Microwave Lo-Cal Chicken Cacciatore
A quick and flavorful microwave chicken cacciatore featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a savory tomato and vegetable sauce with Italian herbs, perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 medium chicken breasts, boned, skinned, and cut in half lengthwise ⓘ
- 3/4 cup sliced fresh mushrooms ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomatoes, cut up ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped green peppers ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons dry red wine ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- dash of pepper ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons cold water ⓘ
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts in a 10 x 6 x 1 1/2-inch baking dish.
- Combine mushrooms, tomatoes, green peppers, onion, wine, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken breasts.
- Cover the dish and cook on Medium-high for 20 minutes, turning the dish after 10 minutes.
- Remove the chicken to a serving plate and cover to keep warm.
- Combine cornstarch and cold water to make a slurry.
- Add the cornstarch mixture to the liquid in the baking dish.
- Cook uncovered on High for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring until thickened.
- Mix the sauce with the chicken and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce. You can substitute chicken breasts with thighs for a juicier option. If you prefer a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with hearty vegetables like zucchini and eggplant, and use vegetable broth instead of wine.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Chicken Cacciatore over a bed of whole wheat pasta or with a side of garlic bread for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Hearty Italian Sausage Soup for a comforting dinner. A simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette can also complement the dish nicely.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. You can also add a splash of water to maintain moisture during reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Microwave Lo-Cal Chicken Cacciatore contains roughly 277 calories, with 16g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (114% of the Daily Value), iron (109% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (82% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1864mg 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 make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce and cook the chicken for a quick meal. This method helps to enhance the flavors.
Is it necessary to use wine in this recipe?
While the dry red wine adds depth and richness to the sauce, you can substitute it with chicken broth or omit it entirely for a non-alcoholic version. The dish will still be flavorful without the wine.
What can I serve with Chicken Cacciatore?
Chicken Cacciatore pairs well with various sides, such as roasted vegetables or a light pasta salad. For a heartier option, consider serving it with mashed potatoes or polenta. You can also browse more Italian recipes for additional side ideas.
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).