Chicken Cacciatore(Low-Fat)
A hearty, low-fat Chicken Cacciatore featuring tender chicken breasts simmered with mushrooms, peppers, tomatoes, and herbs for a flavorful Italian-inspired meal suitable for healthy dinners.
Ingredients
- 6 chicken breasts, skinned ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 3 c. fresh mushrooms ⓘ
- 2 red peppers, sliced ⓘ
- 1 large onion, sliced into rings ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1/2 c. white wine ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes ⓘ
- 1 (28 oz.) can tomatoes, cut up ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. tomato paste ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. lemon juice ⓘ
- 2 tsp. dried basil, crushed ⓘ
- 1 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1 tsp. dried thyme ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- In a heavy 12-inch skillet or Dutch oven, brown chicken in hot oil on both sides (4 to 5 minutes total).
- Remove chicken; set aside.
- Add mushrooms, red peppers, onion, and garlic to skillet drippings.
- Cook until the vegetables are tender.
- Add wine and crushed red pepper into the vegetable mixture.
- Bring to boiling; reduce heat.
- Simmer, uncovered, until almost all liquid evaporates.
- Add undrained tomatoes, tomato paste, lemon juice, basil, sugar, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Return chicken to the pan. Simmer uncovered for 15 minutes or until chicken is tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For enhanced flavor, marinate the chicken in lemon juice and herbs for a couple of hours before cooking. If you don't have white wine, chicken broth or apple cider vinegar can be good substitutes. For a twist, consider adding olives or capers to the sauce. Pairing this dish with a side of Risotto Primavera can elevate the meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Chicken Cacciatore hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or over a bed of pasta. A side salad or steamed vegetables can complement the dish nicely. For a complete Italian meal, consider serving it with Italian Sausage Pasta Soup.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat until heated through, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened. This dish can also be frozen; just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Cacciatore(Low-Fat) contains roughly 811 calories, with 17g protein, 124g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (177% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (58% of the Daily Value), and iron (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1196mg per serving (52% 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 skin-on chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use skin-on chicken if preferred. Just be aware that it may increase the fat content. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as skin-on pieces may take slightly longer to cook through. Skimming off excess fat from the sauce before serving can help with the overall richness.
What can I serve with Chicken Cacciatore?
Chicken Cacciatore pairs well with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with a light salad, roasted vegetables, or over pasta for a heartier meal. Crusty bread is also perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce. For a unique twist, serve it alongside Speedy Pasta With Chicken.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare Chicken Cacciatore a day in advance. Simply cook the dish, allow it to cool, and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight. Reheat gently on the stove or in the oven before serving to maintain the tenderness of the chicken.
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).