Italian Hunter’s Chicken (Chicken Cacciatore) Recipe

This Italian Hunter’s Chicken (Chicken Cacciatore) is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a cozy family meal! Imagine tender chicken pieces simmered in a rich tomato sauce with bell peppers, onions, garlic, and a touch of red wine. This recipe is easy to make and delivers a satisfying and comforting dish that’s perfect for serving over a bed of fluffy brown rice.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful and Aromatic: The combination of tender chicken, sautéed vegetables, and a rich tomato sauce creates a delicious and aromatic dish that’s packed with flavor.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is simple to follow and requires minimal ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re short on time.
• Versatile: Feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables, herbs, or spices. You can also use different cuts of chicken or even substitute with another protein, such as rabbit or sausage.
• Perfect for Cold Weather: This hearty dish is the ultimate comfort food for chilly days and nights.

this Recipe

Ingredients

• Whole free-range chicken: Cut into pieces for even cooking. You can also use bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces or boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts.
• Salt and black pepper: Season the chicken and sauce to perfection.
• All-purpose flour: Used to dredge the chicken, creating a light crust that helps to thicken the sauce.
• Olive oil: Used to brown the chicken and sauté the vegetables.
• Red bell pepper: Adds sweetness, color, and a bit of crunch.
• Onion: Provides a savory base and sweetness.
• Garlic: Adds a fragrant and savory punch.
• Anchovy fillets: Adds a salty and umami flavor to the sauce (optional).
• Red wine: Adds depth of flavor and acidity to the sauce.
• Tomato sugo (sauce): Use your favorite store-bought or homemade tomato sauce.
• Reduced-sodium chicken broth: Adds flavor and thins the sauce to the desired consistency.
• Pitted black olives: Adds a salty and briny flavor.
• Dried oregano: Adds a slightly bitter and earthy flavor.
• Fresh basil: Adds a fresh herb flavor and a pop of color.
• Brown rice: A healthy and hearty base for the dish.
• Water: Used to cook the rice.
• Dried chili flakes: Adds a spicy kick (optional).

Note: For exact measurements, see the recipe card below!

How to Make Italian Hunter’s Chicken (Chicken Cacciatore)

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Dredge the chicken in the flour, shaking off any excess.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed sauté pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, reduce the heat to medium and add the floured chicken pieces. Cook until golden brown on all sides, about 5 minutes per side. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

Add the chopped bell pepper, onion, garlic, and anchovies (if using) to the same pan. Sauté until the onion is tender, about 5 minutes. Pour in the red wine and simmer until slightly reduced, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

Step 4: Simmer the Chicken in Sauce

Add the tomato sauce, chicken broth, oregano, and browned chicken pieces to the pan. Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

Step 5: Cook the Rice

While the chicken is simmering, cook the brown rice. Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh strainer under running water. Combine the rice and water in a pot, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes. Remove from the heat and let stand, covered, for 10 minutes before fluffing with a fork.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Once the chicken is cooked through, stir in the black olives. If the sauce is too thin, remove the chicken pieces from the pot and boil the sauce until it thickens slightly. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve the chicken over the cooked brown rice, spooning the sauce on top. Garnish with fresh basil and a dash of chili flakes, if desired.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use bone-in, skin-on chicken: For even more flavorful chicken, use bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Brown the chicken in batches to ensure even cooking and prevent steaming.
• Adjust the cooking time: The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the chicken pieces and your stovetop.
• Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the sauce, such as sliced mushrooms, diced zucchini, or chopped green beans.

How to Serve

This Italian Hunter’s Chicken is delicious served with a variety of sides:

• Brown Rice: Fluffy brown rice is a classic pairing for this dish.
• Polenta: Creamy polenta is another delicious option for serving with this hearty stew.
• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Italian Hunter’s Chicken is great for making ahead of time or storing leftovers.

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.

FAQs

1. Can I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of a whole chicken? Yes, you can! Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs would work well in this recipe. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.

2. Can I make this recipe without wine? Yes, you can! You can substitute the red wine with an equal amount of chicken broth or water.

3. Can I use canned tomatoes instead of tomato sauce? Absolutely! Canned diced or crushed tomatoes would be a great substitute for tomato sauce.

4. Can I add other seasonings to the dish? Definitely! Bay leaves, thyme, or a pinch of red pepper flakes would be delicious additions.

This Italian Hunter’s Chicken (Chicken Cacciatore) Recipe is a flavorful and comforting dish that’s perfect for a cozy meal. With its simple preparation, versatile ingredients, and hearty flavors, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again!

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