Cacciatore di Pollo (Chicken Cacciatore)

From my own personal experience, Cacciatore di Pollo (Chicken Cacciatore) is one of those comforting Italian dishes that seems to bring everyone to the table with its rich, savory flavors. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress. Let me show you how I make this hearty, rustic chicken stew that is packed with tomatoes, herbs, and wine. It’s simple, yet bursting with flavor, and I’ll guide you through every step.

What to Expect:

When you make Cacciatore di Pollo, you’ll be left with a tender, flavorful chicken dish swimming in a rich, tomato-based sauce. The key is to allow the chicken to slowly braise in the sauce, absorbing all the flavors. The crispy skin will hold its texture, contrasting with the tender, juicy meat beneath. It’s a warm, rustic dish that pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or over a bed of pasta or polenta.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Time to Stand: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Ease of Cooking: Moderate
• Servings: 4
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 350-400 calories (depending on substitutions)
• Cost of Ingredients: Moderate
• Cuisine: Italian
• Course: Main
• Equipment Needed: Large skillet or Dutch oven, wooden spoon, chef’s knife, cutting board
• Check out the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory  # Cacciatore di pollo here.

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version)
• 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes (or 2 fresh tomatoes, diced)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon capers (optional for added flavor)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
• Check out the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory  # Cacciatore di pollo here.

Method:

1. Brown the Chicken
   In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken, skin-side down, and cook for 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy. Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes on the other side. Once browned, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
   In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 5 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Deglaze the Pan
   Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. This step adds a lot of flavor to the dish.
4. Simmer the Sauce
   Stir in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, oregano, basil, and capers (if using). Bring the sauce to a simmer. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
5. Return the Chicken
   Place the chicken thighs back into the skillet, skin-side up, and spoon some of the sauce over the top. Cover and simmer on low heat for about 30-35 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and tender, and the sauce has thickened.
6. Final Touches
   Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. If the sauce is too runny, let it simmer uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes until it thickens to your liking. Return the chicken to the skillet, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Variations & Tips:

• Different Cuts of Chicken: You can use boneless chicken breasts or even a whole chicken cut into pieces, though bone-in cuts tend to be juicier and more flavorful.
• Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken for hearty mushrooms (portobello or cremini) for a delicious vegetarian take on this dish.
• Add Olives: For a more Mediterranean twist, add black or green olives to the sauce.
• Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce if you prefer some heat.
• Check out the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory  # Cacciatore di pollo here.

Substitutions for Specific Dietary Needs:

• Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free: This recipe is already dairy-free, so you’re good to go!
• Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium chicken broth and reduce the salt when seasoning to keep the sodium content low.
• Alcohol-Free: Use additional chicken broth instead of wine.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 350-400 calories
• Protein: 28g
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 600mg (depends on broth and capers used)

Closing Thoughts:

I hope this guide has made making Cacciatore di Pollo 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. Enjoy your cooking adventure, and feel free to experiment with this classic dish!