Chicken Cacciatore

About

Brenda Gantt

I am a self-taught cook. I started cooking around 18 years old. I stood in the kitchen and watched my mother, who was my biggest inspiration at the time, cook.

Serves :8

 

INGREDIENTS:

  • 4 pounds of chicken thighs, with skin on
  • 2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil
  • Salt
  • 1 sliced onion
  • 1/3 cup red wine
  • 1 sliced red or green bell pepper
  • 8 ounces sliced cremini mushrooms
  • 2 sliced garlic cloves
  • 3 cups peeled and chopped tomatoes
  • 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp. dry oregano
  • 1 tsp. dry thyme
  • 1 sprig fresh rosemary
  • 1 tbsp. fresh parsley

 

INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Pat the chicken on all sides with salt. Heat the olive oil in a skillet on medium. Brown a few chicken pieces skin side down in the pan (don’t overcrowd) for 5 minutes, then turn. Set aside. Make sure you have 2 tbsp. of the rendered fat left.
  2. Add the onions, mushrooms, and bell peppers to the pan. Increase the heat to medium-high. Cook until the onions are tender, stirring, about 10 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for a minute more.
  3. Add the wine. Scrape up any browned bits and simmer until the wine is reduced by half.
  4. Add the tomatoes, pepper, oregano, thyme, and a tsp. of salt. Simmer uncovered for about 5 more minutes.
  5. Put the chicken pieces on top of the tomatoes, skin side up. Lower the heat. Cover the skillet with the lid slightly ajar.
  6. Cook the chicken on a low simmer, turning and basting from time to time. Add the rosemary and cook until the meat is tender, about 30 to 40 minutes.
  7. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

 

Note:

The recipe may require additional seasoning adjustments to suit individual tastes. Enjoy your flavorful chicken dish!

 

ALLERGIES:

SF (Shellfish-Free)

GF (Gluten-Free)

DF (Dairy-Free)

EF (Egg-Free)

NF (Nut-Free)

 

Here are some variations of the chicken thighs recipe:

  1. Mediterranean Twist:
  • Add chopped Kalamata olives and artichoke hearts to the skillet along with the onions and bell peppers for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor.
  • Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top of the chicken before covering the skillet to infuse the dish with tangy and salty goodness.
  1. Spicy Cajun Kick:
  • Season the chicken thighs with Cajun seasoning or a mix of paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder before browning them in the skillet.
  • Incorporate Andouille sausage slices into the dish to add smokiness and spiciness to the sauce.
  1. Asian Fusion:
  • Marinate the chicken thighs in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic for at least 30 minutes before cooking to infuse them with Asian flavors.
  • Add sliced shiitake mushrooms and bok choy to the skillet for an Asian twist.
  • Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
  1. Creamy Tomato Basil:
  • Instead of chopped tomatoes, use canned diced tomatoes with tomato sauce to make the sauce creamy.
  • Stir in a few tablespoons of heavy cream or coconut milk to add richness and creaminess to the dish.
  • Finish with a generous sprinkle of fresh chopped basil leaves for a burst of herbal fragrance.
  1. Honey Mustard Glaze:
  • Mix together honey, Dijon mustard, and a touch of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice. Baste the chicken with this glaze during the last 10 minutes of cooking for a sweet and tangy flavor.
  1. Smoky BBQ Style:
  • Brush the chicken thighs with your favorite smoky barbecue sauce before browning them in the skillet.
  • Add a splash of liquid smoke to the sauce for an extra smoky flavor.
  1. Spanish Chorizo Delight:
  • Brown slices of Spanish chorizo in the skillet before cooking the chicken. The rendered fat from the chorizo will add depth to the sauce.
  • Add diced potatoes and a pinch of saffron for a classic Spanish touch.

 

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