Chicken Cacciatora
Chicken Cacciatora features tender chicken simmered in a savory tomato sauce with onions, garlic, and herbs, delivering rich flavors perfect for comforting family meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add chicken pieces and brown slowly on all sides.
- Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Cook onions and garlic in the skillet until tender.
- Combine remaining ingredients, except wine, in the skillet with the onions and garlic.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and simmer uncovered for 45 minutes.
- Stir in the wine and cook for an additional 20 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, marinate the chicken in the spices and some of the wine for a few hours before cooking. If you don’t have Sauterne, a dry white wine or even chicken broth can be used instead. Feel free to add bell peppers or mushrooms for extra veggies, or try it with boneless chicken for a quicker cook time. This recipe can also be adapted into a pasta dish like Cavatelli With Chicken And Broccoli.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Chicken Cacciatora over a bed of rice, pasta, or polenta for a hearty meal. A side of crusty bread is great for soaking up the delicious sauce. This dish pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables, making it a balanced dinner option. Explore more Italian recipes to complement this flavorful dish, or serve with a glass of the same wine used in the sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. You can also microwave it, covering the dish to prevent drying out, but be careful to not overheat as it can make the chicken tough.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Cacciatora contains roughly 1312 calories, with 29g protein, 271g carbohydrates, and 48g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (328% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (183% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2065mg per serving (90% 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 skinless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use skinless chicken if you prefer a lighter dish. Just be mindful that skin-on chicken adds more flavor and moisture during cooking, so you may want to adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure the meat doesn't dry out.
What can I substitute for bay leaves?
If you don't have bay leaves, you can substitute with a teaspoon of dried thyme or a couple of sprigs of fresh thyme. While the flavor will differ slightly, it will still add a nice herbaceous note to your Chicken Cacciatora.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Chicken Cacciatora can be made a day in advance and tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just make sure to cool it completely before storing it in the refrigerator, and reheat gently before serving.
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).