Does the idea of a hearty and flavorful meal that fills your home with irresistible aromas sound appealing to you? Then, look no further than our delicious Chicken Cacciatore recipe. This classic Italian dish is the epitome of comfort food, combining tender chicken, flavorful tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and savory olives. Let’s dive into how to prepare this delectable dish that is sure to become a family favorite.
Chicken Cacciatore Recipe
Ingredients:
– 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, sliced
– 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– ½ cup chicken broth
– ½ cup pitted black olives
– Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Season the chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs skin-side down and sear until golden brown, about 5-6 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the minced garlic and sliced bell peppers to the skillet. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the peppers begin to soften.
5. Stir in the dried oregano, thyme, rosemary, and paprika. Cook for another minute until the herbs are fragrant.
6. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
7. Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Cover and let simmer over low heat for 30-35 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
8. Stir in the black olives and simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
9. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
10. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. Enjoy your Chicken Cacciatore hot over cooked pasta or with crusty bread on the side.
Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this Chicken Cacciatore recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings for a comforting and delicious dish. The tender chicken bathed in a rich tomato sauce with aromatic herbs and olives creates a symphony of flavors that will delight your taste buds. Remember, the key to a successful Chicken Cacciatore lies in allowing the dish to simmer gently, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. So, next time you’re in the mood for a cozy and flavorful meal, give this recipe a try – your family and friends will thank you for it!