Rustic Italian Chicken Cacciatore Recipe: Hearty Comfort Food

Nestled in the heart of italian cuisine, this chicken cacciatore recipe brings rustic comfort straight to your kitchen.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this delightful one-pot wonder.

Tender chicken pieces simmer in a rich, aromatic sauce that whispers stories of countryside kitchens.

Fragrant herbs and ripe tomatoes create a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Robust and hearty, the dish promises a warm embrace of traditional cooking.

Regional variations add unexpected twists to this classic meal.

Savor each bite and let the authentic taste transport you to the rolling hills of italy.

You’ll want to make this recipe again and again.

Fun Twists On Hairy Bikers Chicken Cacciatore

• Vegetarian Hunter's Style: Replace chicken with firm tofu or seitan, coated in cornstarch for crispy texture. Use vegetable broth instead of wine.
• Low-Carb Option: Skip flour coating and use almond flour. Swap tomatoes for roasted red pepper sauce to reduce carbohydrates.
• Mediterranean Fusion: Add kalamata olives, swap capers with sundried tomatoes, use Greek herbs like oregano and thyme for Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwestern Version: Include diced jalapeños, replace wine with tequila, add smoked paprika and cumin for a southwestern kick.

Best Sides For Hairy Bikers Chicken Cacciatore

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Choose a medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the rich, savory flavors of the chicken cacciatore.
• Create Rustic Bread Accompaniment: Serve with crusty Italian bread or focaccia to soak up the delicious tomato and herb sauce, enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Match with Creamy Polenta Side: Prepare soft, buttery polenta as a perfect base that absorbs the flavorful sauce and provides a smooth contrast to the tender chicken.
• Balance with Fresh Herb Salad: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the dish and provide a refreshing counterpoint.

How To Store Hairy Bikers Chicken Cacciatore Well

• Store leftover chicken cacciatore in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer cooled chicken cacciatore to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2-3 months, ensuring minimal air exposure to prevent freezer burn.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, cover with damp paper towel. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Pour chicken cacciatore into skillet, add splash of water or broth. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating, about 5-7 minutes.

FAQs About Hairy Bikers Chicken Cacciatore

• What ingredients make chicken cacciatore unique?

The combination of chicken, mushrooms, capers, wine, and crushed tomatoes creates a rich, rustic Italian hunter-style flavor profile.

• Is this recipe complicated for home cooks?

Not at all. It’s a one-skillet dish with simple steps that even beginner cooks can master easily.

• Why do we flour the chicken before browning?

Flouring helps create a golden, crispy exterior and helps thicken the sauce while preventing the chicken from sticking to the pan.

• Can I use different chicken cuts for this recipe?

Absolutely. While thighs are traditional and provide more flavor, you can also use chicken breasts or a whole cut-up chicken.

What Makes Hairy Bikers Chicken Cacciatore Tasty

• Speed Up Dinner: Craft a hearty meal in under an hour with simple ingredients and straightforward cooking steps that make weeknight cooking a breeze.
• Family Comfort Classic: Deliver a rustic Italian-inspired dish that brings warmth and rich flavors to the table, satisfying everyone from kids to grandparents with its delicious blend of tender chicken and savory sauce.
• Versatile Meal Option: Pair perfectly with pasta, rice, or crusty bread, making this recipe adaptable for different preferences and easily transforming from a casual family dinner to an impressive meal for guests.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup by preparing everything in a single skillet, reducing dishes and saving precious time after cooking without sacrificing incredible taste and presentation.

What You’ll Need For Hairy Bikers Chicken Cacciatore

• Chicken Thighs: Dark meat with rich flavor that becomes tender and succulent when slow-cooked in the sauce.

• Onion, Garlic: Provide a deep, savory base flavor to the chicken cacciatore.
• Bell Pepper, Mushrooms: Add texture and earthy undertones to the dish.

• Olive Oil: Used for browning chicken and sautéing vegetables.
• White Wine: Helps deglaze the pan and adds complexity to the sauce.
• Crushed Tomatoes: Create the classic rich and tangy sauce base for the chicken.
• Capers: Provide a briny, salty punch to balance the sauce.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the overall flavor profile.

