Easy Skillet Chicken Cacciatore fast and easy and so delicious, made with all fresh ingredients. Italian Comfort Food never tasted so good.
Chicken Cacciatore
Chicken CacciatoreThis is one of those recipes that bring back so many childhood memories. My mother would make this chicken cacciatore at least once a week and it was one of our favourites.
I have been wanting to make this recipe for years, seriously!
When I was in Toronto and staying with my sister, she asked me if I wanted to go through some old recipes of my Moms. Silly question, of course I would. There were a few recipes I was actually hoping to find that I didn’t have.
As luck would have it I found exactly what I was looking for, chicken cacciatore was one of the first recipes on top of the list
Chicken cacciatore was probably one of the first Italian recipes, along with her amazing Meatballs that my mother made and reminded me of her Italian roots.
What does Chicken Cacciatore mean?
From living in Italy and asking a lot of questions, I have discovered that “cacciatore” means “hunter” and does not necessarily mean made with chicken or in a tomato sauce.
Apparently it originated in Tuscany and is considered a true Italian Comfort dish. Made with tomatoes, onions, peppers and sometimes even carrots and celery.
More Delicious Chicken Recipes
Italian Herb Roasted Chicken and Potatoes
My mother-in-law never made this recipe with chicken and tomato sauce. I am sure that if she did, nor she or anyone could have come near the way my Mom made it.
Easy Skillet Chicken Cacciatore
I love the spicy tomato sauce filled with the taste of onions and peppers and the aroma in the house makes everyone’s mouth water.
I find that this recipe is best made in the morning, let it sit for the day refrigerated and then re-heat it in the evening, but if you are like us and can’t wait that is ok too, because what you have is an amazing chicken cacciatore on a plate.
If you like you can even serve this chicken cacciatore over rice or pasta or just as it is with some wonderful, crusty, Italian bread that soaks up all that yummy, mouth-watering sauce.
Whatever way you serve it, I really hope you enjoy it as much as I did and as much as my family does now. Buon Appetito!
Easy Skillet Chicken Cacciatore
Ingredients
- 4-6 pieces of chicken (legs or breasts with skin removed if desired)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion chopped
- 1 large pepper chopped
- 1-2 cloves garlic diced
- 1 can diced tomatoes (400 grams with juice nothing else added)
- 1 cup water
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon basil
- hot pepper flakes if desired
Instructions
- Rinse and pat dry chicken. Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and pepper.
- In a large pan heat the olive oil, add the chicken and cook until browned on one side, flip over and move to half the frying pan side, add the chopped onion and garlic, cook until onion is translucent add the peppers, tomatoes, water, bay leaf, oregano, basil, hot pepper flakes and 1/2 teaspoon of salt, bring to a boil. Simmer until chicken is tender and sauce has thickened, about 45 minutes (cover and simmer for 20 minutes then remove lid for the rest of the cooking time, stir occasionally, after about 30 minutes taste for salt and add if necessary). Serve immediately. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Republished from October 21, 2014.
Marisel Green says
I added mushrooms and used boneless skinless chicken thighs. Yum! Will make again!
Rosemary says
Hi Marisel, so glad you enjoyed it and yes good idea with the mushrooms. Have a great day.
Angela Sciurca says
I always look forward to your recipes. This is one my Sicilian grandmother made, and now I have made it for 70 years. The only thing I Ido differently l is to add green stuffed olives at the end, and do not include bay leaf, only because I do not care for the taste. Thank you for all the inspiration..
Rosemary says
Hi Angela, thanks so much. I like the idea of stuffed olives and so would the rest of my family. Have a great week.
Darlene says
Could you use wine instead of water? Want to make so haven’t rated yet. Looks great. Need a recipe for company.
Rosemary says
Hi Darlene, I would probably do half and half instead of all wine. Let me know how it goes.
Josn says
Should I out on lid while simmering..
Rosemary says
Hi Josn, I cover it for about 20 minutes and then remove the cover to thicken it and finish cooking the chicken. Hope that helps.
Danny Mc says
Will try this tomorrow looks good
Rosemary says
Hi Danny, hope you enjoy it.
Dale says
What would you serve it over rice or pasta
Rosemary says
Hi Dale I usually serve it with Italian crusty bread, but either rice or pasta would be good, whichever you prefer.
Hushee says
Is it dried oregano & Basil? Or fresh?
Rosemary says
Hi Hushee it is dried oregano and basil although sometimes I throw in some fresh basil also if I have it. Have a great weekend.
Stephanie says
I love chicken cacciatore and this one looks perfect!! Thank you so much for linking up at Tasty Tuesday! Your recipe has been pinned to the Tasty Tuesday Pinterest board! Please join us again this week!
balmtomysoul says
Looks yummy! I have never made chicken cacciatore before but this looks great! Thanks.
Crystal @ Simply Playful Fare says
Hi from FBP! This recipe looks amazing!! And really healthy too. 🙂
Rose says
Hi Crystal, thanks for stopping by, one of those healthy and delicious dishes. Have a great day!