Quick Chicken Cacciatore
A quick and flavorful chicken cacciatore featuring tender chicken, bell peppers, mushrooms, and a savory tomato sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners and comforting meals.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces ⓘ
- 1 medium green pepper ⓘ
- 1 medium onion ⓘ
- 8 oz. sliced fresh mushrooms ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 15 oz. can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 4 oz. can chopped green chilies ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. dried basil ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. dried oregano ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. garlic powder ⓘ
- dash of cayenne pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the sliced onion, green pepper, and sliced mushrooms to the skillet.
- Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
- Pour in the tomato sauce and chopped green chilies (use half the can), stirring to combine.
- Add dried basil, oregano, garlic powder, and a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Simmer everything together for about 10 minutes to meld flavors.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker prep, use pre-sliced vegetables and rotisserie chicken. You can substitute bell peppers with zucchini or use canned diced tomatoes instead of tomato sauce for a chunkier texture. Adjust the spices according to your heat preference; if you like it spicier, add more cayenne or include red pepper flakes. This dish also works well with different proteins, making it versatile.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chicken cacciatore over pasta, rice, or polenta for a hearty meal. It pairs beautifully with a side salad or garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce. For a complete Italian experience, consider complementing it with Ziti With Chicken And Peppers or a glass of red wine. Fresh herbs like parsley or basil make a lovely garnish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or use the microwave, covering with a lid or microwave-safe wrap to retain moisture. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months, but the texture of the vegetables may change upon thawing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick Chicken Cacciatore contains roughly 348 calories, with 17g protein, 61g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (152% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (139% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (101% of the Daily Value). At about 348 calories per serving, it is a lighter, protein-rich choice.
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 frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s best to thaw it first for even cooking. If you’re in a hurry, you can cook the frozen chicken pieces directly in the skillet, but increase the cooking time until they are fully cooked and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
What can I substitute for tomato sauce?
If you don't have tomato sauce on hand, you can use crushed tomatoes or even a jar of marinara sauce as a substitute. For a more robust flavor, consider blending in some tomato paste with water to create a sauce consistency.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or spinach to enhance the flavor and nutrition. Just ensure that they are cut into similar sizes for even cooking. This makes it a great way to use up leftover vegetables in your fridge.
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).