Chicken Cacciatore(Microwave)
A hearty and flavorful chicken cacciatore featuring tender chicken simmered in a rich tomato sauce with peppers and herbs, perfect for comforting family meals. Suitable for those who love Italian-inspired dishes.
Ingredients
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 medium green pepper, thinly sliced ⓘ
- 1 (28 oz.) can tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 cup water or dry red wine ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. margarine ⓘ
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. dried parsley ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 tsp. paprika ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. basil ⓘ
- 1 (2 1/2 to 3 lb.) frying chicken, cut up ⓘ
Instructions
- In a 3-quart microproof casserole, combine chopped onion, sliced green pepper, and margarine.
- Cook covered on High (maximum power) for 4 to 5 minutes or until the onion is transparent.
- Add canned tomatoes and flour. Stir until smooth.
- Stir in remaining ingredients except chicken.
- Cook covered on High for 5 minutes.
- Add chicken pieces, immersing them in the sauce.
- Cook covered on High for 20 to 25 minutes or until the chicken is tender.
- Stir once during cooking.
- Allow to stand for 5 minutes.
- Remove bay leaf before serving over cooked spaghetti or rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a teaspoon of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. You can substitute the frying chicken with boneless skinless thighs for a more tender result. If you're short on time, pre-chopped vegetables can save prep time. This Chicken Cacciatore can also be made in a slow cooker for a more hands-off approach.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Chicken Cacciatore over cooked spaghetti or rice for a comforting meal. It pairs beautifully with garlic bread and a fresh green salad on the side. For a heartier option, consider serving it with Risotta. This dish is also excellent for meal prep and can be easily doubled for family gatherings or potlucks.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Chicken Cacciatore can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in a covered dish until heated through, stirring occasionally. You can also reheat it gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickens too much.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Cacciatore(Microwave) contains roughly 371 calories, with 11g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (209% of the Daily Value), iron (77% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (74% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2041mg per serving (89% 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 different vegetables in Chicken Cacciatore?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or carrots based on your preference. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly for the added ingredients.
Is it possible to make Chicken Cacciatore ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Chicken Cacciatore a day in advance. Simply follow the recipe, allow it to cool, and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat before serving for the best flavor.
What can I serve with Chicken Cacciatore?
This dish goes well with various sides, such as garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or even Bow Tie Pasta With Chicken And Sun-Dried Tomatoes. For added flavor, a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top enhances the dish.
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).