Chicken Cacciatore(For Low-Fat Diets)
A flavorful, low-fat chicken cacciatore with tomatoes, peppers, and herbs, perfect for health-conscious meals bursting with Italian-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, halved and skinned ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt (optional) ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. allspice ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. basil ⓘ
- 3 oz. water ⓘ
- 16 oz. can diced tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 medium green pepper, cut in strips ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, sliced thin ⓘ
- 1/2 can mushrooms, sliced ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. corn oil ⓘ
- 1 tsp. oregano ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, lightly brown the skinned chicken breasts in corn oil.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it in a baking dish.
- Add minced garlic, bay leaf, allspice, basil, salt (if using), and pepper to the skillet.
- Stir in water and canned diced tomatoes, scraping up any browned bits.
- Add sliced green pepper, sliced onion, and sliced mushrooms to the skillet.
- Simmer the mixture for a few minutes to combine flavors.
- Pour the sauce and vegetables over the chicken in the baking dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider marinating the chicken breasts in the spices and garlic for a couple of hours before cooking. If you prefer a thicker sauce, add a tablespoon of tomato paste to the skillet. For a lighter option, you can substitute corn oil with a cooking spray or use a non-stick skillet to reduce fat content. Fresh herbs can also elevate the dish, so feel free to add some chopped fresh basil or oregano.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Chicken Cacciatore over a bed of whole grain pasta or alongside a fresh green salad for a balanced meal. Crusty bread is also an excellent accompaniment for soaking up the flavorful sauce. This dish pairs beautifully with Garlic Shrimp And Pasta for a delightful Italian-themed dinner. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese just before serving for added richness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken and sauce in a covered dish in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also reheat in the microwave, ensuring the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Cacciatore(For Low-Fat Diets) contains roughly 821 calories, with 19g protein, 137g carbohydrates, and 38g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (154% of the Daily Value), and calcium (126% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 641mg per serving (28% 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 thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs can be used as a substitute for chicken breasts. They will add a different texture and flavor to the dish, and you may want to adjust the cooking time slightly as thighs can take a bit longer to cook through.
Is it possible to make this dish in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! To adapt this recipe for a slow cooker, brown the chicken as directed, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
This Chicken Cacciatore recipe is naturally gluten-free if you ensure that the canned tomatoes and any other packaged ingredients are labeled gluten-free. Serve it over rice or gluten-free pasta for a complete meal without gluten.
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).