Chicken Cacciatore in a Tomato and Herb Sauce: A Classic Italian Delight

When it comes to classic Italian comfort food, Chicken Cacciatore stands out as a timeless dish that perfectly balances savory flavors, tender meat, and a rich, aromatic sauce. The word cacciatore translates to “hunter’s style,” which traditionally refers to the rustic, hearty meals that hunters would prepare using simple, locally sourced ingredients. In the case of Chicken Cacciatore, this means chicken cooked slowly in a tomato-based sauce with an array of herbs, vegetables, and sometimes wine — resulting in a dish that’s comforting, flavorful, and satisfying.

Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or hosting friends over for a cozy gathering, Chicken Cacciatore is an ideal recipe to impress without spending all day in the kitchen. This dish is all about slow-cooked goodness, where the flavors meld together perfectly. Let’s explore this delightful recipe in more detail and learn how to make this classic Italian chicken dish that’s been cherished for generations.

What Makes Chicken Cacciatore So Special?

The appeal of Chicken Cacciatore lies in its simplicity. While it requires a few ingredients, the slow-cooking process and combination of fresh, bold flavors make it incredibly satisfying. What sets this dish apart from other chicken recipes is the tomato and herb sauce, which adds layers of rich, aromatic flavors. The sauce is infused with garlic, onions, and bell peppers, and seasoned with herbs like basil, thyme, and oregano, giving it a true Italian flavor profile.

But what really makes Chicken Cacciatore shine is the method of cooking. As the chicken simmers in the sauce, it absorbs all the flavors, becoming juicy and tender. It’s a dish that improves with time, and the leftovers (if there are any!) are just as delicious.

Ingredients for Chicken Cacciatore in a Tomato and Herb Sauce

The best part about Chicken Cacciatore is that it uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. The combination of fresh vegetables, herbs, and tomatoes creates a sauce that’s bursting with flavor, while the chicken adds a hearty protein to the dish.

For the Chicken:

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or drumsticks or a whole chicken cut into parts)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Sauce:

• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper (red, green, or yellow), chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional, but adds depth of flavor)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (or water)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• 1/4 cup black olives (optional, for an added Mediterranean touch)

Optional Add-ins:

• Mushrooms, sliced (for a richer, earthier flavor)
• Capers (for a briny punch)
• Fresh basil (to garnish)

Instructions for Making Chicken Cacciatore

Step 1: Season and Brown the Chicken

Start by seasoning the chicken pieces with salt and pepper on both sides. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken and cook it for about 5-7 minutes per side until the skin is crispy and golden brown. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this stage since it will finish cooking in the sauce later. Once browned, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

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