Heart-Healthy Mediterranean Chicken Cacciatore
This Heart-Healthy Mediterranean Chicken Cacciatore is a delightful twist on a classic dish, lovingly adapted by my mom to support my dad's heart health after his recovery from a heart attack. She masterfully transformed our family recipes, making them not only nutritious but also full of flavor. This cacciatore brings together tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and savory herbs in a rich, tomato-based sauce. Best of all, it’s incredibly simple to prepare and allows you to indulge in a comforting meal without sacrificing your health. Serve it over whole grain spaghetti for an extra boost of nutrition, and watch your guests marvel at how delicious healthy eating can be! Enjoy this hearty meal, knowing it has a special story behind it.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless skinless chicken breasts
6 (Cut into bite-sized pieces after cooking)
plum tomatoes
1 (28 ounce) can (Crushed, with juices included)
light extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon (For sautéing vegetables)
onion
1 (Chopped)
carrots
5 (Peeled and sliced thin)
celery ribs
4 (Sliced thin)
red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons (For acidity and flavor)
pepper
1/4 teaspoon (To taste)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (To taste)
sage
3/4 teaspoon (Dried)
sugar
1/4 teaspoon (To balance acidity)
whole grain spaghetti
1 lb (Cooked according to package instructions)
Instructions
1
In a large stockpot, combine the plum tomatoes (with their juice), chopped onion, sliced carrots, sliced celery, red wine vinegar, pepper, salt, sage, and sugar.
2
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
3
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
4
After 25 minutes, carefully add the boneless skinless chicken breasts to the pot, making sure they are submerged in the sauce.
5
Cover and continue to simmer for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
6
While the chicken is cooking, prepare the spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
7
Once the chicken is ready, remove it from the pot and slice it into bite-sized pieces. Return the chicken to the pot and stir well to combine.
8
Serve the chicken cacciatore over a bed of cooked spaghetti, garnished with optional grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is called Heart-Healthy Mediterranean Chicken Cacciatore.
Is this recipe suitable for heart health?
Yes, it was specifically adapted to support heart health following a recovery from a heart attack.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What type of chicken is used?
The recipe calls for 6 boneless skinless chicken breasts.
What kind of tomatoes are needed?
You will need one 28-ounce can of plum tomatoes, crushed with their juices included.
What vegetables are included in the sauce?
The sauce includes one onion, five carrots, and four celery ribs.
What type of oil is recommended?
One tablespoon of light extra virgin olive oil is used for sautéing.
What gives the sauce its acidity and flavor?
Two tablespoons of red wine vinegar are used for acidity and flavor.
Which herb is used for seasoning?
The recipe uses 3/4 teaspoon of dried sage.
Why is sugar added to the recipe?
A 1/4 teaspoon of sugar is added to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
What should the chicken cacciatore be served over?
It is recommended to serve the dish over a bed of cooked whole grain spaghetti.
How long should the sauce simmer before adding the chicken?
The sauce should simmer covered for 25 minutes after reaching a boil.
How long does the chicken need to cook in the sauce?
The chicken should simmer in the sauce for an additional 20 to 25 minutes.
What internal temperature should the chicken reach?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
How is the chicken prepared for serving?
Once cooked, the chicken is removed from the pot, sliced into bite-sized pieces, and then returned to the sauce.
Can I add cheese to this dish?
Yes, you can garnish the dish with optional grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
How should the carrots be prepared?
The carrots should be peeled and sliced thin.
How many celery ribs are required?
The recipe requires 4 celery ribs, sliced thin.
When should I prepare the spaghetti?
You should prepare the spaghetti according to package instructions while the chicken is simmering in the sauce.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is described as incredibly simple to prepare and is tagged as an easy dinner.
Is this a low-fat recipe?
Yes, the recipe is tagged as low-fat.
What is the first step in making the sauce?
In a large stockpot, combine the tomatoes, onion, carrots, celery, vinegar, pepper, salt, sage, and sugar.
What heat setting is used to bring the mixture to a boil?
The mixture should be brought to a boil over medium-high heat.
Do you keep the pot covered while simmering?
Yes, the pot should be covered while simmering both the sauce alone and the sauce with the chicken.
What kind of pasta is used for the base?
1 lb of whole grain spaghetti is used.
Is the onion chopped or sliced?
The onion should be chopped.
How much salt and pepper is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper, or to taste.
Is this a Mediterranean style dish?
Yes, it is a Mediterranean-inspired chicken cacciatore.
What is the total number of ingredients?
The recipe has an ingredient count of 12.
What makes this a 'comfort food'?
It brings together tender chicken and savory herbs in a rich sauce over pasta, making it a hearty and comforting meal.