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Recipe by:

Dana Ramsey

Cozy Chicken Cacciatore for Family Gatherings

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.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Group: Ingredients
  • 4 pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 4 pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks
  • 2 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 piece bell pepper, chopped red or yellow
  • 8 oz. cremini mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 can (28 oz.) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 Tbsp. tomato paste
  • 1 tsp. dried oregano
  • ½ tsp. red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh basil, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Meat thermometer

Method
 

  1. Pat the chicken thighs and drumsticks dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper on all sides to ensure a crispy skin.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Sprinkle with fresh basil before serving. The vibrant color and aroma will enhance your dish, making it truly irresistible.

Notes

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.