Description
Chicken Cacciatore is a classic Italian stew featuring tender chicken simmered in a rich tomato sauce with aromatic herbs, fresh vegetables, and a splash of red wine. This comforting dish is perfect served over hot pasta and topped with grated Parmesan cheese for an authentic Italian meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Coating
- 1 broiler/fryer chicken (3–1/2 to 4 pounds), cut up
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Fats
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
Vegetables
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 celery ribs, sliced
- 1 large green pepper, cut into strips
- 1/2 pound sliced fresh mushrooms
Tomato Base
- 1 can (28 ounces) tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
Liquids and Seasoning
- 1 cup dry red wine or water
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon sugar
Serving
- Hot cooked pasta
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Dust the cut-up chicken pieces lightly with all-purpose flour, then season them evenly with salt and pepper to taste.
- Brown Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken pieces on all sides until golden brown. Remove the browned chicken and set aside on a platter.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, sliced celery, green pepper strips, and sliced mushrooms. Cook and stir for about 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
- Add Tomato Mixture: Stir in the chopped tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, dry red wine (or water), dried thyme, crushed rosemary, oregano, basil, minced garlic, and sugar. Bring this mixture to a boil.
- Simmer Sauce: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the sauce simmer for 30 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Add Chicken to Sauce: Return the browned chicken pieces to the skillet with the sauce. Cover and simmer gently for 45 to 60 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Serve: Serve the chicken and sauce hot over cooked pasta. Sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan cheese before serving for added flavor.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, dry red wine is preferred over water; however, water works as a substitute.
- Adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional herbs according to taste before serving.
- Use fresh herbs if available to enhance the aroma and freshness of the dish.
- Allow the chicken to rest a few minutes after cooking for juicier meat.
- This dish pairs well with any type of pasta such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Chicken Cacciatore, Italian chicken recipe, chicken stew, tomato chicken, classic Italian dish, chicken over pasta
