Italian Chicken Cacciatore
Flavorful Italian chicken stew with tomatoes, peppers, garlic, and aromatic herbs—perfect for family dinners or cozy weeknights.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Clean, dry, and roll chicken in seasoned flour, salt, and pepper.
- Fry chicken in a large skillet with hot oil until browned.
- Add onion, garlic, green pepper, tomato sauce, water, and optional wine.
- Simmer until sauce thickens and chicken is tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in the seasoning mixture for a few hours before cooking. You can substitute the wine with additional chicken broth or omit it entirely for a non-alcoholic version. If you prefer a thicker sauce, add a cornstarch slurry towards the end of cooking. Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can enhance the dish, so feel free to sprinkle some in during simmering.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Italian Chicken Cacciatore over a bed of pasta or alongside crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. It pairs beautifully with Northern Italian Broccoli Salad for a refreshing contrast. Consider adding a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad with 'Best' Italian Salad Dressing for a complete meal that balances flavors and textures.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken cacciatore in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to maintain moisture. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions until heated through, making sure to cover them to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Chicken Cacciatore contains roughly 1308 calories, with 14g protein, 82g carbohydrates, and 99g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (55% of the Daily Value), iron (32% of the Daily Value), and protein (29% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2498mg per serving (109% 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 bone-in chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken pieces, but the cooking time will need to be adjusted. Bone-in chicken typically takes longer to cook through. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
What can I do with leftover chicken cacciatore?
Leftover chicken cacciatore can be repurposed in various ways. Consider shredding the chicken and using it in a pasta dish, or adding it to a quesadilla for a unique twist. You can also serve it over rice or in a wrap for a quick lunch option.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version of Chicken Cacciatore, substitute the chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers. Use vegetable broth instead of water and consider adding chickpeas for protein. This adaptation still offers a delicious and satisfying meal.
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).