March 2, 2023

Rustic Chicken Cacciatore Recipe: An Easy and Nutritious Italian Favorite

Chicken Cacciatore, a rustic Italian classic, is a dish that blends history, nutrition, and flavor into one unforgettable meal. This “hunter-style chicken” remains a favorite worldwide for its rich tomato sauce, tender chicken, and deep flavors. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or new to Italian cuisine, Chicken Cacciatore offers the perfect combination of comfort, nourishment, and versatility.

In this post, we’ll dive into the origins of Chicken Cacciatore, its key ingredients, nutritional highlights, creative serving ideas, and essential chef tips. Plus, we’ll share how this dish varies across Italy’s regions, offering a deeper appreciation of its rich cultural significance.

A Brief History of Chicken Cacciatore

Chicken Cacciatore, which translates to “hunter-style chicken,” originated in the Italian countryside. This dish was created by hunters who cooked game or poultry over open fires, using simple ingredients like tomatoes, onions, and herbs for a hearty meal. It was a practical and flavorful way to prepare fresh catches during long hunting trips.

In Northern Italy, Chicken Cacciatore often features white wine and fewer tomatoes, creating a lighter sauce. Meanwhile, Southern Italian variations incorporate spicy chili peppers and red wine, giving the dish a richer, bolder flavor. The addition of olives and capers in some regions highlights the Mediterranean influence, adding briny notes to the sauce.

Over centuries, this recipe spread beyond Italy’s borders, evolving with local flavors and ingredients. Today, it’s celebrated worldwide for its rustic charm, comfort, and versatility.

Why Chicken Cacciatore Remains a Favorite

Flavor Meets Flexibility: This dish offers deep, comforting flavors and adaptable preparation. Whether simmered on the stovetop or slow-cooked in the oven, Chicken Cacciatore is a forgiving recipe that delivers every time.

Health-Conscious Appeal: Packed with lean protein and vegetables, it’s a naturally wholesome meal. Whole food ingredients like olive oil, fresh herbs, and tomatoes make it perfect for those looking for balanced, nutritious meals.

Perfect for Any Occasion: Chicken Cacciatore is equally suited for a weeknight family dinner or a more elaborate gathering. Its rich sauce pairs beautifully with various sides, making it endlessly customizable.

Exploring the Key Ingredients

The beauty of Chicken Cacciatore lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Here’s a closer look at the essentials:

Chicken Thighs: Known for their juicy, tender texture, chicken thighs absorb the sauce beautifully, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes form the heart of the sauce, offering a balance of sweetness and acidity. San Marzano tomatoes are highly recommended for their rich flavor.
Onions, Bell Peppers, and Mushrooms: These vegetables add depth and earthy notes, enhancing the dish’s complexity.
Aromatic Herbs: Fresh rosemary, basil, and oregano infuse the sauce with fragrant, herbaceous flavors.
Olives and Capers: These briny additions bring a bold, salty punch, balancing the sauce’s richness.
Chianti Wine: Adds acidity and depth to the sauce, tenderizing the chicken while enriching the overall flavor.

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CHICKEN CACCIATORE

Learn how to make a delicious and hearty Italian dish, Chicken Cacciatore, featuring tender chicken thighs cooked in a flavorful tomato-based sauce with onions, olives, and capers. This traditional recipe is perfect for a comforting family dinner.

Course Poultry

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 1 30

Servings 8

Author N. J. Sorensen, RDN

Ingredients

8 each chicken thighs
salt and pepper
1 tablespoon rosemary sprigs — finely chopped
4 cloves garlic — finely chopped
2 each bay leaf
2 cups Chianti
½ cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup olive oil
2 each medium onions — sliced 1/4-inch thick
3 each cans diced tomatoes — drained
16 each each black and/or green olives — pitted
2 tablespoons capers — drained and chopped
1 cup chicken stock
2 tablespoons basil leaves — thinly sliced

Instructions

In a medium bowl, season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Add the chopped rosemary, garlic, and bay leaves. Pour the Chianti wine over the chicken, ensuring it is fully covered. Marinate for 2-4 hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Drain the chicken, reserving the marinade. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and lightly dust them with flour.
In a large Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Working in batches, add the chicken thighs skin side down and cook for about 4 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Transfer the browned chicken to a plate and repeat with the remaining chicken thighs.
In the same Dutch oven, add the sliced onions and cook until translucent, approximately 4 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium-low.
Add the drained diced tomatoes, olives, capers, chicken stock, reserved marinade, and the browned chicken thighs. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Once boiling, transfer the Dutch oven, uncovered, to the preheated oven. Bake for 1 1/2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to become tender.
Remove the chicken from the oven and transfer it to a large serving platter. Cover the chicken with the sauce from the Dutch oven, garnish with thinly sliced basil leaves, and serve.

Notes

Enjoy this classic Chicken Cacciatore recipe, which pairs perfectly with pasta or rice. Share a delightful Italian-inspired meal with your loved ones.

This recipe can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables, herbs, or spices to create your own variation of this traditional Italian dish.

Chef Tips for the Perfect Chicken Cacciatore

Achieving restaurant-quality Chicken Cacciatore at home is easy with these chef-approved tips:

Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Marinating the chicken in Chianti wine, garlic, and rosemary for at least 2 hours (or overnight) intensifies the flavors.
Sear the Chicken First: Always sear the chicken until golden brown before simmering it in the sauce. This locks in moisture and adds a layer of richness.
Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to add seasonal vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or carrots for a fresh twist.
Choose the Right Wine: While Chianti is traditional, you can experiment with other red wines for different flavor profiles. For a non-alcoholic version, substitute wine with chicken broth and a splash of balsamic vinegar.
Substitutions and Alternatives: For a lighter version, use skinless chicken breasts. Want a plant-based alternative? Substitute chicken with chickpeas or tofu and increase the vegetables.
Make It Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a chopped chili pepper for extra heat, following the Southern Italian tradition.

Serving Suggestions

Elevate your Chicken Cacciatore with these creative serving ideas:

Traditional Pairings: Serve it over pasta, rice, or polenta for a comforting meal. The sauce soaks into these bases, creating a satisfying dish.
Low-Carb Option: For a lighter alternative, serve it with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
Seasonal Side Dishes: Pair with roasted root vegetables or a fresh green salad for added color and nutrition.
Crusty Bread: Don’t forget to have some crusty bread on hand to soak up the rich, flavorful sauce!

Nutrition Highlights

Chicken Cacciatore is as nourishing as it is delicious. Here are some of its key health benefits:

Lean Protein: Chicken thighs provide essential protein for muscle repair and growth.
Tomatoes: Rich in antioxidants, particularly lycopene, which supports heart health.
Mushrooms: A source of B vitamins and minerals like potassium and selenium.
Olive Oil: Contains monounsaturated fats that promote cardiovascular health.

Food Safety Tips

When preparing Chicken Cacciatore, keep these safety considerations in mind:

Marination: Always marinate chicken in the refrigerator, never at room temperature, to prevent bacterial growth.
Cooking Temperature: Cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

Chicken Cacciatore continues to enchant food lovers worldwide with its rustic flavors, rich history, and nourishing ingredients. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting a dinner party, this Italian classic promises to deliver warmth, comfort, and unforgettable taste.

Gather your ingredients, embrace the art of Italian cooking, and savor every bite of this hearty dish. Buon appetito!