Heart Healthy Chicken Cacciatore

Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Italian

A hearty, heart-healthy chicken cacciatore with rich tomato flavors, vibrant vegetables, and tender chicken, perfect for comforting family dinners or wholesome gatherings.

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Ingredients

  • 1 (28 oz.) can plum tomatoes
  • 1 Tbsp. oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 carrots, peeled and thinly sliced
  • 3 stalks celery, thinly sliced
  • 2 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
  • 1/4 tsp. sugar
  • 2 chicken breasts, halved
  • 1 box fettucini or similar substitute

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients except chicken and pasta in a stew pot or Dutch oven.
  2. Bring to a boil.
  3. Reduce heat, cover, and add chicken.
  4. Simmer for 25 to 30 minutes or until chicken is tender.
  5. Serve over cooked pasta.

Tips & Substitutions

To enhance the flavor of your Chicken Cacciatore, consider adding fresh herbs like basil or oregano. If you're looking for a lower-carb option, substitute the fettucini with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. You can also use skinless chicken thighs for added moisture and richness. For a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Heart Healthy Chicken Cacciatore over the cooked fettucini for a satisfying meal. Pair it with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete dinner. For a comforting twist, this dish pairs beautifully with Italian recipes like Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Ii, making it perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the cacciatore in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water to prevent it from drying out. Alternatively, you can microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until heated through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Heart Healthy Chicken Cacciatore contains roughly 2130 calories, with 8g protein, 68g carbohydrates, and 207g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (98% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (54% of the Daily Value), and potassium (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. It also contributes 15g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

2130 kcal 100% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 8.3g 17% DV
Total Fat 207.5g 100% DV
Carbs 68.4g 25% DV
Fiber 15g 54% DV
Sugar 14.4g 29% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 301mg 13% DV
Potassium 1494.3mg 32% DV
Cholesterol 4.8mg 2% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 881mcg 98% DV
Vitamin C 29.1mg 32% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 98.2mg 8% DV
Iron 3.2mg 18% DV
Diet fit High-fiber

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 make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the Chicken Cacciatore a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator after cooking and reheat it gently before serving. This allows the flavors to meld, making it even more delicious when you serve it.

What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe, as they cook quickly and remain tender. However, you can also use chicken thighs for a richer flavor and juiciness. Just adjust the cooking time if using larger pieces.

Can I add other vegetables to the cacciatore?

Absolutely! Feel free to add bell peppers, mushrooms, or even spinach to the cacciatore for extra flavor and nutrition. Just sauté them with the onions and carrots to incorporate them into the dish seamlessly.

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).

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