Are you craving a comforting, flavorful dish that's surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! This Ina Garten-inspired Chicken Cacciatore is a perfect blend of savory and slightly sweet, featuring tender chicken simmered in a rich tomato sauce with earthy mushrooms and bell peppers. It's a fantastic example of homemade cooking that's both delicious and satisfying, ideal for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend dinner. This recipe is perfect for those looking for easy recipes and healthy meals that won't sacrifice on taste.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup dry red wine (like Chianti)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
-
Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until nicely browned on all sides. This step is crucial for developing a rich flavor. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
-
Sauté the Vegetables: Add the onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic, bell peppers, and mushrooms and cook until slightly softened, about 5 more minutes.
-
Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, red wine, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the sauce to a simmer, then return the chicken to the pot. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld.
-
Season and Serve: Season the cacciatore with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the fresh parsley before serving.
Tips for the Best Chicken Cacciatore:
- Don't overcrowd the pot: When browning the chicken, work in batches if necessary to ensure the chicken browns properly and doesn't steam.
- Use good quality tomatoes: The quality of your canned tomatoes will significantly impact the flavor of your dish.
- Taste and adjust seasonings: Seasoning is key! Taste the cacciatore before serving and adjust the salt, pepper, and herbs to your preference.
- Serve with crusty bread: This is a perfect dish to soak up the delicious sauce with crusty bread.
Variations:
- Add sausage: For a heartier meal, add 1 pound of Italian sausage to the pot along with the chicken.
- Use different mushrooms: Feel free to experiment with other types of mushrooms, such as shiitake or oyster mushrooms.
- Add vegetables: Enhance the dish with other vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or eggplant.
- Make it spicy: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 350-400 Protein: Approximately 30-35g Fat: Approximately 15-20g Carbohydrates: Approximately 15-20g
This Ina Garten-inspired Chicken Cacciatore is a simple yet elegant recipe that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Its rich flavors and tender chicken will undoubtedly become a family favorite. Enjoy this delicious and easy recipe – a testament to the beauty of homemade cooking, offering quick dinner ideas for those seeking healthy meals and best recipes without compromising on flavor.