Delicious Chicken Cacciatore Recipe for Your Next Dinner
Gather around, fellow foodies! Today, I am sharing a delicious recipe that is perfect for any occasion – whether you are throwing a dinner party or just craving a comforting homemade meal. Introducing the Colorado Cache Chicken Cacciatore Recipe – a dish that will leave you feeling satisfied and wanting more.
This recipe comes from the famous Colorado Cache Cookbook, which features some of the best recipes from the Rocky Mountains. The Chicken Cacciatore Recipe, in particular, has been a favorite since it was first published in 1978. Over the years, it has become a classic comfort food recipe that is loved by many.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. It combines tender chicken breasts with flavorsome bell peppers, onions, garlic cloves, and mushrooms. These ingredients are then simmered slowly in white wine and Italian plum tomatoes until they form a delicious sauce with just the right amount of acidity.
So, whether you are an experienced home chef or just starting out in the kitchen, put on your aprons and grab your utensils because this recipe is not one to be missed. Trust me; your taste buds will thank you for it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you tired of the same old boring chicken recipe? Look no further than the Colorado Cache Chicken Cacciatore Recipe. This savory and hearty dish is bound to impress your taste buds, leaving you feeling satisfied and fulfilled.
One of the most appealing aspects of this recipe is its versatility. Whether you’re in the mood for a comforting dinner at home or looking to impress guests at a potluck, this dish can be easily customized to suit your needs. Add in sliced ripe olives for an extra burst of flavor, or substitute white wine for a tangier taste. With so many possibilities, you can put your own unique spin on this classic recipe.
But what really sets this chicken cacciatore apart is its use of herbs and seasoning. A blend of thyme, marjoram, oregano, pepper, and salt come together to create a robust and aromatic flavor profile that will blow your mind. Fresh parsley and parmesan cheese are the perfect finishing touches to round out this dish.
Not only is this recipe delicious, it’s also easy to make. With only a few simple steps, anyone can make this dish – even if they’re not an experienced cook. Impress your family and friends with a mouthwatering meal that looks and tastes like it was prepared at a five-star restaurant.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a new chicken recipe to add to your repertoire, look no further than the Colorado Cache Chicken Cacciatore Recipe. With its customizable options, flavorful herb blend, and ease of preparation, it’s sure to become one of your favorite go-to dishes.
Ingredient List
Let’s dive into the Ingredients List for making Colorado Cache Chicken Cacciatore! Below is everything you will need to make this savory and delicious dish. Don’t worry, you won’t need to venture out to your local grocery store to find exotic ingredients – everything should be available at your regular supermarket!
Here is what you’ll need:
- 1 whole chicken, cut up (or use 6 small chicken breasts)
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon + additional for seasoning)
- Pepper (1/4 teaspoon + additional for seasoning)
- 1/2 cup of flour
- 4 cups of olive oil
- 1/4 cup of butter
- 2 medium onions, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can Italian plum tomatoes (16 oz.)
- 2 chicken bouillon cubes dissolved in 2 cups boiling water
- 1/2 teaspoon of thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon of marjoram
- 1/2 teaspoon of oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 6 small mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 cup of white wine
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Make sure you have all these ingredients ready before moving on to the next section.
The Recipe How-To
Get ready to create a delicious masterpiece with this Colorado Cache Chicken Cacciatore Recipe. This simple and hearty recipe is perfect for sharing with family and friends. Let’s get started!
Ingredients:
- 4 small chicken breasts (boneless and skinless)
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup butter
- 2 cups sliced onions
- 1 green pepper, sliced
- 6 small mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 14 oz. can Italian plum tomatoes, cut up or mashed
- 2 tbsp. parsley, chopped
- 1/2 tsp. thyme
- 1/2 tsp. marjoram
- 1/2 tsp. oregano
- Salt & Pepper to taste
Step-by-step instructions:
- Cut chicken breasts into serving size pieces.
- Mix flour and salt in a bag.
- Add chicken pieces and shake until coated.
- Melt butter in a pan.
- Brown chicken on both sides in the butter, about 8 minutes per side.
- Place chicken in crock pot.
- Add onions, green pepper and mushrooms to the pan where the chicken was browned; cook for several minutes until vegetables are softened but not browned.
