Ready in: 1 hour · Serves: 6 · Technique: Braising · Storage: Up to 3 days in the refrigerator, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Quick Answer
This Chicken Cacciatore is a comforting Italian dish that is perfect for gathering friends and family during the holidays, with succulent chicken simmered in a rich tomato sauce.
The essence of Chicken Cacciatore, with its robust flavors and hearty ingredients, resonates perfectly with the warm, inviting atmosphere we all seek during Thanksgiving and Christmas. Living in the bustle of New York City, I often find myself scouting for recipes that can bring comfort to my family and friends, especially as the chill in the air reminds us to gather and savor the season together. This classic Italian dish not only delivers in taste but also fills your kitchen with a glorious aroma that beckons everyone to the dining table.
A Cozy Holiday Dish
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Loaded with robust flavors that create a cozy atmosphere for family gatherings.
- Hearty and satisfying, making it perfect for cold weather dinners.
- Fills your kitchen with a mouthwatering aroma that draws everyone to the table.
- Can be served with a variety of sides for a versatile meal.
- Easy to make, allowing you to spend more time with loved ones.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to make Chicken Cacciatore:
For the Chicken
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks
For the Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), chopped
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil, for garnish
How to Make Chicken Cacciatore (Step-by-Step)
Follow these simple steps to create a delicious Chicken Cacciatore:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken thighs and drumsticks dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper on all sides to ensure a crispy skin.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the chicken skin-side down. Sear for about 5-7 minutes until golden, then flip and cook for another 5 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet, add chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened, then add minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, cooking for another 3 minutes until browned.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce, and bring to a gentle simmer.
Step 5: Cook Until Tender
Cover the skillet and reduce heat, letting it simmer for 30-35 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.
Step 6: Finishing Touches
Sprinkle with fresh basil before serving. The vibrant color and aroma will enhance your dish, making it truly irresistible.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Drying the Chicken: Skipping the drying step can lead to soggy skin instead of the desirable crispiness.
- Crowding the Skillet: If you add too much chicken at once, it will steam instead of sear. Sear in batches if necessary.
- Rushing the Simmer: Don't skip the low and slow cooking stage. It's essential for the flavors to develop and for the chicken to become tender.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- For added depth, consider using a splash of red wine in the tomato sauce as it simmers.
- Feel free to customize with seasonal vegetables like zucchini or carrots for a different twist.
- For a heat boost, add more red pepper flakes or garnish with fresh chili slices before serving.
Variations
- Substitute chicken thighs for boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a leaner option.
- Use different types of mushrooms, such as button or shiitake, for varied flavors.
- Incorporate olives or capers for a briny kick.
- Swap crushed tomatoes with diced tomatoes for a chunkier sauce.
How to Serve
- Serve Chicken Cacciatore over a bed of creamy polenta.
- Pair with crusty Italian bread to soak up the sauce.
- Accompany with a crisp green salad drizzled with a light vinaigrette.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: Prepare the sauce a day in advance and refrigerate. Add the chicken when ready to cook.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm the chicken gently in a skillet, adding a splash of water to ensure the sauce remains moist.
- Freezing: Can be frozen for up to 3 months-thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Recipe Notes / What I Learned
Throughout my testing, I realized the importance of letting the chicken simmer in the sauce to truly meld the flavors together. Each bite brings a warm hug and reminds me why this dish is a timeless favorite for gatherings during the holiday season.
Yield and Serving Size
Yield: 8 servings · Serving Size: 1 chicken piece and sauce
Nutrition Snapshot
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~350 calories · 30g protein · 20g carbs · 15g fat
Recipe by:
Cozy Chicken Cacciatore for Family Gatherings
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pat the chicken thighs and drumsticks dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper on all sides to ensure a crispy skin.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the chicken skin-side down. Sear for about 5-7 minutes until golden, then flip and cook for another 5 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened, then add minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, cooking for another 3 minutes until browned.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce, and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Cover the skillet and reduce heat, letting it simmer for 30-35 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Sprinkle with fresh basil before serving. The vibrant color and aroma will enhance your dish, making it truly irresistible.
Notes
FAQs
What is Chicken Cacciatore?
Chicken Cacciatore is a classic Italian dish made with chicken, tomatoes, peppers, and a variety of aromatics. It's known for its rich flavors and comforting qualities, making it a popular choice for family meals and gatherings.
Can I customize the vegetables in Chicken Cacciatore?
Absolutely! Feel free to add seasonal vegetables such as zucchini, carrots, or even olives to enhance the flavor and nutrition of the dish. The recipe is quite versatile, allowing you to adjust based on your preferences.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze Chicken Cacciatore for up to 3 months. Just remember to thaw it in the fridge before reheating!
