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Chicken Cacciatore: An Easy Taste of Italy on a Budget

Hey there, food lovers! 🍅 Day 10 in our $20 dinner series and what a way to wrap things up! Today, we’re making Chicken Cacciatore, an Italian classic that’ll transport you straight to the Tuscan countryside 🌄. It's rich, savoury, and full of Mediterranean charm, all without breaking the bank. Whether you're cooking for a family or impressing friends, this dish will make everyone feel like they're dining in a cosy Italian trattoria.

Chicken Cacciatore cooked

Why You'll Love Chicken Cacciatore 🫒

This Chicken Cacciatore recipe combines chicken thighs (juicy and flavourful) with a hearty tomato base, capsicum, olives, and red wine, creating the ultimate Italian-style comfort dish. 🍷 Each bite delivers tender chicken coated in an irresistible sauce – perfect for spooning over some creamy mashed potato, pasta, or polenta. 🍝 It’s also super versatile, so you can adapt the recipe based on what’s in your pantry.

And since it’s made in one pot, you’ll have less washing up to deal with! 🙌

Tips for the Perfect Chicken Cacciatore 🔥

Getting this Chicken Cacciatore just right is easy with a few tips and tricks:

  1. Use Chicken Thighs for Extra Juiciness
    Thighs stay moist and tender during slow cooking, unlike breast meat which can dry out. Plus, the skin crisps up beautifully if you brown them properly before simmering. 🤤
  2. Wine or Stock?
    If you’re not using red wine, replace it with chicken stock, but if possible, go for the wine! 🍷 It adds depth and an authentic touch.
  3. Olive Love 🫒
    Don’t skimp on those Kalamata olives – they give the dish a nice briny kick. If you’re not a fan, you can use green olives or leave them out entirely.
  4. Fresh Rosemary Over Dried 🌿
    The fragrance of fresh rosemary really takes this dish to the next level. If you can’t get fresh, a teaspoon of dried rosemary will still work wonders

Serving and Pairing Suggestions 🍽️

This Chicken Cacciatore begs to be served with something that soaks up all that glorious sauce. Here are my favourite ways to enjoy it:

    • Buttery mashed potatoes – for ultimate comfort. 🥔
    • Pasta or gnocchi – to channel those Italian trattoria vibes. 🍝
    • Crusty bread – perfect for mopping up every last drop of sauce. 🥖
    • Polenta – for an authentic Northern Italian twist.

 

Pair it with a glass of Chianti or any medium-bodied red wine for the full experience. 🍷 If wine’s not your thing, sparkling mineral water with a twist of lemon will also hit the spot.

Storing and Reheating Chicken Cacciatore 🥡

Chicken Cacciatore only gets better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep or leftovers. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave – adding a splash of water or stock if needed.

If you’re freezing it, separate it into portions and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it up on the stovetop.

Other Recipes to Try 🍲

If this Chicken Cacciatore recipe tickled your tastebuds, try these delicious dishes next:

 

There you have it, foodies! 🍗 I can’t wait for you to try this budget-friendly, flavour-packed dish. Take a snap of your Chicken Cacciatore and tag me on Instagram @steph_cooks_stuff – I’d love to see how yours turns out! 📸

Bon Appétit, or as the Italians say, Buon Appetito! 🍷🍝

Print
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Chicken Cacciatore cooked

Chicken Cacciatore


Description

Hey there, food lovers! 🍗Day 10 in our $20 dinner series and the final one! ✨ Ever craved that Italian countryside vibe on a plate? Dive into my Chicken Cacciatore recipe, and let’s whisk ourselves to Tuscany for a night! 🍷🌄


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 Chicken thighs 🍗
  • 1 Onion, diced 🧅
  • 1 Red Capsicum, diced 🫑
  • 1 tbsp Rosemary 🌿
  • 1 tbsp Garlic 🧄
  • 1 tbsp Chicken stock powder 🍲
  • 1 400g tin tomatoes 🍅
  • 1 cup Red wine 🍷
  • 1 cup Kalamata Olives 🫒
  • Salt and pepper to taste 🧂

Instructions

  1. Season your chicken thighs with salt & pepper, then sear them in a hot pan with olive oil until golden brown. That sizzle is music to my ears!
  2. Take out your chicken and toss in the onion, capsicum, garlic, and rosemary. Stir till that onion turns soft and dreamy.
  3. Time for the liquids! Pour in chicken stock, wine, those luscious tomatoes, and olives. A good stir brings all the flavors together.
  4. Slide your chicken back into the mix and snugly cover your pan.
  5. Simmer on low heat for about 15 minutes, letting those flavors meld.
  6. All done? Plate it up with your favorite side – pasta, rice, potato, bread, or polenta. Mangiamo! 🍝🥖

Dreaming of Italy yet? Dive in and let me know how yours turns out! 🌟🍽

Equipment

  • Prep Time: 20
  • Cook Time: 30
  • Category: Recipes
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Australian

Frequently Asked Questions