- Add garlic to the pan and cook for an additional minute.
- Add tomatoes, parsley, thyme, marjoram, oregano, salt and pepper; mix well and bring to a boil.
- Pour sauce over chicken in crock pot.
- Cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours.
Now you have successfully cooked an outstanding Chicken Cacciatore dish that is perfect!
Substitutions and Variations
Are you looking to add a unique twist to this classic chicken cacciatore recipe? There are numerous substitutions and variations you can make to create a dish that reflects your personal palate.
Firstly, while this recipe calls for chicken breasts, you can use other cuts of chicken such as thighs or even a whole chicken if you prefer. Bone-in cuts will give a richer flavor while boneless cuts will make the dish lighter.
If you are vegetarian, you can substitute the chicken with portobello mushrooms or eggplant. These hearty vegetables have an umami-rich flavor that can easily absorb the vibrant flavors of the tomato-based sauce.
For those who enjoy a more spicy taste, try adding red pepper flakes or chopped chili peppers to the sauce for a subtle kick. You could also switch up the herbs by using rosemary, bay leaves, or cilantro instead of thyme, oregano, and marjoram.
If you want a creamier sauce, consider stirring in some heavy cream or sour cream towards the end of cooking. Alternatively, sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on top before serving.
For a healthier option and a vegan twist on this classic, replace butter with margarine and swap out white wine with vegetable broth.
Whether it’s swapping ingredients, adding spices, or changing cooking techniques, there are endless possibilities for variations and substitutions to customize your own delicious chicken cacciatore recipe. Get creative and have fun experimenting!
Serving and Pairing
Serve your Colorado Cache Chicken Cacciatore piping hot, right out of the pot. Sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley on top for an added burst of flavor and color.
This hearty, rustic dish pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side of buttered pasta. The savory tomato sauce will balance out the rich noodles, while the chicken provides a tender, juicy protein element.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try pairing this dish with a glass of dry red wine such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel to complement the bold flavors in the cacciatore. For a lighter option, pair with a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
This dish is perfect for sharing family-style at a dinner party or an easy weeknight meal. Whether you’re sitting down with loved ones or celebrating with friends, this Colorado Cache Chicken Cacciatore recipe is sure to satisfy and impress even the pickiest eaters.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
While chicken cacciatore tastes great as soon as it’s ready, it’s also an excellent choice for make-ahead meals or leftover lunches. You can make this recipe a day or two ahead of time and store it covered in the refrigerator. This dish even tastes better the next day as the flavors have a chance to meld and deepen.
Before serving, reheat it over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If you find that your sauce has become too thick upon reheating, you can thin it with a little bit of chicken broth or water.
If you want to freeze leftovers or make a big batch for meal prep, you’re in luck! Colorado Cache Chicken Cacciatore freezes exceptionally well. Just let your chicken cacciatore cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Be sure to leave some room at the top of the container as liquids expand as they freeze. Store in the freezer for up to three months.
When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop or microwave. You may need to add a splash of broth or water to thin it out again after thawing.
No matter how you choose to prepare this dish – fresh on the spot, reheated from storage, or frozen and defrosted later – your taste buds are in for a treat. Don’t hesitate to whip up this saucy and savory chicken cacciatore for any occasion!
Tips for Perfect Results
When it comes to preparing chicken cacciatore, attention to detail is key. Here are a few tips to help you achieve perfect results every time you make this Colorado Cache Chicken Cacciatore Recipe.
Firstly, make sure you use good quality ingredients. This recipe calls for Italian plum tomatoes, garlic cloves, green pepper, onions, olive oil, butter, salt, flour, and chicken breasts. If possible, try to source high-quality ingredients.
Secondly, make sure your chicken breasts are evenly sized so that they cook uniformly. If the pieces are too thick or thin, they will not cook evenly.
To ensure a crispy and golden brown finish on the chicken breasts, dredge them in flour before browning them in olive oil and butter. This step also helps thicken the sauce and adds extra flavor to the dish.
It’s crucial to give the sauce enough time to simmer and thicken properly. The longer you allow it to cook, the more flavorful and rich it will become.
