Easy Chicken Cacciatore
Easy Chicken Cacciatore is a delightful Italian dish featuring tender chicken simmered with diced tomatoes, olives, and mushrooms, seasoned with aromatic herbs. This hearty meal is perfect for busy weeknights and sure to please the whole family, delivering rich flavors with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 (14.5 oz.) cans diced tomatoes ⓘ
- 2 (2.25 oz.) cans sliced olives, drained ⓘ
- 2 (4 oz.) cans mushrooms, drained
- garlic powder to taste ⓘ
- onion powder to taste ⓘ
- Italian seasoning to taste ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. butter ⓘ
- 1 pkg. pasta of your choice ⓘ
- Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Cube chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Put olive oil, 1 Tbsp. butter, and the chicken into a sauté pan on medium heat.
- While sautéing chicken, add a dash of garlic powder, a dash of onion powder, and Italian seasoning to taste.
- Once the chicken is cooked through, add in the tomatoes, olives, and mushrooms.
- Check flavor and add additional seasoning as needed.
- Let simmer about 10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine while sautéing the chicken. You can substitute fresh mushrooms for canned if desired, and feel free to toss in other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. If you're short on time, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken can be used for a quicker prep. This dish also pairs well with Chicken Fettucini for a delightful meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Chicken Cacciatore over pasta or rice for a complete meal. Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor. A side salad or steamed vegetables can complement the dish nicely. This recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner or as part of a gathering, showcasing the best of Italian recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the chicken cacciatore in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Chicken Cacciatore contains roughly 867 calories, with 44g protein, 6g carbohydrates, and 73g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (89% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium.
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 other types of meat in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute chicken with other meats like turkey or even beef. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the meat is fully cooked. If using beef, consider browning it first to enhance the flavor.
What can I serve with Chicken Cacciatore?
Chicken Cacciatore pairs beautifully with garlic bread, rice, or a light pasta. A fresh green salad or roasted vegetables can also enhance the meal, adding freshness and balance to the rich flavors of the cacciatore.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare Chicken Cacciatore a day ahead. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat when ready to serve. The flavors often improve overnight, making it a great option for meal prep or gatherings.
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).