Chicken Hunter (Pollo alla Cacciatora)

Pollo alla Cacciatora, also known as Chicken Hunter, is a rustic Italian dish with roots in the cucina povera tradition, where simple, available ingredients are combined to create a flavorful meal. It is believed to have originated in the central regions of Italy, with variations across different parts. While originally prepared with game, today it is most commonly made with chicken. The name alla cacciatora translates to “in the hunter’s style,” referring to how hunters might have made use of what they could gather in the wild. The dish is particularly popular in regions like Tuscany, Umbria, and Campania.

Let me show you how I make this hearty, savory meal that will transport you straight to the rolling hills of Italy. Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide to preparing Pollo alla Cacciatora, ensuring even beginners can enjoy this classic dish.

What to Expect:

You can expect a comforting, rustic dish with deeply savory flavors and a slight sweetness from the tomatoes. The chicken should be fork-tender, with the flavors of the herbs and wine melding beautifully. If you serve it with toasted bread, it makes for an unforgettable meal.

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken thighs and 4 drumsticks (or any other cuts of chicken you prefer)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed (leave them whole)
• 1 small red chili, sliced (optional for a bit of heat)
• 2 sprigs rosemary
• 2 sprigs thyme
• A handful of parsley, roughly chopped
• 2 bay leaves
• 4 sage leaves
• ½ cup dry white wine
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste, diluted in water
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup chicken stock (optional for extra flavor)
• Freshly toasted country bread (optional, for serving)
• > Go get the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory
  #Chicken Hunter now.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Course: Main

Equipment Needed:

Large pan, spoon, chopping board, knife, lid

• > Go get the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory
  #Chicken Hunter now.

Method:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Start by seasoning your chicken with salt and pepper. This simple seasoning will let the other flavors shine through.
2. Brown the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and brown them on all sides. This step locks in the flavors and gives your chicken a beautiful golden color.
3. Add the Aromatics: Once the chicken is browned, add the onion, garlic, and chili to the pan. Stir occasionally and let the aromatics soften for a couple of minutes.
4. Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the white wine, scraping any flavorful bits off the bottom of the pan. Let the wine cook off for a minute or two.
5. Add Tomato Paste & Herbs: Stir in the diluted tomato paste and add the rosemary, thyme, bay leaves, sage, and chopped parsley. Let everything simmer together for a couple of minutes.
6. Simmer the Chicken: Add the halved cherry tomatoes and chicken stock (if using). Cover the pan with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let the chicken cook for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, until it’s tender and the flavors have melded together.
7. Serve: Once the chicken is cooked through, serve it hot with a slice of toasted country bread drizzled with extra virgin olive oil.

Tips and Variations:

• Slow Cooker: For a hands-off version, after browning the chicken and adding the aromatics and wine, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Let it cook on low for 7-8 hours.
• Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken for hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and eggplant. You can use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock for a richer flavor.
• Wine Substitution: If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute it with a bit of vegetable broth or even a splash of balsamic vinegar for a touch of sweetness.
• Make it Spicy: For a spicier dish, add more red chili or a dash of hot sauce to taste.
• > Go get the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory
  #Chicken Hunter now.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: ~380
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Protein: 30g
• Fat: 25g (mostly healthy fats from olive oil)
• Fiber: 3g

I hope this guide has made making Pollo alla Cacciatora seem a little less daunting, or have you tried it before? Please, be honest, and let me know in the comment below, I like to hear feedback from a real person like you, so please, leave your honest comment.