Microwave Chicken Cacciatore
A hearty and flavorful microwave chicken cacciatore featuring tender chicken in a rich tomato sauce, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or comforting family meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a 12 x 7-inch or 9 x 13-inch baking dish, combine butter or margarine, sliced onion, minced garlic, and dried oregano.
- Cover with vented plastic wrap and microwave at full power (High) for 5 minutes, or until onion is tender.
- Turn chicken breasts over in the butter mixture to coat.
- Arrange chicken with the thicker side towards the outside of the dish.
- Spoon spaghetti sauce over the chicken, coating completely.
- Cover with vented plastic wrap and microwave at High for 12 minutes.
- Turn the chicken pieces over.
- Spoon sauce over the chicken, re-cover with plastic wrap, and microwave at High for an additional 12 to 14 minutes, or until tender.
- Let stand, covered, for 5 minutes.
- Serve over cooked spaghetti and sprinkle with grated Parmesan or Romano cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker meal, use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken to reduce cooking time. If you prefer a spicier dish, add red pepper flakes to the sauce. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can enhance flavor, and consider substituting olive oil for butter for a lighter option. This dish can be paired with a side salad for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Chicken Cacciatore over cooked spaghetti and top with grated Parmesan or Romano cheese for added flavor. A side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad complements the dish well. For a different twist, try it with tortellini for a heartier meal, or browse more Italian recipes for additional ideas.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel to retain moisture, heating in 1-minute intervals until hot. Alternatively, reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Microwave Chicken Cacciatore contains roughly 944 calories, with 28g protein, 109g carbohydrates, and 44g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (55% of the Daily Value), iron (45% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1506mg per serving (65% 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 other types of meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs or even turkey for a different flavor. Ensure the cooking time is adjusted accordingly, as thighs may require a few more minutes to cook through compared to breasts.
What can I do if I don't have spaghetti sauce?
If you don’t have spaghetti sauce, you can use canned tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, or tomato puree. Add seasonings like basil, oregano, and garlic powder to create a quick homemade sauce.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Just reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving. This makes it a great option for meal prep.
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).