Classic Chicken Cacciatore
Classic Chicken Cacciatore is a rustic Italian dish. It is packed full of Mediterranean flavours and is a warming and comforting plate of food. This traditional Italian meal does not disappoint. Full of wholesome, tasty food, it really packs a punch and also has that ‘homely’ feeling to it.
Some other comforting Italian inspired dishes to try are my Tomato, Bacon and Bean Soup, The Best Bolognese and Lemon and Dill Pasta Bake.
Classic Chicken Cacciatore is made with many ingredients you might already have in the fridge or pantry. Making it an easy cook with minimal shopping required!
My kids don’t like olives and one doesn’t like chilli. I still put the olives in so the flavour goes throughout the sauce (they just leave the olives to the side – or give them to me!). For the chilli, I add just enough for some warmth, but add more to the separate bowls after serving for those that enjoy the heat.
Accompaniments for Chicken Cacciatore
Pasta: Use a medium pasta, such as penne. Rather than serving over top of the pasta, stir the pasta into the sauce so it becomes part of the casserole. The pasta will be completely coated and will soak up some of the sauce for full flavour. I also recommend using chicken thigh fillets without the bone if serving this way. Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option.
Rice or Risotto: Serve with fluffy white or brown rice or the chicken cacciatore also works served alongside some plain creamy parmesan risotto.
Polenta: A cereal commonly used in Italy. Make a plain creamy polenta or a creamy parmesan polenta to accompany the chicken cacciatore.
Potatoes: How about a side of crispy, roasted potatoes? Flavoured with oregano, they will also complement the sauce? Or some creamy potato or sweet potato mash. Try my Mashed Potato with Garlic & Thyme.
Bread: Pana di casa, sour dough, traditional crusty white. Whatever your preference, bread is perfect for mopping up any chicken cacciatore sauce left at the bottom of the bowl.
Feedback: Did you try the Classic Chicken Cacciatore? If so, what did you serve it with? Let me know in the comments below. Cheers, Elby!
Want a taste of something more? Check out my other comforting Italian dishes. Also, follow The Tasteful Pantry on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest for all the latest recipes and info.
Classic Chicken Cacciatore
Chicken cacciatore is a rich and rustic classic Italian style casserole or sauce.
6
servings15
minutes1
hour15
minutes323
kcal1
hour30
minutesStop your screen from going to sleep
Ingredients
1 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, sliced
1 kg chicken thigh fillets, skinless and trimmed of excess fat (see Note 1)
3 thyme sprigs, whole
200 grams mushrooms, sliced (common/button)
2 cloves garlic, chopped
½ cup red wine
4 tbsp tomato paste
400 grams diced tomatoes
2 cups stock (chicken or vegetable)
1 red capsicum, diced (red pepper)
1 tsp oregano, dried (or 1 tbsp fresh)
½ cup whole, pitted black olives
¼ tsp chilli flakes, plus extra
pepper to taste
1 tsp white sugar (only if necessary)
chopped parsley, basil or oregano to serve
Directions
- Heat the oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook for 2 minutes or until soft and starting to brown.
- Add the chicken and stir to brown on all sides, approximately 4-5 minutes (but will depend on the size of the pot).
- Add the thyme, mushrooms and garlic. Stir for a further 30 seconds.
- Turn the heat to high and add the red wine. Once it has reduced by half, reduce the heat to medium and stir in the tomato paste, tomatoes, stock, capsicum, oregano, olives and chilli flakes.
- Simmer uncovered for 60 minutes, or until the sauce has reduced and thickened to the desired consistency.
- Remove the sprigs of thyme and season with pepper. If necessary, stir in the sugar for a little added sweetness. Add more chilli, depending on taste and who’s eating 🙂
Serve the cacciatore with pasta, rice, risotto, polenta or creamy mashed potato and sprinkle with fresh parsley or other herbs, if desired.
My preference is to serve with a thick slice of fresh bread, so I can mop up all the sauce. Buon appetito!
For another warming bowl of comfort, try my Chicken Chilli Soup.
Notes
- Note 1: I use boneless fillets, but bone in is just as delicious. If using bone in, simmer for an additional 30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and falling off the bone.