Microwave Chicken Cacciatore(Total Cooking Time: 34 To 40 Minutes)
A flavorful microwave chicken cacciatore featuring tender chicken simmered in a rich tomato sauce with peppers and herbs, perfect for a quick, hearty Italian-inspired meal.
Ingredients
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 medium green pepper, thinly sliced ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1 (28 oz.) can whole tomatoes ⓘ
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. dried parsley flakes
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1 tsp. paprika ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. basil ⓘ
- 1/2 cup dry red wine or water ⓘ
- 1 frying chicken (2 1/2 to 3 lb.), cut up ⓘ
Instructions
- In a 3-quart microproof casserole, combine chopped onion, sliced green pepper, and butter.
- Cover and cook on High (Max power) for 4 to 5 minutes, or until the onion is transparent.
- Add the whole tomatoes and flour; stir until smooth.
- Stir in all remaining ingredients except chicken. Cover and cook on High for 5 minutes.
- Add the chicken pieces, immersing them in the sauce.
- Cover and cook on High for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken is tender, stirring once during cooking.
- Let stand, covered, for 5 minutes.
- Remove the bay leaf before serving with cooked spaghetti or rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting the dry red wine with a splash of balsamic vinegar or using chicken broth instead of water. If you're short on time, pre-cooked chicken can be added in the last 10 minutes of cooking. For a vegetarian option, replace chicken with mushrooms or eggplant for a hearty twist. This Chicken Cacciatore pairs wonderfully with sides like the Meaty Spinach Manicotti.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Chicken Cacciatore over a bed of cooked spaghetti or rice to absorb the flavorful sauce. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a side of garlic bread make for a complete meal. For a fresh touch, consider a simple garden salad or steamed vegetables on the side. This dish also complements well with Italian recipes featuring robust flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken cacciatore in a microwave-safe dish, cover it, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through until heated through. It can also be reheated on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Microwave Chicken Cacciatore(Total Cooking Time: 34 To 40 Minutes) contains roughly 282 calories, with 10g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (220% of the Daily Value), iron (75% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (72% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1855mg per serving (81% 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 boneless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, boneless chicken pieces can be used for quicker cooking. Adjust the cooking time to about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and tender. This will yield a deliciously saucy dish without the need for longer cooking times.
What can I use instead of dry red wine?
If you prefer not to use wine, chicken broth or water can be great substitutes. For added depth, you might also consider adding a touch of vinegar or lemon juice. These alternatives will still maintain the dish's overall flavor while being more family-friendly.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To enhance the spice level, consider adding red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when mixing in the tomatoes. You can also use a spicy Italian sausage instead of chicken for a flavor-packed twist. Adjust the amount according to your heat preference.
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).