Are you craving a hearty, flavorful dish that transports you straight to the sun-drenched countryside of Italy? Then look no further! This Chicken Cacciatore recipe, inspired by the culinary expertise of Katie Parla, is a delicious and surprisingly easy way to bring the magic of Italian home cooking to your dinner table. Perfect for a cozy weeknight meal or a special occasion, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, blending rustic simplicity with vibrant, authentic flavors. It's a fantastic example of healthy meals made easy, proving that delicious dishes don't have to be complicated. Let's get cooking!
Ingredients: A Symphony of Italian Flavors
This recipe serves 4-6 people and emphasizes fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best results.
- 1.5 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup dry red wine (Chianti is traditional)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions: Your Culinary Journey Begins
This quick dinner idea is easier than you think! Follow these simple steps for a perfect Chicken Cacciatore.
Step 1: Searing the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper. Sear the chicken in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot, until golden brown on all sides. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Step 2: Building the Flavor Base: Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Deglazing and Simmering: Pour in the red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let the wine simmer for a couple of minutes until slightly reduced.
Step 4: Combining the Ingredients: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
Step 5: Adding the Chicken and Slow Cooking: Return the seared chicken to the pot. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 1 hour, or up to 1.5 hours, until the chicken is very tender and the sauce has thickened. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor becomes.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve: Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot over pasta, polenta, or mashed potatoes.
Cooking Tips for Cacciatore Perfection
- Don't skip the searing: Searing the chicken adds incredible depth of flavor to the final dish.
- Use good quality tomatoes: The flavor of the tomatoes is paramount in this recipe. Look for high-quality canned tomatoes.
- Adjust the seasonings: Feel free to adjust the herbs and spices to your liking.
- Simmer low and slow: Low and slow cooking allows the chicken to become incredibly tender and the flavors to meld beautifully.
Variations: Explore Your Culinary Creativity
- Add Mushrooms: Enhance the earthy flavors by adding a cup of sliced mushrooms along with the vegetables.
- Include Sausage: Incorporate Italian sausage for an even heartier meal.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with firm tofu or hearty vegetables like eggplant and zucchini.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)
This information is an estimate and may vary depending on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 400-450
- Protein: Approximately 30-35g
- Fat: Approximately 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 15-20g
This Katie Parla-inspired Chicken Cacciatore recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and homemade cooking adventures. Enjoy this taste of Italy!