Chicken Cacciatori
A hearty Italian-inspired chicken dish featuring tender cooked chicken, savory tomatoes, and melted cheese, all tossed with spaghetti and seasoned with olives, pimentos, and mushrooms for added flavor. Perfect for a comforting family dinner or casual gathering, offering rich, bold flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 fryer, cooked and boned ⓘ
- 1 medium pkg. spaghetti, cooked in chicken broth ⓘ
- 3 medium onions, cooked in butter until transparent ⓘ
- 1 large bottle stuffed olives (optional) ⓘ
- 1 small jar pimentos (optional) ⓘ
- 6 oz. mushrooms (optional)
- 16 oz. can tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 lb. Velveeta cheese ⓘ
- Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti in chicken broth according to package instructions and set aside.
- Cook the onions in butter until transparent.
- Remove the cooked chicken from the bones and cut into pieces.
- In a large skillet, combine the cooked onions, chicken, tomatoes, and optional ingredients if using.
- Simmer the mixture for about 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Add Velveeta cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
- Serve the chicken mixture over the cooked spaghetti, topped with Parmesan cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using fresh herbs like basil or oregano when simmering the chicken mixture. If you don't have Velveeta, cream cheese or cheddar can be good substitutes. You can also replace spaghetti with other pasta shapes or even zucchini noodles for a lighter dish. For a heartier version, add bell peppers or carrots to the sautéed onions.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Chicken Cacciatori over the spaghetti, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This dish pairs beautifully with a side salad and garlic bread to soak up the sauce. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside roasted vegetables or a light Italian soup, like Basil Tortellini Soup.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth to keep the dish moist and heat it gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Cacciatori contains roughly 464 calories, with 22g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (45% of the Daily Value), vitamin D (33% of the Daily Value), and calcium (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1302mg per serving (57% 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 raw chicken instead of cooked?
Yes, you can use raw chicken, but you'll need to cook it through before adding it to the skillet. Sauté the chicken pieces until fully cooked, then follow the recipe from step 4 onward. This will enhance the flavor of the dish and ensure food safety.
What can I substitute for spaghetti?
If you want to change up the pasta, try using penne, fettuccine, or even gluten-free pasta. For a low-carb option, zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash can be great alternatives. Adjust the cooking times accordingly based on the type of pasta you choose.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days. Just reheat it before serving. Alternatively, you can freeze the chicken cacciatori for up to three months; just cook the spaghetti fresh when you're ready to serve it.
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).