One-Pan Chicken Cacciatore

One-Pan Chicken Cacciatore

Chicken Cacciatore: Make this easy one-pan Italian comfort dish with tender chicken thighs braised in a rich tomato sauce with mushrooms and peppers. Ready in under an hour.

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Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Cuisine: American

Calories: 550

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 6 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
• 1/2 onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 oz baby bella mushrooms, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1/2 cup red wine

Method

 

1. Toss chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and flour until fully coated.
2. Heat 2 Tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken thighs and cook until browned on both sides. Transfer to a plate.
3. Add remaining 1 Tbsp olive oil to the skillet. Add chopped onion and a sprinkle of salt. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
4. Add minced garlic, sliced mushrooms, and sliced red bell pepper to the skillet. Sprinkle with more salt and cook for 3-4 minutes until mushrooms are tender.
5. Pour in the red wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
6. Return the browned chicken thighs to the skillet. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat, cover, and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and tender.

Notes

– For an even richer sauce, add a 14.5 oz can of diced tomatoes with the red wine.
– Ensure the chicken is well-browned for the best flavor base.
– If you don’t have red wine, use chicken broth or water, but the flavor won’t be as deep.
– Serve hot with crusty bread for dipping into the delicious sauce.

Nutrition information is an estimate, calculated automatically. Values vary with brands, substitutions and portion sizes.

The technique that makes it

One-Pan Chicken Cacciatore relies heavily on the Maillard reaction, which is essential for developing rich flavors. When searing the chicken thighs in olive oil, it’s crucial to ensure the pan is hot enough to achieve a golden-brown crust without burning. This not only enhances the flavor but also creates fond, the caramelized bits that develop at the bottom of the pan, which are key to the sauce’s depth. Additionally, the use of red wine helps deglaze the pan, lifting these flavorful bits and incorporating them into the sauce, enriching the overall dish.

Troubleshooting

• Chicken is not browning: Ensure the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken. If the pan is overcrowded, the temperature will drop, preventing proper searing.
• Dish is too salty: If the chicken is brined or seasoned heavily, reduce the added salt in the recipe. You can also balance by adding a bit of sugar or honey to the sauce.
• Sauce is too thin: If the sauce lacks body, allow it to simmer longer to reduce and thicken. You can also add a cornstarch slurry to achieve the desired consistency.
• Vegetables are mushy: To retain texture, add the vegetables in stages. For instance, add mushrooms and bell peppers later in the cooking process to prevent overcooking.

Substitutions

• Bone-in skin-on chicken thighs: You can substitute with boneless thighs or chicken breasts; however, the dish may lack the same depth of flavor and moisture.
• Red wine: If you prefer not to use wine, substitute with chicken broth and a splash of vinegar for acidity, though the flavor profile will differ slightly.
• Baby bella mushrooms: Cremini or button mushrooms can be used instead, maintaining a similar texture but with a more delicate flavor.
• Olive oil: Can be replaced with vegetable oil or canola oil, but olive oil adds a unique flavor that enhances the dish.

Pro tips

• For an even richer sauce, add a 14.5 oz can of diced tomatoes with the red wine.
• Ensure the chicken is well-browned for the best flavor base.
• If you don’t have red wine, use chicken broth or water, but the flavor won’t be as deep.
• Serve hot with crusty bread for dipping into the delicious sauce.

Enjoy this classic Chicken Cacciatore, a taste of rustic Italian cooking made simple for your table.

Frequently asked questions

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