sicilian chicken cacciatore recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best sicilian chicken cacciatore recipe

I have been making Sicilian Chicken Cacciatore for years, and it’s a staple in my household. It’s a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

I love how the chicken is cooked in a rich tomato sauce with onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms, giving it a depth of flavor that’s hard to find in many recipes. My kids adore it, and it’s one of the few dishes they’ll eat without complaint.

As for me, I appreciate how easy it is to make and how versatile it is – we can serve it over pasta, rice, or even on its own as a main course. Plus, it’s a great way to get some vegetables into our diet without feeling like we’re sacrificing flavor.

I’ve made this recipe countless times, but I still get excited every time I serve it up – there’s something about the combination of flavors that just hits the spot. And let’s not forget about the health benefits – with chicken breast as the main protein source and plenty of vegetables added in, this dish is a great option for those looking to make healthier meal choices.

Overall, Sicilian Chicken Cacciatore is a classic recipe that never goes out of style, and I’m so glad I can share it with all of you today.

Sicilian Chicken Cacciatore

4.5 from 1144 votes

Sicilian Chicken Cacciatore is a comforting, slow-cooked dish featuring tender chicken, rich tomato sauce, and a medley of vegetables. This hearty meal is perfect for a family dinner, with a balance of flavors that will transport you to the sunny shores of Sicily.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time60 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hr 20 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Chicken

4 chicken thighs
4 chicken drumsticks
salt
black pepper
2 tbsp olive oil

For the Sauce

1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
1/2 cup red wine
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1 bay leaf
salt
black pepper
2 tbsp olive oil

For Garnish

Fresh basil leaves
grated Parmesan cheese

👨‍🍳Directions

1Season the chicken thighs and drumsticks with salt and black pepper.
2Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes per side.
4Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
5In a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat.
6Add the chopped onion, garlic, bell pepper, carrots, and celery.
7Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and the onions are translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
8The onions should be translucent and the carrots and celery will have lost their raw edge.
9Add the crushed tomatoes, red wine, oregano, basil, and bay leaf to the pot.
10Stir well to combine.
11Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 10 minutes.
12The sauce will thicken slightly and the flavors will begin to meld.
13Return the browned chicken to the pot, nestling the pieces into the sauce.
14Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken to coat it evenly.
15Cover the pot and let it simmer over low heat for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
16The chicken should be easily pierced with a fork and the juices should run clear.
17Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
18Remove the bay leaf.
19Garnish with fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
20Serve the Sicilian Chicken Cacciatore hot, with crusty bread or pasta to soak up the delicious sauce.

🔧Equipment

Large skillet
Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
Tongs
Wooden spoon

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 25g💛Saturated Fat: 7g❤️Cholesterol: 120mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 20g🥦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 35g

📝Notes

Tips: For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes to the sauce. You can also use chicken breasts if you prefer, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Watch Video Of How Sicilian Chicken Cacciatore Works

Sicilian Chicken Cacciatore is one of those recipes that never gets old – it’s perfect for any occasion and works beautifully for family gatherings.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how well it stores – simply refrigerate or freeze the cooked chicken mixture until you’re ready to reheat and serve.

And when you do reheat it, be sure to add some crusty bread on the side – there’s nothing quite like dipping into that rich tomato sauce with some crunchy bread crumbs.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Sicilian Chicken Cacciatore

Q: What is Sicilian Chicken Cacciatore?

Sicilian Chicken Cacciatore is a traditional Italian dish that originated in Sicily. It’s made with chicken breast or thighs cooked in a rich tomato sauce with onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms.

Q: Is Sicilian Chicken Cacciatore spicy?

No, this recipe isn’t spicy at all – if you want to add some heat, you can always add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to taste.

Q: Can I use boneless chicken breasts for this recipe?

Yes, you can definitely use boneless chicken breasts for this recipe – just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Q: Do I need to cook the chicken from scratch?

Nope! You can use pre-cooked chicken if you like – just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Q: Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can definitely make this recipe in advance – simply refrigerate or freeze it until you’re ready to reheat and serve.

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