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