Surprisingly Simple Chicken Cacciatore
A hearty and flavorful chicken cacciatore featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a rich tomato sauce with peppers, topped with melted provolone cheese—perfect for comforting dinners.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (4 oz. each), chunked ⓘ
- salt and pepper ⓘ
- flour
- paprika ⓘ
- 4 Tbsp. olive oil, divided ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 (26 oz.) jar Classico Di Napoli Tomato and Basil Pasta Sauce ⓘ
- 1 small green pepper, cut into thin strips ⓘ
- 1 small red bell pepper, cut into thin strips ⓘ
- 1/2 (1 lb.) pkg. Creamette thin spaghetti, uncooked ⓘ
- 1 cup (4 oz.) shredded Provolone cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then coat with flour and sprinkle with paprika.
- In a large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Brown the chicken and garlic; drain excess oil.
- Stir in the Classico Di Napoli Tomato and Basil Pasta Sauce. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to simmer.
- Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, adding green and red bell peppers in the last 5 minutes.
- Prepare the thin spaghetti according to package directions; drain and toss with remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Arrange the cooked spaghetti on a warm serving platter.
- Top with hot chicken sauce and shredded Provolone cheese.
- Serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra depth of flavor, consider marinating the chicken in olive oil, garlic, and paprika for a few hours before cooking. You can substitute the Provolone cheese with mozzarella or even a sprinkle of Parmesan if you prefer. If you're looking for a lower-carb option, serve the chicken and sauce over zucchini noodles instead of spaghetti.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chicken cacciatore over the spaghetti for a comforting meal. A side of garlic bread or a fresh garden salad pairs beautifully with this dish. For a complete Italian experience, consider serving it alongside a glass of red wine or browsing more Italian recipes to complement your meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the chicken cacciatore in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If the sauce thickens, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Surprisingly Simple Chicken Cacciatore contains roughly 744 calories, with 9g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 65g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (306% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (110% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (51% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1974mg per serving (86% 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 with bone-in chicken?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken pieces. Just increase the cooking time to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and tender. Make sure to check the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety.
What vegetables can I add to this dish?
Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or olives for additional flavor and nutrition. Just keep in mind that harder vegetables may need to be added earlier in the cooking process.
Can I freeze the chicken cacciatore?
Absolutely! To freeze, allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
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).