To balance the acidity of the canned tomatoes and add an extra layer of flavor to the dish, consider adding a splash of white wine when sautéing the vegetables. This step is optional but highly recommended.
Garnishing your Chicken Cacciatore with fresh parsley or grated parmesan cheese adds extra color and flavor. For a salty bite and texture boost add sliced ripe olives in there as well.
Finally, if you’re short on time but still craving this delicious dish,. Consider using a slow cooker or crockpot instead of cooking it in a traditional pot or oven method. The result will be equally satisfying with slow-cooked tenderness swimming in tomato sauce goodness.
By following these easy tips,, you’ll be able to transform basic ingredients into a classic Italian meal that satisfies even the pickiest guests – whether you’re entertaining at home or enjoying dinner with family.
FAQ
Moving on to our FAQ section. Here are some questions you might have before making this savory Colorado Cache Chicken Cacciatore Recipe perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. From what ingredient substitutions you can make to the type of pot to use, we’ll answer any inquiries you might have about this delicious recipe. So sit back, and let’s dig in!
What is cacciatore sauce made of?
The origins of the word cacciatore can be traced back to Italy, where it means “hunter.” Traditional dishes prepared in the “hunter-style,” or alla cacciatora, are braised in a flavorful sauce consisting of onions, tomatoes, bell peppers, and fragrant herbs. This cooking technique gained popularity during the Renaissance era.
What is traditionally served with chicken cacciatore?
When it comes to hosting parties and serving classic Italian dishes, one side that never fails to impress and satisfy guests is the risotto milanese. It is a classic accompaniment to cacciatore and is loved by everyone. You can choose between using white or brown rice to make the dish, and pair it with crispy roasted or buttered boiled potatoes. For those who prefer pasta, plain noodles such as tagliatelle egg noodles work great. Make sure to keep this crowd-pleasing side dish in mind for your next gathering.
What can I use instead of red wine in chicken cacciatore?
When preparing this recipe, if you prefer not to use wine, you can replace it with unsweetened grape or apple juice, or chicken broth. This substitution will not provide the same taste as wine, but it will help add flavor and will aid in deglazing the pan. In case you choose to use bigger chicken thighs, it is advised to increase the cooking time by an extra 10 minutes. This way, the chicken will cook uniformly and get ready as desired.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Colorado Cache Chicken Cacciatore Recipe is a fantastic dish that any home chef should be proud to serve to their family and guests. With its rich flavors and easy instructions, this recipe is sure to please everyone at the dinner table.
Whether you are looking to switch up your usual chicken recipes or impress your friends and family with a new dish, this chicken cacciatore recipe is perfect for you. With its flavorful ingredients like Italian plum tomatoes, sliced ripe olives, and fresh parsley, it’s no wonder that this recipe is included in so many cookbooks.
So go ahead and give this recipe a try! It’s simple to make, great for feeding a crowd, and versatile enough to fit any occasion. Whether you’re serving it with pasta, rice or bread, you’ll find that you can’t go wrong with the Colorado Cache Chicken Cacciatore Recipe.
Thank you for reading my article on this delicious dish. I hope that I have inspired you to try something new in the kitchen and that this recipe becomes one of your favorites. Remember to have fun cooking and enjoy the delicious result!
Colorado Cache Chicken Cacciatore Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 small chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 medium onions, sliced
- 1 green pepper, sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can Italian plum tomatoes, drained and chopped (reserve juice)
- 2 chicken bouillon cubes
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon marjoram
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1/2 cup sliced ripe olives
- parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Dredge chicken breasts in salt and flour.
- Brown chicken in mixture of oil and butter. Remove to a casserole.
- Saute onion, garlic, green pepper and mushrooms.
- Stir in tomatoes, buillon cubes, parsley, seasonins, white wine and 1/2 cup reserved juice.
- Cook a few minutes to blend. Add to chicken in casserole.
- Cook and bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until chicken is almost tender.
- Uncover, add olives and bake 15 to 20 minutes longer.
- Remove chicken and vegetables to a warm platter.
- Rapidly boil liquid until slightly reduced and thickenn. Pour over chicken.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and serve with noodles.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
Recommended Recipes Just For You
Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!