Are you craving a delicious, comforting meal that transports you to the sun-drenched landscapes of Sicily? Then look no further! This Sicilian Chicken Cacciatore recipe is a perfect blend of savory flavors and rustic simplicity. It’s a fantastic example of healthy meals and easy recipes all in one, perfect for a quick dinner idea or a leisurely weekend cooking session. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this homemade cooking masterpiece! This recipe is one of the best recipes you'll ever try, trust me.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup dry red wine (optional, can substitute with extra chicken broth)
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Browning the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
Step 2: Sautéing the Vegetables
Add the onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and bell pepper and cook for another 3-5 minutes, until slightly tender.
Step 3: Building the Sauce
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, red wine (if using), oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, and bay leaf. Bring the sauce to a simmer.
Step 4: Simmering the Chicken
Return the chicken to the pot. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
Step 5: Finishing Touches
Stir in the fresh parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Serving Suggestions:
This Sicilian Chicken Cacciatore is delightful served over pasta, polenta, or mashed potatoes. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese adds a lovely finishing touch.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor: Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. Just be sure to adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Add more vegetables: Mushrooms, zucchini, carrots, or eggplant would be delicious additions.
- Spice it up: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes for a spicier dish.
- Make it ahead: This recipe tastes even better the next day! Prepare it ahead of time and reheat before serving.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 30g
- Fat: Approximately 15g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 20g
This Sicilian Chicken Cacciatore recipe is a testament to the magic of simple ingredients transformed into an extraordinary meal. It's a quick dinner idea that's both healthy and satisfying. Enjoy the flavorful journey!