• Fresh Herbs: Brighten the dish with a fresh, aromatic finish.

• All-Purpose Flour: Used to coat and help brown the chicken thighs.

How To Cook Hairy Bikers Chicken Cacciatore

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Thighs

Dust chicken thighs with flour, ensuring each piece is evenly coated with a light layer of seasoning. Shake off any excess flour to create a perfect base for browning.

Step 2: Sear Chicken Golden Brown

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place chicken thighs into the hot pan, allowing them to develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. Cook each side until crispy and rich in color. Transfer the seared chicken to a separate plate.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

In the same skillet, add a fresh drizzle of oil. Toss in chopped onions and let them soften and become translucent, releasing their sweet flavor. Cook until they become tender and slightly caramelized.

Step 4: Build Flavor Base

• Minced garlic
• Sliced mushrooms
• Chopped bell peppers

Stir and cook until the vegetables become soft and fragrant, creating a delicious foundation for the sauce.

Step 5: Deglaze and Create Sauce

Pour wine into the skillet, scraping up all the delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This step adds depth and complexity to the sauce.

Step 6: Combine Sauce Ingredients

• Crushed tomatoes
• Capers

Mix these ingredients thoroughly, creating a rich and vibrant sauce.

Step 7: Simmer and Meld Flavors

Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet. Allow everything to simmer gently, letting the flavors merge and the chicken become tender. Cook until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened slightly.

Step 8: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh herbs over the dish. Serve the chicken cacciatore hot, directly from the skillet, with a rustic and inviting presentation.

Helpful Cooking Tips For Hairy Bikers Chicken Cacciatore

• Flour Finesse: Pat chicken thighs dry before flouring to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in moisture and flavor.
• Wine Wisdom: Choose a dry white wine like pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc to enhance the sauce's depth without overpowering the chicken.
• Herb Harmony: Use fresh basil or parsley for garnishing to add a bright, aromatic finish that elevates the rustic Italian dish.
• Simmer Secret: Keep the heat low and steady during simmering to prevent tough chicken and allow flavors to meld beautifully.
• Low-Carb Swap: Replace flour with almond flour or omit entirely for a gluten-free version that maintains the recipe's authentic taste.

Chicken Cacciatore Recipe

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4.7 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 45-50 mins
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Rustic chicken cacciatore brings Italian countryside charm to dinner tables with tender chicken simmered in rich tomato sauce. Herb-infused and packed with Mediterranean flavors, this classic dish promises a comforting meal you’ll savor with every delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 6 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1/2 onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 ounces (226 grams) baby bella mushrooms, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced

Liquids, Seasonings, and Extras:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1/2 cup red wine
• 1 28-ounce (794 grams) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 1/2 tablespoons capers
• Fresh basil or parsley (to garnish)

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Instructions

1. Coat chicken thighs with seasoned flour, ensuring even coverage for a crispy exterior.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear chicken until golden brown on both sides, creating a rich caramelized surface.
3. Transfer browned chicken to a plate, leaving flavorful drippings in the pan.
4. In the same skillet, soften diced onions until translucent and fragrant, releasing their natural sweetness.
5. Introduce minced garlic, sliced mushrooms, and bell peppers, stirring frequently to prevent burning and develop complex flavors.
6. Deglaze the pan with white wine, scraping up browned bits to incorporate intense flavor into the sauce.
7. Pour in crushed tomatoes and sprinkle capers, creating a vibrant and tangy sauce base.
8. Carefully return chicken to the skillet, nestling pieces into the sauce for even cooking.
9. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes at low temperature, allowing chicken to become tender and sauce to thicken.
10. Finish by garnishing with fresh chopped herbs, adding a bright, aromatic touch to the rustic Italian dish.
11. Serve immediately while hot, offering a hearty and comforting meal.

Notes

• Choose bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for deeper flavor and juicier meat during cooking.
• Pat chicken completely dry before flouring to ensure crispy, golden-brown exterior that seals in moisture.
• Use a heavy-bottomed skillet or cast-iron pan for even heat distribution and better browning of chicken.
• Swap wine with chicken broth for alcohol-free version without compromising rich taste profile of the dish.

• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 35-40 mins
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 410 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 710 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg