Best Chicken Cacciatore
A hearty Italian-inspired chicken cacciatore with tender chicken simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat oil and add sliced onions and minced garlic.
- Cook until tender, then remove onions and set aside.
- In the same skillet, brown chicken pieces for 15 minutes, adding more oil if needed.
- Return cooked onions to the skillet with the chicken.
- Combine undrained tomatoes, tomato sauce, salt, oregano or basil, celery salt, pepper, and bay leaves.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken in the skillet.
- Cover and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Stir in wine and cook uncovered over low heat for an additional 15 minutes.
- Serve hot with rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using bone-in chicken pieces instead of a whole chicken. If you don't have fresh garlic, garlic powder can be a substitute. Feel free to adjust the herbs; if you prefer basil, it works equally well as oregano. Adding bell peppers or mushrooms can enhance the dish's texture and flavor. For a healthier twist, make your own Marinara Sauce(On The Healthy Side) to use instead of canned options.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chicken cacciatore hot over a bed of rice or pasta for a hearty meal. It pairs beautifully with Italian Freselle for a crunchy texture. A side salad or steamed vegetables can complement the dish nicely, adding freshness. For an authentic Italian touch, consider serving with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. This dish also makes a great filling for a sandwich.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover chicken cacciatore can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally until heated through. Freezing is also an option; just ensure it's cooled completely before freezing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Best Chicken Cacciatore contains roughly 694 calories, with 7g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 60g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (120% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (109% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (100% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1790mg per serving (78% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken pieces. However, keep in mind that bone-in chicken tends to add more flavor and moisture. If using boneless, reduce the cooking time slightly to prevent overcooking.
What can I substitute for the canned tomatoes?
If you don't have canned tomatoes, you can use fresh tomatoes. About 4-5 medium-sized ripe tomatoes, chopped, will work well. Alternatively, you could use a jar of store-bought marinara sauce for convenience.
Can I make this dish in advance?
Absolutely! Chicken cacciatore tastes even better the next day, as the flavors meld together. You can prepare it a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat before serving, and it will be delicious!
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).