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 minutesminutes
Cook Time 1 hourhour30 minutesminutes
Servings 8
Author N. J. Sorensen, RDN
Ingredients
8each chicken thighs
salt and pepper
1tablespoonrosemary sprigs — finely chopped
4clovesgarlic — finely chopped
2each bay leaf
2cupsChianti
½cupall-purpose flour
¼cupolive oil
2eachmedium onions — sliced 1/4-inch thick
3eachcans diced tomatoes — drained
16eacheach black and/or green olives — pitted
2tablespoonscapers — drained and chopped
1cupchicken stock
2tablespoonsbasil 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.