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–+ servings

Authentic Chicken Cacciatore Recipe

This is a very old school Italian dish. It means a dish prepared in the “hunters style”. Historically it was made with rabbit or other game, really whatever was available, but I feel chicken is easier to find and just as good. It may seem like a lot of ingredients but it really comes together quickly. It’s a simple one pot meal. And, even better the next day. 
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs Chicken Thighs boneless skinless.
  • 1/2 cup of Pancetta
  • 3-4 Tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1 Onion chopped
  • 1 Red Pepper chopped
  • 1 Carrot chopped
  • 1 stalk Celery chopped
  • 5 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1/2 cup Marsala or white Wine
  • 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata Olives.
  • 2 Tbsp Capers
  • 2 packages Mushrooms sliced – optional.
  • 1- 28 oz can Crushed Tomatoes or suitable fresh tomatoes. I like to use cherry tomatoes sliced in half.
  • 1 sprig fresh Basil
  • 1 tsp Oregano
  • 1 Bay Leaf
  • 1 tsp Thyme
  • 1 tsp Chili Flakes
  • Salt and Pepper
  • Parmesan Cheese

Equipment

  • Heavy Pot

Method
 

  1. Salt and pepper both sides of the chicken thighs and into the fridge. Take it out a bit before cooking to take the chill off. Cook the pancetta until lightly brown and gently brown the chicken on both sides.
  2. Finely mince your onion, red pepper, carrot, celery and garlic and then sauté in the same saucepan. Add olive oil as needed. Deglaze with your Marsala wine. Add your tomatoes and the rest of the ingredients, and simmer gently for 1-2 hours. It just gets better.
  3. Spoon into bowls and grate Parmesan cheese on top. It’s very good on it’s own like a stew, with some crusty bread, but feel free to serve with pasta or extra vegetables if you choose. If you choose pasta, use a tube or shaped pasta, like penne or rigatoni.

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