Easy Skillet Chicken Cacciatore fast and easy and so delicious, a hearty chicken dish made with fresh ingredients. Italian Comfort Food never tasted so good.
Easy Skillet Chicken Cacciatore
Easy Skillet 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 consider this the perfect Italian Comfort food, my family loves it too.
How to make Chicken Cacciatore
- Rinse and pat dry the chicken with paper towels.
- Then sprinkle with a little salt and pepper.
- In a large pan heat the olive oil, then add the chicken and cook until browned on one side, flip and move the chicken to one side of the pan.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic, cook until onion is translucent then add the peppers, tomatoes, water, bay leaf, oregano, basil, hot pepper flakes and salt, bring to a boil.
- Simmer until the chicken is tender and sauce has thickened. Serve immediately.
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.
How to store Chicken Cacciatore
Chicken Cacciatore should be stored in an airtight container and can be kept for up to five days in the fridge. It can also be stored in a freezer safe container for up to two months.
More Delicious Chicken Recipes
Italian Herb Roasted Chicken and Potatoes
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.
What can be served with Chicken Cacciatore?
If you like you can 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
- 1-2 dashes pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion chopped
- 1-2 cloves garlic diced
- 1 large pepper chopped
- 1 can diced tomatoes (400 grams with juice nothing else added)
- 1 cup water
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon basil
- 1-2 dashes hot pepper flakes if desired
Instructions
- Rinse and pat dry the chicken with paper towels. 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 the chicken over and move to one side of the frying pan. Then add the chopped onion and garlic, cook until onion is translucent then add the pepper, 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.
Rose says
Only thing I did different was I cut the peppers in strips and added sugar to the sauce. It was sweet and delicious.
linda says
I made it today and it was very easy and tasty! Plan on making it again next week. A new recipe for my repertoire! Thank you!
Rosemary says
Hi Linda, thanks so much, glad you enjoyed it. Happy New Year.
linda says
Happy New Year to you and yours as well!
Rosemary says
Thanks Linda!
Angela Sciurca says
I’ve made this for the last 70 years, including the carrots and celery and to put a Sicilian spin so good.
Rosemary says
Thanks Angela, I agree, so good.
John A Suressi Sr says
I would also like your moms meatball recipes
Rosemary says
Hi John, all you have to do is click on Meatballs and it will take you to the post. Have a great weekend.
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!