Classic Chicken Cacciatore Recipe – Dinner, then Dessert
There’s something inherently magical about gathering around the dinner table as the sun sets, the warm glow of candlelight flickering softly in the background. The aroma of hearty meals wafting through the air creates an inviting sanctuary where laughter echoes and stories are shared. In moments like these, you want a dish that not only satisfies the hunger but warms the heart—enter the Classic Chicken Cacciatore Recipe – Dinner, then Dessert. This dish, which translates to "hunter’s chicken," brings together tender chicken, vibrant peppers, and aromatic herbs into a comforting embrace that feels like home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Classic Chicken Cacciatore recipe isn’t just a meal—it’s a wonderful blend of tradition, flavor, and comfort that you will cherish for years to come. Here are a few reasons why it deserves a place on your dinner table:
- Comforting Flair: Each bite envelops you in flavors that are both robust and inviting.
- Family Favorite: It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone together—kids and adults alike.
- Quick Dinner Idea: Ready in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Versatile Meal: Whether served over pasta or with crusty bread, it shines in myriad ways.
- Healthy Option: Packed with vegetables and lean protein, it nourishes both the body and soul.
Ingredients
To recreate this delicious dish, gather the following ingredients:
- Chicken thighs (bone-in, skin on) – juicy and flavorful for that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Bell peppers (red and green) – add color and sweetness to balance the savory elements.
- Onion – a must-have for enhancing that base flavor—don’t skip it!
- Garlic – because every great dish begins and ends with garlic.
- Crushed tomatoes – for a rich, savory sauce that binds it all together.
- Chicken broth – elevates the sauce, adding depth to every bite.
- Red wine (optional) – for a touch of acidity and sophistication.
- Fresh basil – at the end, this bright herb takes the dish to new heights.
- Oregano, salt, pepper – classic seasonings that enhance the flavor profile.
Substitutions: If you prefer, boneless chicken breast, zucchini, or even mushrooms could be great swaps.
Timing
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 40 minutes
- Total time: 55 minutes
Forget about takeout; this Classic Chicken Cacciatore is ready faster and is far more rewarding!
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, drizzle in some olive oil. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Brown them on both sides for about 5-7 minutes, until golden brown. Your kitchen will smell amazing at this point!
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Add the Aromatics: Remove the chicken and set it aside. In the same skillet, add the diced onions and garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
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Build the Sauce: Toss in the bell peppers and cook for another 5 minutes. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth, followed by the red wine if you’re using it. Stir to combine.
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Return the Chicken: Nestle the seared chicken back into the sauce, making sure it is partly submerged. Sprinkle in the oregano.
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Simmer to Perfection: Cover and let it simmer for 30 minutes over low heat. This is where the magic happens—the flavors meld beautifully and the chicken becomes incredibly tender.
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Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, sprinkle with fresh basil. Serve it hot, allowing that delightful aroma to waft throughout your home.
Tips and Variations
- Make it Spicy: Add red pepper flakes to give it an extra kick for those who like some heat.
- Bulk it Up: Toss in your favorite veggies, like mushrooms or zucchini, to boost the nutritional profile.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with chickpeas for a hearty plant-based twist.
- Herb Swaps: Use thyme or rosemary instead of oregano for a different flavor experience.
Serving Suggestions
Picture this: Your plate is heaped with steaming Chicken Cacciatore, perhaps served over a bed of creamy polenta or al dente spaghetti. A crisp side salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette sits next to it, and a rustic loaf of garlic bread beckons to soak up that rich sauce. Pair it with a glass of red wine (or sparkling water with lemon) for a complete dining experience that feels luxurious yet cozy all at once.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftovers? Oh yes, please! Store any extra chicken cacciatore in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. It also freezes beautifully, lasting up to three months. To reheat, just let it simmer gently on the stove or warm it in the oven covered with foil for a comforting meal that tastes just as good as the first day.
Pro Tips from the Kitchen
- For even more flavor, marinate the chicken for a few hours or overnight in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and herbs before cooking.
- Feel free to use leftover rotisserie chicken in place of raw to save time.
- If you like a thicker sauce, let it reduce uncovered for the last 10 minutes of cooking.
FAQs
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Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! It tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Just reheat before serving! -
Is chicken cacciatore healthy?
Yes! It’s full of protein and vegetables, making it a nourishing choice for dinner. -
What can I serve with chicken cacciatore?
It pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread. A fresh salad on the side is also a great option. -
Can I use different meats?
Yes! You can substitute chicken with turkey, or even use a combination of meats for added flavor.
Conclusion
The Classic Chicken Cacciatore Recipe – Dinner, then Dessert is more than just a dish; it’s a celebration of togetherness, laughter, and the comforting power of home-cooked meals. It invites you to gather your loved ones, share stories, and make memories that linger long after the last bite is savored. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let the magic unfold in your kitchen. You just might find that this recipe becomes a beloved tradition in your home, deserving of a special place on your dinner table. Try it, and let your family experience the warmth and joy that a good meal provides.
Contents
Classic Chicken Cacciatore
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces Chicken thighs (bone-in, skin on) Juicy and flavorful for that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 2 pieces Bell peppers (red and green) Add color and sweetness to balance the savory elements.
- 1 piece Onion Enhances the base flavor—don’t skip it!
- 4 cloves Garlic Because every great dish begins and ends with garlic.
- 28 ounces Crushed tomatoes For a rich, savory sauce that binds it all together.
- 1 cup Chicken broth Elevates the sauce, adding depth to every bite.
- 1/2 cup Red wine (optional) For a touch of acidity and sophistication.
- 1/4 cup Fresh basil Bright herb that takes the dish to new heights.
- 1 teaspoon Oregano Classic seasoning that enhances the flavor profile.
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large skillet over medium heat, drizzle in some olive oil. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Brown them on both sides for about 5-7 minutes, until golden brown.
- Remove the chicken and set it aside. In the same skillet, add the diced onions and garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Toss in the bell peppers and cook for another 5 minutes. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth, followed by the red wine if you’re using it. Stir to combine.
- Nestle the seared chicken back into the sauce, making sure it is partly submerged. Sprinkle in the oregano.
- Cover and let it simmer for 30 minutes over low heat.
- Just before serving, sprinkle with fresh basil and serve hot.
Notes
Written by Salaheddine — founder of Tasty Sunrise, sharing easy and comforting homemade recipes for every occasion.
📩 admin@tastysunrise.com • Pinterest