peppers with other veggies like zucchini or eggplant if you're looking to use what's in the fridge.
It’s all about making it your own, innit?
How long does Chicken Cacciatore last in the fridge and can you freeze it?
Leftover Chicken Cacciatore will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days in an airtight container. It's actually even better the next day as the flavours meld together even more! Yes, you can freeze it! Let it cool completely, then transfer to freezer safe containers or bags. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Is chicken cacciatore healthy? What are the nutritional benefits?
Chicken Cacciatore can be a relatively healthy meal. It's packed with protein from the chicken and fiber and vitamins from the vegetables. By using chicken thighs, you get a richer flavour and more iron. However, it can be higher in sodium depending on the canned tomatoes used, so be mindful of that.
You can reduce sodium by using low-sodium tomatoes and controlling the amount of salt added.
Hunters Chicken Stew Classic Chicken Cacciatore
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 420 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 3g |
