Chicken Cacciatore Northern Style
Northern style Chicken Cacciatore features tender chicken simmered in a flavorful sauce with wine, garlic, and herbs, perfect for hearty, comforting meals for family or guests.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large frying pan.
- Saute chicken over medium heat, turning occasionally, for approximately 20 minutes.
- Add chopped onion, crushed garlic, and chopped shallots to the pan.
- Add white wine, red wine vinegar, salt, pepper, and basil to the mixture.
- Cover tightly and simmer for another 30 minutes.
- Serve with pasta, rice, or vegetables.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, use bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces. If you prefer a lighter option, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well too. You can substitute the white wine with chicken broth or vegetable broth, but the flavor may vary. Fresh basil is ideal, but dried basil can be used in a pinch – just reduce the amount. Consider adding bell peppers or mushrooms for extra texture, similar to what you'd find in Italian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chicken cacciatore over a bed of pasta or alongside rice for a hearty meal. It pairs beautifully with a side of crusty bread to soak up the sauce. For a lighter option, serve it with steamed vegetables. Consider complementing the dish with a fresh salad or pairing it with Sicilian Skillet Chicken for a delightful Italian feast.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, let the chicken cacciatore cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to maintain moisture. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Cacciatore Northern Style contains roughly 222 calories, with 5g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is a good source of iron (14% of the Daily Value) and protein (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2026mg per serving (88% 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 frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it's best to thaw it first for even cooking. If you're in a hurry, you can cook it from frozen but will need to extend the cooking time. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
What can I substitute for white wine?
If you prefer not to use white wine, you can substitute it with chicken broth or a mixture of vinegar and water. A splash of apple cider vinegar can also work, but reduce the quantity since it has a stronger flavor. Just remember that the taste will be slightly different.
How do I know when the chicken is done cooking?
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. You can also check by cutting into the thickest part of the meat; it should be no longer pink, and the juices should run clear. Using a meat thermometer is the most reliable method.
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).