Quick And Easy Chicken Cacciatore
A hearty Italian-inspired chicken dish featuring tender meat simmered with tomatoes, peppers, and aromatic seasonings, perfect for a flavorful family dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
- 3 to 3 1/2 lb. broiler-fryer chicken, cut up ⓘ
- 1 medium green pepper, cored and cut into rings ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, cut crosswise into thin slices
- 1 can whole Italian tomatoes (14 oz.), cut up ⓘ
- 1 (5 1/2 oz.) can tomato paste
- 1/4 cup red Burgundy wine ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
Instructions
- In a 10-inch square baking dish, arrange the chicken, skin side down, with the meatiest portions toward the outside of the dish.
- Arrange green pepper rings and onion slices on top of the chicken.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, marinate the chicken in the red Burgundy wine with Italian seasoning for a few hours before baking. If you don't have red Burgundy, a dry red wine or chicken broth can be good substitutes. Feel free to add mushrooms or olives for extra depth. This dish can also be made with boneless chicken thighs for a quicker cooking time.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chicken cacciatore over a bed of pasta or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. A side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad, like Linguini Salad With Chicken And Dill, complements the dish nicely. This recipe also pairs beautifully with Garlic Pasta Toss for a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken and sauce in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Cover and heat until warmed through. You can also reheat in the microwave, but be sure to cover to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick And Easy Chicken Cacciatore contains roughly 260 calories, with 7g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 skinless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use skinless chicken if you prefer a lighter dish. Just be mindful that skin-on chicken tends to add more flavor and moisture during cooking. Skinless pieces may require slightly less cooking time, so check for doneness earlier.
What can I substitute for Italian seasoning?
If you don't have Italian seasoning on hand, you can make your own by combining equal parts dried basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary. This will give you a similar flavor profile. Alternatively, using fresh herbs can enhance the dish even more.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Yes, this chicken cacciatore freezes well. Let it cool completely, then store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm in a saucepan over low heat, adding a little liquid if necessary.
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).