Chicken cacciatore

Chicken cacciatore is a comforting Italian dish featuring tender chicken pieces cooked in a savory sauce of white wine, pasta sauce, and gravy, enhanced with olives and green beans. It's perfect for hearty meals, simmering until the chicken is tender and flavors meld beautifully.

17 Nov 2025
Cook time 70 min
Prep time 15 min

Ingredients:

1 tbsp olive oil
3 lb whole chicken
1/2 cup white wine
2 cups pasta sauce
1 cup chicken gravy
1/2 cup olives
1 cup green beans

Chicken Cacciatore, also known as Hunter's Chicken, is an Italian classic that combines tender pieces of chicken with a rich and savory sauce. This dish is perfect for a comforting and hearty meal that can be enjoyed any time of the year. With ingredients like olives and green beans adding unique flavors, this recipe is both nutritious and delicious.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:
- Rinse the chicken and pat it dry with paper towels. Cut the whole chicken into pieces: drumsticks, thighs, wings, and breasts.

2. Sear the Chicken:
- Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces skin-side down. Cook until the skin is golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes per side. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Remove the browned chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

3. Deglaze the Pan:
- Keeping the skillet on medium-high heat, carefully pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan.
- Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet. Let the wine simmer for about 2-3 minutes until it's reduced by half.

4. Add the Sauce:
- Stir in the pasta sauce and chicken gravy into the skillet with the reduced wine. Mix well to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer.

5. Combine Ingredients:
- Return the seared chicken pieces to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce.
- Add the olives and green beans to the skillet, distributing them evenly around the chicken pieces.

6. Simmer to Perfection:
- Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Let the chicken simmer gently for about 45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and to prevent sticking.

7. Check for Doneness:
- Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The chicken should be tender and the juices should run clear when pierced with a fork.

8. Serve:
- Once the chicken cacciatore is fully cooked, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve the chicken pieces with the sauce, olives, and green beans over pasta, rice, or alongside crusty bread for a complete meal.

Chicken Cacciatore is a versatile and satisfying meal that brings warmth and flavor to your table. With a few simple ingredients and some easy preparation, you can create a dish that is sure to impress. Whether you serve it over pasta, rice, or with a side of crusty bread, this Chicken Cacciatore will become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.

Chicken cacciatore FAQ:

What is the appropriate cooking time for Chicken Cacciatore?

Chicken Cacciatore should be simmered gently for about 45 minutes after adding the chicken back into the sauce. This allows the chicken to become tender and fully cooked.

How can I tell if the chicken is done cooking?

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can check this using a meat thermometer. The juices should also run clear when pierced.

Can I use different types of chicken cuts for this recipe?

Yes, you can use various cuts of chicken such as thighs, drumsticks, or breasts. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time if using boneless or smaller cuts, as they may cook more quickly.

How should I store leftovers of Chicken Cacciatore?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage, typically up to 3 months.

What substitutes can I use for olives in Chicken Cacciatore?

If you prefer not to use olives, you can substitute them with capers for a similar briny flavor or simply omit them for a milder taste.

Cooking Tips:

- Make sure to use a high-quality pasta sauce to enhance the overall flavor of the dish.

- You can substitute the white wine with chicken broth if you prefer an alcohol-free version.

- For a more complex flavor, marinate the chicken with some herbs and spices for a few hours before cooking.

- Use a heavy-bottomed pan or Dutch oven to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.

- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or carrots to increase the nutritional value and add different textures.

Nutrition Facts

4 Servings
Calories 1180kcal
Protein 90g
Carbohydrates 18g
Fiber 4.13g
Sugar 9g
Fat 80g

Chicken cacciatore