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QUICK AND EASY CHICKEN CACCIATORE RECIPE

Giovanni's Story

Once upon a time, in the heart of the Italian countryside, there lived a skilled hunter named Giovanni. He spent his days wandering the lush forests and rolling hills, searching for game to bring back to his village. But there was one dish that he was particularly fond of preparing: Cacciatore.

Cacciatore, which means “hunter” in Italian, is a hearty stew made with tomatoes, onions, and herbs, and typically includes wild game such as rabbit or pheasant. Giovanni would often catch a rabbit or bird in the morning and have it cooked up for dinner that night, the rich, savory aroma wafting through the streets of his village.

But one day, while out hunting, Giovanni was caught in a terrible storm. Lost and alone, he stumbled upon an old, abandoned cabin deep in the woods. Seeking shelter from the rain, he made his way inside and was surprised to find a fully-stocked kitchen.

With nothing else to do, Giovanni decided to make himself a pot of Cacciatore. He gathered wild mushrooms and herbs from outside and used the canned tomatoes and onions he found in the pantry. As he cooked, he couldn’t help but think about how different this dish was from the ones he usually made back in his village. But when he finally sat down to eat, he was amazed by the depth of flavor and richness of the stew.

From then on, whenever he went hunting in the woods, Giovanni would make sure to stop by the old cabin and make a pot of Cacciatore. He even started to invite his fellow villagers to join him on his hunts, and they would all gather around the table to enjoy the delicious meal together.

Years passed, and Giovanni became known as the “Cacciatore Hunter” in his village, and the dish become the most famous in the region. His recipe was passed down through generations and it was always a reminder of the stormy day when a lost hunter found his way home through Cacciatore.

Lets Cook min

Delicious and Hearty Chicken Cacciatore Recipe: A Traditional Italian Stew

Ingredients

  • 1 tbs olive oil
  • 4 chicken thigh cutlets, skin on and bone in
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, crushed
  • 2 tsp chopped rosemary leaves
  • 1 red capsicum, cut into strips
  • 1 cup (120g) pitted green olives, halved
  • 1 cup (250ml) red wine
  • 400g can of chopped tomatoes
  • 1 tbsp chopped flat-leaf parsley leaves
  • 1 cup (170g) instant polenta, cooked to packet instructions (optional)
Quick and easy chicken cacciatore recipe comfort food travel and home min

How to make Cacciatore

  • Heat oil in a large, deep frypan over medium heat. Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel, then season and place, skin-side down, in the pan.
  • Cook for 4 minutes or until skin is golden, then turn and cook for a further 1 minute or until browned. Transfer to a plate.
  • Return the pan to medium heat with the onion and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes or until softened.
  • Add the garlic and rosemary, then cook for a further 1 minute or until fragrant.
  • the capsicum, olives, and red wine, then cook for 3-4 minutes until the liquid is reduced by half.
  • Add tomato, then return the chicken, skin-side up, to the pan.
  • Bring to a simmer and cook until the chicken is cooked through usually around twelve minutes.
  • Garnish with parsley and serve with polenta.

Over time, the recipe has evolved to use a variety of meats, including pork and veal. Cacciatore goes well with pasta, polenta, or risotto. 

Tried and Trusted Travel Essentials!

Where to eat the best cacciatore

The best place to eat chicken cacciatore would depend on personal preference and location. However, some popular options include:

  • Trattoria Toscana in New York City, serves a traditional version of the dish made with bone-in chicken, tomatoes, peppers, and onions.
  • Osteria Mozza in Los Angeles, offers a unique twist on the dish by using crispy chicken livers in addition to the traditional ingredients.
  • La Piazzetta in Miami serves a hearty chicken cacciatore made with a red wine sauce.
  • La Cacciatora in Italy, particularly in Tuscany, where you can find the best and more authentic version of the dish.

Keep in mind that these are just a few examples, and there are many other restaurants that serve delicious chicken cacciatore. It may be helpful to check online reviews, ask locals for recommendations, or try a few different places to find the best version for you.

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