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Tender chicken thighs simmered in a rustic, savory sauce of tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, and herbs. This classic Italian-American 'hunter's style' dish is hearty, flavorful, and perfect over a bed of pasta or creamy polenta.
For 4 servings
Prepare and Sear the Chicken
Sauté Vegetables and Aromatics
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Tender chicken thighs simmered in a rustic, savory sauce of tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, and herbs. This classic Italian-American 'hunter's style' dish is hearty, flavorful, and perfect over a bed of pasta or creamy polenta.
This italian_american recipe takes 75 minutes to prepare and yields 4 servings. At 876.14 calories per serving with 78.95g of protein, it's a moderately challenging recipe perfect for dinner or lunch.
Deglaze and Build the Sauce
Simmer the Cacciatore
Finish and Serve
For a briny, Mediterranean twist, add 1/2 cup of pitted Kalamata olives and 2 tablespoons of capers during the last 10 minutes of simmering.
You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts. Reduce the final simmering time to 20-25 minutes to prevent them from drying out.
For a lighter, brighter sauce, substitute the red wine with a dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
Increase the red pepper flakes to 1/2 teaspoon or add a finely chopped hot pepper, like a Fresno chili, along with the garlic for a spicier kick.
Chicken is an excellent source of high-quality lean protein, which is crucial for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle mass, and maintaining a healthy metabolism.
The tomato-based sauce is rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to reduced risk of certain diseases. Bell peppers and garlic contribute additional vitamins and antioxidants like Vitamin C, which supports immune function.
This recipe uses olive oil, a cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet, which is high in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. The abundance of vegetables also provides fiber and potassium, which can help manage blood pressure.
A typical serving of this Chicken Cacciatore contains approximately 550-650 calories, not including any pasta or polenta it's served with. The exact number can vary based on the size of the chicken thighs and the amount of oil used.
Yes, Chicken Cacciatore can be a very healthy dish. It's packed with lean protein from chicken and loaded with vitamins and fiber from vegetables like tomatoes, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Using olive oil provides healthy monounsaturated fats. To make it even healthier, you can use skinless chicken and serve it with whole grains.
Absolutely. You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Sear them as directed, but reduce the covered simmering time to about 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), to ensure they remain tender and don't overcook.
A dry, medium-bodied Italian red wine is traditional and works best. Chianti is a classic choice, but Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, or a simple red table wine will also be delicious. The most important rule is to use a wine you would enjoy drinking.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will actually deepen overnight. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
Yes. Sear the chicken and sauté the vegetables on the stovetop as directed. Deglaze the pan, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The sauce may be thinner, so you can leave the lid off for the last 30 minutes to help it reduce.